Introduction Women worldwide demand equal rights.

There is not a system of law that preserves, maintains and protects what are truly women's rights, as much as Islamic law does, whether in the past or in modern times.(1) Equality of Men and Woman in Islam, and their complementary nature to one another. The issue of gender equity is important, relevant, and current. The Islamic perspective on the issue is the least understood and most misrepresented by non-Muslims and some Muslims as well. Various calls for women's freedom, liberation and equal rights have been heard all over the world, and many slogans have been coined for the marches. In some societies women have indeed lived under oppression, cruelty and injustice, and have been denied basic rights of humanity. Nor is it denied that some Muslims have deviated from the Islamic principles and teachings. Islamic law, on the other hand, has collected women's rights in a comprehensive and balanced system of human rights and obligations. Close examination of the slogans propagated by the international women's liberation movements show that they revolve around three elements: women's liberation, equal rights with men and women's rights. We will examine them in the light of Islamic law and teachings, regardless of the practices of some of the ignorant and deviant Muslims. Firstly, the word "liberation" indicates that there are shackles, bonds and restrictions in place, and secondly, that women are enslaved and must be liberated. This is ambiguous and misleading since absolute liberty is impossible, regardless of whether they are men or women. Mankind is naturally restricted by the limitations of innate limited abilities, and necessities of social organization. Both men and women must live in a social environment under certain laws, rules and regulations that govern and organize the various affairs of life. Does that mean that man is not free and independent in his actions, or that he is clear from the responsibility of his deeds? Can anyone be free of natural limits and legal restrictions? If they are slaves, then the question becomes, to whom? Any so called freedom and liberty has natural and legal limits, which, if exceeded, will lead to destructive activities that all recognize as indecent, uncivilized and criminal. Islamic law decreed that both men and women seek freedom and liberation from idolatry, tyranny, exploitation and injustice. The divinely revealed principles and laws teach and advocate strict monotheism, justice and noble morality. Within this framework men and women have inter-dependent and complementary roles. Islamic law granted women the right to deal in many affairs within the society directly, rather than dealing via a guardian. Women in Islam are officially responsible and in charge of running all their affairs whether economical, social or otherwise, as in many societies. For her protection and maintenance, her father, brother, uncle and husband - the stronger sex - are obligated and legally bound to guard her honor and maintain her sustenance and proper living circumstances according to their abilities, throughout the stages of her life. Is this demeaning her position, or elevating it? Islam has forbidden men and women equally from being indecent publicly, and this translates differently for the two sexes for natural reasons. All must protect virtue in private, and guard themselves in public. Islamic law protects women from intimidation and molestation, and this demands that no one of either gender commit acts that are sexually provocative or enticing to the other. For this reason Islamic law

requires modest clothing for her protection when going out of the home, and prohibits open ended free intermingling, and any type of physical touching of the other sex. Islam illustrates the concept of freedom and liberty in such a way that individual behavior must not be harmful to the individual or destructive to the society at large, as graphically illustrated in the words of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) when he said in an authentic tradition: "The example of a person who observes the laws of Allah and the person who violates them are examples of two groups of people who gathered on a ship and decided to divide their places. One group received the upper deck as their lot, while the other group received the lower part of the ship. Whenever the people in the lower part needed water they had to pass through the people on the upper deck. The people in the lower part thought to themselves:'If we drill a hole in our portion of the ship, we can have access to the water without disturbing the party on the upper deck.' If the group on the upper deck allows them execute their plan, all the people will be destroyed, and if they forbid them from doing so, they all will be safe" [Bukhari #2361 & others] As a matter of fact, males in general continue to be protectedby monogamy, especially in a society that does not punish extramarital practices, while prostitutes, call girls, mistresses, secretaries, models, actresses, store clerks, waitresses and girl friends remain their playground. In reality, polygyny is vehemently opposed by the male-dominated western society because it would force men to adopt fidelity. Regardless of my opinion towards the issue of polygamy, Dr. Le Bon advocates : "A return to polygamy, that natural relationship between sexes, would remedy many evils; prostitution, venereal diseases, Aids, abortions, the miseryoftheillegitimate children,the misfortuneofthemillions of unmarried women and widows , resulting from the disproportion between the sexes and wars, even adultery and jealousy.(2) A well-known German thinker and philosopher, Schopenhauer said: "Grant woman total and absolute freedom and liberty for ONE YEAR ONLY, and check with me after that to see the results of such freedom. Do not forget that you (all), along with me, will inherit virtues, chastity and good morals. If I die (before then) you are free to say either: "He was wrong!"or "He hit the heart of the truth!" Anotherobviouswestern prejudice isto judge the position of women in Islam by extreme cases. The rights of Muslim women to property and inheritance, to some protection if divorced, and to the conducting of business were rights prescribedbytheQur'an 1400 years ago.In Britain,atleastsomeof thesewere novel toevenmy grandmother's qeneration.(3) An American female reporter, Helesian Stansbery, who is syndicated in over 250 newspapers, worked in the area of journalism and broadcasting for over 20 years, and visited numerous Muslim countries had this to say at the end of one of her visits to a Muslim country: "The Arab-Islamic society is wholesome and healthy. This society must continue to protect its traditions that restrict both its males and females to a certain and reasonable degree. This society definitely differs from the European and American societies. The Arab-Islamic society has its own traditions that impose certain restrictions and limitations on women and give special respect and status to parents.First and foremost, the most strict restrictions and limitations are on absolute sexual freedom that truly threatens

