STATUS OF WOMAN IN ISLAM

STATUS OF WOMAN IN ISLAM

Points: Introduction – Different personalities of a woman – The mutual relation of husband and wife – A natural division of work – Status of woman – Conclusion.

Islam recognizes the position of woman to be the same as that of man. It claims that both come from the same essence.

In a woman, we find three different personalities a mother, a wife and a daughter. The position of the mother is very much exalted in Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has gone so far as to say, "Paradise lies underneath the feet of your mothers." As regards the position of woman as wife, the saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is categorical, "The best among you is the one who is best towards his family." With regards to woman as a daughter, the Islamic attitude can be realized from the reproaches which the Holy Quran makes against the pagan pre-Islamic behavior at the birth of daughters.4essay.blogspot.com

The mutual relation of husband and wife is described in the Holy Quran as that of a single soul in two bodies. Islam describes the house as a unit in the greater organization of a nation as a whole. It speaks of husband as being "an administrator and supervisor over the people of the house" and the wife is described as "administrator and over the house of her husband and his children." The home is thus described as a kingdom, where authority is exercised by both the husband and the wife.

Islam envisages a natural division of work between men and women. While man is best suited to fight and make his way through the thick and thin of life on account of his stronger physique and other attributes, woman is entrusted with the onerous task of bringing up the younger generations because of the preponderance of the quality of love and compassion in her. This functional division of work does not mean that woman has entirely been excluded from other kinds of activities.4essay.blogspot.com

Islam has clearly defined and determined the status of woman in society. According to the teachings of Islam men and women enjoy equal rights in our society but their social responsibilities and duties are different. Woman is the queen of her house. Her main and sacred duties are to look after the domestic affairs, to bring up children with care, to educate the children and to act according to the wishes of her husband. However, Islam does not prevent the woman from serving in various social institutions. They may work as teachers, doctors, nurses etc. They may also take part in politics.

Thus we see that Islam has laid greater stress on the domestic duties of a woman. Our salvation lies in following the teachings of Islam. Therefore, we must abstain from copying the western culture blindly.