both the society and the family in Europe and the United States of America. Therefore, the restrictions that are imposed by the Arab-Islamic society are valid and beneficial as well. I strongly recommend that you adhere to your traditions and code of ethics. Forbid coeducation. Restrict female freedom, or rather, return back to the full 'purdah' (veiling) practices. Truly this is better for you than the sexual freedom of Europe and the United States of America. Forbid coeducation because we have suffered from it in the USA. The American society has become sophisticated, full of all forms and terms of sexual freedom. The victims of sexual freedom and coeducation are filling the prisons, sidewalks, bars, taverns and whorehouses. The (false) freedom that we have granted to our young females and daughters has turned them to drugs, crime and white slavery. Coeducation, sexual freedom and all other types of "freedom" in the European and American societies have threatened the family and shaken moral values and ethics."(4) The Indian politician and reporter, Kofhi Laljapa, concluded : No other religion but Islam has the ability to solve the Women's Rights. Islam is indeed unique for that. The question that poses itself to women's liberation advocates is: What is the truly the best, most beneficial and most protective system for the preservation of the honor, dignity and protection of women? The most important thing is that In one sense, equality between men and women is possible and reasonable because they are both human, with similar souls, brains, hearts, lungs, limbs, etc. In another sense, equality between men and women is impossible and an absurdity due to their natural differences in physical, mental, emotional and psychological qualities, inclinations and abilities. Between these two we must tread to illuminate how they are equal, and how they are complimentary.(5) If total equality between all members of the same gender is impossible due to natural differences in strengths and other qualities, regardless of whether the gender is masculine or feminine, then it is definitely impossible between the two genders. Allah, the Exalted and Almighty, says in the Glorious Qur'an: (And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember (the Grace of Allah).)[51:49] Even atoms exhibit this dual quality with inter-related and complementary roles played by the positive and negative particles and ions, yet each is an integral part of the whole system of the so called binary basis of all life. Most living beings have male and female sexes for reproduction. As the science of biology teaches us, all mammals have similar traits in their molecular and glandular structures that determine differences in gender. These basic physical, psychological and sexual traits have their definite effects on other spheres of life. It is natural for a man to need and find fulfillment with a woman and for a woman with a man, since they are created one from the other and for one another. They both are inseparably bound to each other. Neither can they find fulfillment except when in the company of the other as legal and honorable mate and spouse, as Allah (The Almighty) says in His Majestic Book, the Qur'an, mentioned in the two verses cited in the preface:

(O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is the believer who has Taqwa (piety and righteousness). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.)[49:13] In many instances Islam treats women as equals to men. Some of them are given below. In the coming sections we will expand on these themes in various contexts throughout the book. 1) Equality in Basic Humanity Both the male and the female are equal in terms of their humanity. Islam does not categorize women, for instance, as the source of evil in the world for some & original sin that caused Adam (Peace be Upon Him) to be dismissed from Paradise, or to be the cause of evil in the world by setting loose a Pandora's box of vices, as some other religious doctrines and fables teach. Allah, the Exalted and Almighty, states in the Glorious Qur'an: (O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women...)[4:1] Allah also states in the Glorious Qur'an: (Does man think that he will be left neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him? Was he not a mixed male and female discharge of semen pouring forth? Then he became a clot; then (Allah) shaped and fashioned (him) in due proportion, and made him into two sexes, male and female. Is He not able to raise to life those who are dead?)[75:36-40] Allah illustrated in the verses that He created both sexes from one single source. There is no difference between the two sexes in terms of qualifications in humanity, and each complements the other as the two genders of the species. Islam has abolished and abrogated all the previous unjust laws that demoted women as inferior in quality and nature. The Prophet of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said: Verily, women are the twin halves of men. [Abu Dawood #234 , Tirmidhi #113 & others] 2) Equality in Religious Obligations Equal religious duties and rituals are required from both women and men. Testimony of Faith (Shahaadah), Prayer (Salah), Obligatory Charity (Zakah), Fasting (Saum), and Pilgrimage (Hajj) are equally required of both genders. In some cases the requirements are a bit easier on women to alleviate their special cases of hardship. For instance, in consideration of her health and physical condition, menstruating women or a woman in the state of postnatal bleeding and recuperation are absolved from the duty of prayers and fasting. She is required to make up the days of fasting missed due to menses and postnatal bleeding, but not her prayers, as that would be too burdensome. 3) Equality in Rewards and Punishments Both males and females have similar rewards for obedience and penalties for disobedience in this world and the Hereafter. As stated by Allah in the Glorious Qur'an:

(Whoever does righteous acts, whether male or female, while he is a believer, verily, to him We will give a good life, and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.) [16:97] And the Lord Most Majestic says: (Surely for men who submit to Allah and for women who submit to Allah, for believing men and for believing women, for devout men and devout women, for truthful men and truthful women, for steadfast men and steadfast women, for humble men and humble women, for charitable men and charitable women, for fasting men and fasting women, for men who guard their chastity and women who guard their chastity, for men who remember Allah much and for women who remember Allah much, for all of them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a mighty reward.)[33:35] 4) Equality in Preservation of Honor and Nobility Women have the same moral obligations and are entitled to the same general rights as men in guarding chastity, integrity and personal honor and respect, etc. No double standards are allowed. For instance, those who falsely accuse a chaste woman of adultery or fornication are publicly punished, just as if a man is slandered. Allah, the Exalted, states in the Glorious Qur'an: (And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty lashes, and reject their testimony forever. Indeed, they are those who are disobedient to Allah.)[24:4] 5) Equality in Financial Dealings and Property Ownership Women are equally qualified and allowed to engage in financial dealings and property ownership. According to Islamic law women can own, buy, sell and undertake any financial transaction without the need for guardianship, and without any restrictions or limitations - a situation unheard of in many societies until modern times. 6) Best of you is the Best to his Womenfolk Islam indicates that a man who honors, respects and deals with women justly and integrally, possesses a healthy and righteous personality, whereas a man who mistreats them is an unrighteous and unrespectable man. The Prophet of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said: The most complete believer is the best in character, and the best of you is the best to his womenfolk. [Tirmidhi #1162 and verified] 7) Equality in Education and Cultivation Islam entitles women to the same rights as men in terms of education and cultivation. The Prophet of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said, as reported and authenticated by the scholars of prophetic traditions: Seeking knowledge is compulsory for each and every Muslim (i.e. both male and female). [Ibn Majah #224 al-Baihaqi and verified]

Muslim scholars collectively agreed that the word Muslim when used in revealed scriptures includes both male and female, as we indicated in parenthesis. Thus, Islam entitles women to the same right of education in order to understand the religious and social obligations, and obligated them both to raise their children in the best manner, in accordance with the right Islamic guidance. Of course women have certain obligations in bringing up their children that are commensurate to their abilities and men have complementary obligations to finance, protect and maintain according to their added responsibilities in the family unit. The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said: Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach puberty, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) then joined his fingers to illustrate this. [Muslim #2631] About female slave girls, the Prophet of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said: Whoever has a female child with him (under his guardianship from slavery), and trains her in the best behavior, and teaches her well, and then frees and marries her, will have a double reward. [Bukhari #97 & Muslim #154 ] 8) Equality in Social Responsiblities Men and women have similar obligations and responsibilities to reform and correct the society to the best of their capability. Men and women shoulder the responsibility of enjoining good and forbidding evil equally, as Allah, the Exalted, states in the Qur'an: (The believers, men and women, are helpers, supporters, friends and protectors of one another, they enjoin all that is good, and forbid all that is evil, they offer their prayers perfectly, and give Zakah (Obligatory Charity) and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will bestow Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.)[9:71] 9) Right to Receive Fair Share of Wealth Men and women have set and determined rights to receive their fair share of wealth, just as they are obliged to give Zakah (Obligatory Charity) according to the set calculation. All Muslim scholars unanimously agree upon this. A woman has her set share of inheritance, as will be discussed in more detail later, which was a right unthinkable in many societies. Allah (The Almighty) says: (There is a share for men from what is left by parents and those closely related, and there is a share for women from what is left by parents and those closely related, whether the wealth be small or large: a legal mandatory share.)[4:7] 10) A woman, just like a man, can give someone the right of seeking refuge and security among the Muslims

Allah, the Exalted, says: (And if one of the polytheists seeks refuge, give him until he hears the words of Allah, then take him to his place of security.) The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said: And the protection of Muslims is one, and the least among them can give protection; and whoever usurps the right of a Muslim then the curse of Allah and His angels and all the people is upon him, and no repentance or ransom will be accepted from him [Bukhari #3008] This is also proven by the famous story of Um Hani' (Mother of Hani') when she gave protection to a polytheist who sought refuge with her on the day of the conquest of Makkah after her relative threatened to kill that person (for some past enmity) so the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said, We protect and give asylum to whomever you give asylum O Um Hani'. [Bukhari #350] These are just some of the rights, mentioned here as examples in a summarized way to indicate the comprehensive nature of the Islamic jurisprudence.(a)

One of the severest criticisms against Islam is that it has treated women unjustly. It accords them half of the share in the inheritance of property as compared to men. It does not give them the right to divorce. It treats them inhumanly by allowing their husbands to keep four wives simultaneously while they are forced to content with one throughout their lives. It enjoins upon them to cover their bodies from top to toe, not only in front of the strangers but even before their first cousins and thus force them to confine themselves behind the four walls of their homes, thereby, making them a kind of virtual prisoner who should be always available to pander the carnal appetite of their husbands as they are not allowed to move out of their houses without the permission of their husbands. Not only this but they are also liable to be beaten up by their husbands in the event of conjugal infidelity. But before criticizing Islam, one should also consider the pathetic tale of woes with which the woman was passing in non-Islamic societies prior to the advent of Islam. Female offsprings were regarded as blots to the parents and they were buried alive immediately after their births. Women were not treated as human beings but were considered as chattels to gratify the needs of their owners. They were openly traded in marketplaces like goods. Widows were abhorred, their heads were tonsured and they were forced to sit on the pyre of their husbands to be burnt alive. At the backdrop of this scenario, Islam came to rescue them, and gave them those honourable rights fourteen hundred years ago, which were unbelievable even in the beginning of Twentieth Century even in most modern societies. But this is not the answer to the criticisms levelled against Islam with respect to women. It is true that Islam has put forth certain restrictions on women but at the same time it has given her enough freedom, which is more than sufficient to bring out her overall development in a civilized society.

With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The woman's dignity and humanity were restored. Islam confirmed her capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and observation of the commands that lead to heaven. Islam considered the woman as a worthy human being, with a share in humanity equal to that of the man. Both are two branches of a single tree and two children from the same father, Adam, and mother, Eve. Their single origin, their general human traits, their responsibility for the observation of religious duties with the consequent reward or punishment, and the unity of their destiny all bear witness to their equality from the Islamic point of view.

Establishing this fact, the Noble Qur'an says: " O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. " [ Surah 4:1] That people all people men and women, were created by their Lord from a single person or self, that this self is a nucleus from which Allah created an integral counterpart that completes this original self and is completed by it, is stated in another verse: " It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He has created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her." [ Surah 7:189] Eventually Allah, out of this nuclear pair, scattered the multitudes of men and women, all worshippers of a single God and children of the same parents implying they are united in a fraternity, embracing men and women alike. Because of this fact, the verse commands people to fear Allah as their Lord and be heedful of the duties that the wombs, as symbolic of this bond, impose. The man on this account is a brother to the woman and the woman is the other half of the pair. The Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) says, "Women are the sisters of men." [ Transmitted on the authority of Aisha by Ahmad (6/256); Abu Dawud (236); Al-Termithy (113); Al-Doram(1/195) and others.]The Qur'an, on its part, treats this issue of fraternal equality from more than one perspective. On the purely religious level for instance, the Qur'an says: "Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord -Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat, (i.e. Zakat, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who fast (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and women who remember Allah muchwith their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allak during the five compulsory congregational prayers or praying extra additional Nawafil prayers of night in the last part of night etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise). [ Surah 33:35] On the basic social and religious responsibilities, the Qur'an establishes equality by maintaining: "The believers, men and women, are "Awliy," (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do);and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden);

they offer their prayers perfectly (lqamat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy on them. [ Surah 9:71] In Adam's story, Divine Orders were made to him and his wife, both and equally: "O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalim'n (wrongdoers). [ Surah 2:35] What is new, however, about this story as given by the Qur'an is that the temptation is blamed not on Eve but on Satan: "Then the Satan made them slip therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. [ Surah 2:36] - the reverse of The Old Testament versions. Thus Eve was neither the sole eater from the tree, nor the one who initiated the act. Rather, the mistake was theirs both, and both of them repented and asked for forgiveness: "They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall be losers". [ Surah 7:23] Further still, some verses ascribe the trespass to Adam: "And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power." [ Surah 20:115] And "Then Satan whispered to him saying, "O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?" [ Surah 20:120] and till "Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray." [ Surah 20:121] This implies that Adam was the one who trespassed first and was followed by his woman. Whatever the case may be, even accepting that Eve did commit a trespass, she, alone, would be responsible without any transmission of accountability to her daughters. On the question of equality of punishment and reward and eligibility for Paradise, The Almighty says: "That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do. [ Surah 2:134 and 2:141] Concerning the equality of men and women in receiving rewards and the entry of paradise, God says: " So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female." [ Surah 3:195] and Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). [ Surah 16:97] When it comes to financial matters, the rule of Islam abolished the conventions prevalent among many nations which deprived the woman of the right of ownership, inheritance, and those which created obstacles against her exercise of free and full control of her holdings. As a rule, Islam acknowledges the woman's rights to all kinds of ownership, spending and channelling of her money. It gives her the rights of inheritance, selling, buying, renting, donating, lending, allocating property for religious and charitable purposes, giving alms, legal transfer and mortgage, as well as many other forms of contracts and actions. The woman's right to seek education or learning is basic and is also guaranteed by Islamic teachings. Islam actualIy makes it incumbent on the woman to seek knowledge; the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) says, `seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim," where "every Muslim" obviously involves men and women on an equal footing as a rule formalised by all authorities of jurisprudence . The woman is also required to perform religious ordinances and forms of worship the way the man is. Praying, fasting, Zakat (the alms sanctifying tax), pilgrimage and all the other fundamental practices in

Islam are required of Muslims in their capacity, both men and women, as responsible humans. Again the woman's actions are recompensed by Allah the way the man's actions are. The woman is not excluded from the area of social activity; Allah says: " The believers, men and women, are "Awliy," (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) AlMa`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do);and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden). [ Surah 9:71] For instance, she can give refuge for those who seek it. If she hosts a refugee, her action is to be respected and observed. This rule relates back to Um Hanibint Abi Talib's giving relief to a father in-law on the day of the Conquest of Mecca by Muslims. When her brother wanted to kill him because he was an infidel, she complained to Allah's Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) saying, "Allah's Messenger, my mother's son insists on killing my refugee, Ibn Hubayra."The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) replied, "We confer asylum on him that you give refuge to, Um Hani". [ Mutafaq aley (agreed upon) on the authority of Um Hani, The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (193)] RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM. The purpose of Islam is to build a civilized society where each one could live in a harmonious way. It cannot be achieved if the mankind is left unbridled. Therefore, it has laid down certain rules and regulations for the overall development of mankind. These rules are based on the principle of justice. And justice demands that each one should get according to ones need, and not according to ones own sweet will, because our desires are unlimited which cannot be fully satisfied without infringing the rights of others. That is the reason why Quran states: "If the truth follows their low desires, then surely, the heavens and the earth and all those who are therein would have perished." (23:71). Islam, therefore, wants to save humanity from destruction, so it has based its rules on wisdom and justice not on human desires. Islam opines that as far as spiritual development of the two sexes is concerned, there is no difference between man and woman. Both are equal and will be rewarded equally for their good deeds. But in so far as their physical development is concerned, the two sexes are entirely at variance with each other. Therefore, what is good for one cannot be good for the other. So Islam has assigned rights to both the sexes according to their needs. Property Islam has assigned half share to women from the parental property as compared to men because they are not obliged to look after anyone from their property. It is their sole property. Whereas on the other hand, men are duty-bound to maintain their families which include wives, children and even their aged parents. It would have been utterly unjustified if both men and women were treated equally in the inheritance of property. Moreover, women get a handsome amount of money at the time of their marriage as Mahr (bridal money), which is their own property. The bride is under no obligation to present any gifts to her groom. Moreover, the Muslim husband is charged with the maintenance of his wife and children. The wife, on the other hand, is not obliged to help him in this regard. Her property and earnings are for her use alone except what she may voluntarily offer her husband. Besides, one has to realize that Islam vehemently advocates family life. It strongly encourages youth to get married, discourages divorce, and does not

regard celibacy as a virtue. Therefore, in a truly Islamic society, family life is the norm and single life is the rare exception. That is, almost all marriage-aged women and men are married in an Islamic society. In light of these facts, one would appreciate that Muslim men, in general, have greater financial burdens than Muslim women and thus inheritance rules are meant to offset this imbalance so that the society lives free of all gender or class wars. After a simple comparison between the financial rights and duties of Muslim women, one British Muslim woman has concluded that Islam has treated women not only fairly but generously(6). So if one seriously tries to look at the wisdom behind the Islamic Law of inheritance, one would find that women are in no way treated unjustly but on the other hand, are adequately compensated. Divorce The other objection is that women are not given the right to divorce. This is also wrong. In fact, Islamic marriage is a kind of contract between two adult and sensible human beings of the opposite sex for a happily wedded life. The women are at liberty to have this clause included in the marital contract (Nikah Nama) that in the event of unbearable circumstances, they would be obliged to seek divorce. For example, women can include this clause in the marital contract that if their husbands contract another marriage, they would seek divorce. Even if this clause is not written down in the marital contract, Islam grants women the right to seek divorce in the form of Khula. If women are not satisfied with their marital life, they can seek divorce from their husbands by making them agree to divorce by financially compensating them. This is known as Khula. One might object that this is a kind of bribery to husband. But it is not so, because those women who want to seek divorce through civil courts, have to spend much more amount in the form of court fees and lawyers fee etc. So it is much more convenient if they agree to pay a little compensation to the husband for seeking divorce. Islamic divorce is a well-orchestrated decision, taken with a cool and sensible mind by both the partners, and not a decision taken in haste or out of impulse. Since women are impulsive by nature, Islam has not given this right to them directly but to say that it has denied this right to women is nothing but ignorance from the wisdom of Islam. Some modernists believe that Islam has done injustice to women by granting men the right to have four wives simultaneously while compelling them to be content with one husband at a time. It is true that Islam grants men the right to have four wives simultaneously, but with certain conditions that they have to keep justice among them, and if not then they are not allowed to have four wives at a time, but be content with one. The wisdom behind the permission to allow four wives at a time is that man by nature is promiscuous. Mostly, he is not satisfied with one partner. He wants change. It is evident by the fact that those societies, who consider second marriage as some kind of an evil practice, have provided many other outlets to satiate the carnal passion of man outside marriage. The presence of prostitution world over, the mushrooming of sex outlets in commercial centers, and the rising demand of the sex industry is proof enough of mans promiscuous behavior. Islam considers all these things as illegal, and not to speak of Islam, even right-minded civilized people consider it illegal. So Islam has provided a sensible limit of four wives, because Islam wants to eradicate corruption from the society and not to pave way for it.

In-so-far as women are concerned, they are by nature monogamous. They are fully satisfied with one partner. It is, therefore, foolish to send a woman to different men for satisfying her biological needs. The female physiology is so designed by nature that it cannot accommodate more than one partner at a time. Therefore, Islam has strictly forbidden this kind of alliance. Islam is so careful about the health of the woman that it does not allow her to contract another marriage immediately after divorce or after the death of the husband unless a specified period, which is known as iddat, is passed. The philosophy behind this idea is that all traces of previous alliance are cleared, and her body is once again hygienically prepared to accept the fresh process of creation. This is not possible unless she is protected from all kinds of corruption.(a) Very few people know this medical fact that if a woman is visited by different partners during her single monthly cycle, she is bound to be inflicted with horrendous sex diseases which might not only harm her own self but may pass on the germs to others members thereby polluting the whole society. Islam, being a divine system, knew this fact much before medical science discovered it, and thats why it had instituted the system of iddat in the Islamic Shariah so that the Islamic society could be saved from filth and diseases. Islam is the only religion limiting the number of permissible wivestofour. To this fact John Esposito, arenowned professor of religion and international affairs and Islamic studies at Georgetown University, writes: Although it is found in many religious and cultural traditions , polygamy (or more precisely polygyny) is most often identified with Islam in the minds ofWesterners.Infact,the Qur'an and Islamic law sought to control and regulate the number of spouses rather than give free license. In a society where there no limitations existed, Muslims were not told to marry four wives but instead to marry no more than four. The Qur'an permits a man to marry upto four wives, provided he can support and treat them equally. Muslims regard this Qura'nic command (4:3) as strengthening the status of women and the family, for it sought to ensure the welfare of single women and widows in a society whose male population was diminished by warfare , and to curb unrestricted polyqamy.(7) Veil Islam, therefore, enjoins upon women to protect their chastity by keeping themselves aloof from the lascivious eyes of man so it has enjoined upon her to at least cover those contours of her body, which arouse passion in the opposite sex. Islam never tells women to cover themselves from top-to-toe. It only suggests a decent and civilized dress code for her own benefit and safety. Islam does not approve of that culture that wish to parade women naked in the marketplace to boost their commercial success. Islam wishes to see her in the honorable roles of daughter, sister, mother and wife, and not only as playing dolls that are available only for the carnal thirst of man. Foundations of Spiritual and Human Equity in Islam: In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine revelation echoed in the wide desert of Arabia in the seventh Century with a fresh, noble, and universal message to humanity, described below.

(1) According to the Holy Quran, men and women have the same human spiritual nature:

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women... (Quran, 4:1, see also 7:189, 42:11, 16:72, 32:9, and 15:29). (2) God has invested both genders with inherent dignity and has made men and women, collectively, the trustees of God on earth (see the Quran 17:70 and 2:30). (3) The Quran does not blame woman for the fall of man, nor does it view pregnancy and childbirth as punishments for eating from the forbidden tree. On the contrary, the Quran depicts Adam and Eve as equally responsible for their sin in the Garden, never singling out Eve for blame. Both repented, and both were forgiven (see the Quran 2:36-37 and 7:19-27). In fact, in one verse (Quran 20:121) Adam specifically was blamed. The Quran also esteems pregnancy and childbirth as sufficient reasons for the love and respect due to mothers from their children (Quran 31:14 and 46:15). (4) Men and women have the same religious and moral duties and responsibilities. Each human being shall face the consequences of his or her deeds: And their Lord responded to them (saying): Never will I allow to be lost the work of (any) worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another... (Quran, 3:195, see also 74:38, 16:97, 4:124, 33:35, and 57:12).

(5) The Quran is quite clear about the issue of the claimed superiority or inferiority of any human, male or female. The sole basis for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness not gender, color, or nationality (see the Quran 49:13). The Economic Aspect of Women in Islam:

The Right to Possess Personal Property: Islam decreed a right of which woman was deprived both before Islam and after it (even as late as this century), the right of independent ownership. The Islamic Law recognizes the full property rights of women before and after marriage. They may buy, sell, or lease any or all of their properties at will. For this reason, Muslim women may keep (and in fact they have traditionally kept) their maiden names after marriage, an indication of their independent property rights as legal entities.

(1) Financial Security and Inheritance Laws: Financial security is assured for women. They are entitled to receive marital gifts without limit and to keep present and future properties and income for their own security, even after marriage. No married woman is required to spend any amount at all from her property and income on the household. The woman is entitled also to full financial support during marriage and during the waiting period (iddah) in case of divorce or widowhood. Some jurists require, in addition, one years support for divorce and widowhood (or until they remarry, if remarriage takes place before the year is over). A woman who bears a child in marriage is entitled to child support from the

childs father. Generally, a Muslim woman is guaranteed support in all stages of her life, as a daughter, wife, mother, or sister. The financial advantages accorded to women and not to men in marriage and in family have a social counterpart in the provisions that the Quran lays down in the laws of inheritance, which afford the male, in most cases, twice the inheritance of a female. Males inherit more but ultimately they are financially responsible for their female relatives: their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters. Females inherit less but retain their share for investment and financial security, without any legal obligation to spend any part of it, even for their own sustenance (food, clothing, housing, medication, etc). It should be noted that before Islam, women themselves were sometimes objects of inheritance . In some western countries, even after the advent of Islam, the whole estate of the deceased was given to his/her eldest son. The Quran, however, made it clear that both men and women are entitled to a specified share of the estate of their deceased parents or close relatives. No matter how rich the wife might be, she is not obliged to act as a co-provider for the family unless she herself voluntarily chooses to do so. Spouses do inherit from one another. Moreover, a married woman in Islam retains her independent legal personality and her family name.(8) God has said:

For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much, an obligatory share. (Quran, 4:7)

(2) Employment: With regard to the womans right to seek employment, it should be stated first that Islam regards her role in society as a mother and a wife as her most sacred and essential one. Neither maids nor baby sitters can possibly take the mothers place as the educator of an upright, complex-free, and carefully-reared child. Such a noble and vital role, which largely shapes the future of nations, cannot be regarded as idleness. However, there is no decree in Islam that forbids women from seeking employment whenever there is a necessity for it, especially in positions which fit her nature best and in which society needs her most. Examples of these professions are nursing, teaching (especially children), medicine, and social and charitable work.

The Social Aspect of Women in Islam:

A) As a Daughter: (1) The Quran ended the cruel practice of female infanticide, which was before Islam. God has said: And when the girl (who was) buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed. (Quran, 81:8-9)

(2) The Quran went further to rebuke the unwelcoming attitude of some parents upon hearing the news of the birth of a baby girl, instead of a baby boy. God has said: And when one of them is informed of (the birth of) a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Certainly, evil is what they decide. (Quran 16:58-59) (3) Parents are duty-bound to support and show kindness and justice to their daughters. The Prophet Muhammad said: {Whosoever supports two daughters until they mature, he and I will come on the Day of Judgment as this (and he pointed with his fingers held together).}

(3) A crucial aspect in the upbringing of daughters that greatly influences their future is education. Education is not only a right but a responsibility for all males and females. The Prophet Muhammad said: Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim. The word Muslim here is inclusive of both males and females. (5) Islam neither requires nor encourages female circumcision. And while it is maybe practiced by some Muslims in certain parts of Africa, it is also practiced by other peoples, including Christians, in those places, a reflection merely of the local customs and practices there. B) As a Wife: (1) Marriage in Islam is based on mutual peace, love, and compassion, and not just the mere satisfying of human sexual desire. Among the most impressive verses in the Quran about marriage is the following: And of His signs is: that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. (Quran, 30:21) (2) The female has the right to accept or reject marriage proposals. According to the Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their consent.

(3) The husband is responsible for the maintenance, protection, and overall leadership of the family, within the framework of consultation ( Quran 2:233) and kindness . The mutuality and complementarity of husband and wife does not mean subservience by either party to the other. The Prophet Muhammad instructed Muslims regarding women: I commend you to be good to women. And The best among you are those who are best to their wives.

The Quran urges husbands to be kind and considerate to their wives, even if a wife falls out of favor with her husband or disinclination for her arises within him:

...And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike a thing and God makes therein much good. (Quran, 4:19) It also outlawed the Arabian practice before Islam whereby the stepson of the deceased father was allowed to take possession of his fathers widow(s) (inherit them) as if they were part of the estate of the deceased (see the Quran 4:19). (4) Should marital disputes arise, the Quran encourages couples to resolve them privately in a spirit of fairness and probity. Indeed, the Quran outlines an enlightened step and wise approach for the husband and wife to resolve persistent conflict in their marital life. In the event that dispute cannot be resolved equitably between husband and wife, the Quran prescribes mediation between the parties through family intervention on behalf of both spouses (see the Quran 4:35). (5) Divorce is a last resort, permissible but not encouraged, for the Quran esteems the preservation of faith and the individuals right -male and female alike- to felicity. Forms of marriage dissolution include an enactment based upon mutual agreement, the husbands initiative, the wifes initiative (if part of her marital contract), the courts decision on a wifes initiative (for a legitimate reason), and the wifes initiative without a cause, provided that she returns her marital gift to her husband. When the continuation of the marriage relationship is impossible for any reason, men are still taught to seek a gracious end for it. The Quran states about such cases: And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term (i.e. waiting period), either keep them in kindness or release them in kindness, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress (against them). (Quran, 2:23).

(4) Associating polygyny with Islam, as if it was introduced by it or is the norm according to its teachings, is one of the most persistent myths perpetuated in Western literature and media. Polygyny existed in almost all nations and was even sanctioned by Judaism and Christianity until recent centuries. (5) Islam did not outlaw polygyny, as did many peoples and religious communities; rather, it regulated and restricted it. It is not required but simply permitted with conditions (the Quran 4:3). Spirit of law, including timing of revelation, is to deal with individual and collective contingencies that may arise from time to time (e.g. imbalances between the number of males and females created by wars) and to provide a moral, practical, and humane solution for the problems of widows and orphans. C) As a Mother: (1) The Quran elevates kindness to parents (especially mothers) to a status second to the worship of God:

Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small. (Quran, 17:23-24, see also 31:14, 46:15, and 29:8) (2) Naturally, the Prophet Muhammad specified this behavior for his followers, rendering to mothers an unequalled status in human relationships. A man came to the Prophet Muhammad and said, O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: {Your mother.} The man said, Then who? The Prophet said: {Then your mother.} The man further asked, Then who? The Prophet said: {Then your mother.} The man asked again, Then who? The Prophet said: {Then your father.} D) As a Sister in Faith (In General): (1) According to the Prophet Muhammads sayings: {women are but shaqaiq (twin halves or sisters) of men.} This saying is a profound statement that directly relates to the issue of human equality between the genders. If the first meaning of the Arabic word shaqaiq, twin halves, is adopted, it means that the male is worth one half (of society), while the female is worth the other half. If the second meaning, sisters, is adopted, it implies the same. (2) The Prophet Muhammad taught kindness, care, and respect toward women in general: I commend you to be good to women. It is significant that such instruction of the Prophet was among his final instructions and reminders in the farewell pilgrimage address given shortly before his passing away.

(3) Modesty and social interaction: The parameters of proper modesty for males and females (dress and behavior) are based on revelatory sources (the Quran and prophetic sayings) and, as such, are regarded by believing men and women as divinely-based guidelines with legitimate aims and divine wisdom behind them. They are not maleimposed or socially imposed restrictions. It is interesting to know that even the Bible encourages women to cover their head: If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. (1 Corinthians 11:6). The Legal and Political Aspect of Women in Islam:

(1) Equality before the Law: Both genders are entitled to equality before the Law and courts of Law. Justice is genderless (see the Quran 5:38, 24:2, and 5:45). Women do possess an independent legal entity in financial and other matters.

(2) Participation in Social and Political Life: The general rule in social and political life is participation and collaboration of males and females in public affairs (see the Quran 9:71). There is sufficient historical evidence of participation by Muslim women in the choice of rulers, in public issues, in Law making, in administrative positions, in scholarship and teaching, and even in the battlefield. Such involvement in social and political affairs was conducted without the participants losing sight of the complementary priorities of both genders and without violating Islamic guidelines of modesty and virtue.

Wome in Islam A BROADER UNDERSTANDING

Islam demands closeness to God. Islam is simpler,more rigorous, and it'seasierbecauseitis explicit. Iwas looking for a framework; manneeds rules and behavior to follow. Christianity did not give the same reference points(9) Women in Islam are strictly treated under the framework of the Islamic society. Islam as a religion looks at the Quran, the Hadith and the Sharia for creating a framework under which the Islamic society and community must operate. Quran is the holy text of Islam, Hadith is the sayings of Muhammad and Sharia is the law. One of the most oft-quoted Hadith says that all people are equal, as equal as the tooth of a comb. There is no claim of merit of an Arab over a non-Arab, or a white or a black person, or a male over a female. Only God-fearing people merit a preference with God. The above mentioned Hadith is considered as one of the most definitive statement of the ideology of equality espoused in the Quran and thus Islam. It is an important instruction to humankind to treat fellow human beings with dignity and respect, without discrimination or prejudice based on any ground. The only distinction that can be made between human beings is a distinction based on their fear of God, and only God can discriminate. This hadith is one starting point for the consideration of womens equality of rights in Islam. But in actuality things are different. It is significant to note that in the discussion of womens equality of rights in Islam, this hadith is rarely referred to or relied upon in the interpretation of and formulation of laws that affect womens free activity as compared to mens free activity.(b) As seen in other major religions even Islam is today controlled by a patriarchal society dominated by Men. The patriarchal interpretations of the Islamic teaching through the Quran, Hadith and Sharia distinguish Men and Women separately. Further the biased interpretation and selective acknowledgment of textual sources from which the rights have been derived has led to gender based bias and discrimination against women in Islam. The traditional Islamic jurists have interpreted and formulated rights based on cultural definitions of "man" and "woman" and "male" and "female." Women in Islam: Challenging the patriarchal interpretations Many Women and Women organizations from the Islamic world are now challenging the patriarchal interpretations of "rights" and "Islamic teachings" by raising them well within the

Islamic framework. Women in Islam aim for the full equality of all Muslims, regardless of gender, in public and private life. Islamic feminists advocate women's rights, gender equality, and social justice grounded in an Islamic framework. Although rooted in Islam, the movement's pioneers have also utilized secular and Western feminist discourses and recognized the role of Islamic feminism as part of an integrated global feminist movement. Advocates of the movement seek to highlight the deeply rooted teachings of equality in the Quran and encourage a questioning of the patriarchal interpretation of Islamic teaching through the Quran, Hadith, and Sharia towards the creation of a more equal and just society. Islamic Women and Women organizations want to highlight the influence of sex stereotyping in Islamic jurisprudence, and thereby provide an alternative interpretation of womens rights in Islam, proceeding from an assumption of equality as opposed to an assumption of inequality. In terms of equality of rights for women, they are primarily concerned with the concept of selfdetermination, the right of women to exercise their free will, to make their own choices, unfettered by any notion of womens inequality or incapacity. In this regard they are questioning and reinterpreting the laws governing the exercise of free will in Islam. One of the examples is the Verse 4:34 of the Quran which is traditionally understood as denying women's selfdetermination and which has been relied upon to support the subjugation and abuse of women all over the world. Women in Islam: Progressive women groups What the progressive women groups in Islam are trying to do is to put forward a view that the Quran and reliable hadith is actually a guide from which the best understanding of Gods intention is put forwarded. The laws and moral concepts are derived from this best understanding of God's intention. They further contend that if the Muslim polity determines for itself that it desires the enactment of Islamic law, the distinction between the truth and the best understanding of it must be clear. More importantly the best understanding must be framed in terms of the will of the people, and not Divine Law. Thus, if there is uncertainty in what is traditionally understood as an Islamic law and that Islamic law discriminates against women, then reform within Islamic jurisprudence must take place in order to derive more accurate rules from the texts. The absence of certainty mandates inquiry into other interpretations in order to reach an understanding or understandings that are the best and most acceptable. In simple words what it means is that Islamic laws and moral concepts are actually interpretations of the Quran and Hadith and they can be formulated or reformulated from time to time based on the sensitivities of the people concerned. In the current context it means that the laws and moral concepts should be open to questioning and reinterpretation based on the sensitivities of Muslim women. Progressive women organizations in Islam believe that equality of rights for women is not only possible within an Islamic legal framework, but is mandated by the letter and spirit of the Quran. Further they say that there is no need for overt secularization of the western type" for achieving equality of rights for women in Islam because to deny equality of rights for women is Un-Islamic in the first place.

To understand the role and status of women in Islam we need to also study the following topics in detail 1. Islam, women, and equality 2. Islam and pre-Islamic practices 3. Modernism, Islamism and feminism 4. Economic Dimensions of Women's Position in Islamic countries 5. Political and socio-cultural dimensions of Women's position in Islamic countries 6. The rights and duties of Women in Islam 7. The rights and virtues of Women in Islam 8. Women and Islam-What are the missing terms? 9. Women in Islam-The facts and perceptions 10. Constructing the Notion of Male Superiority over Women in Islam 11. The influence of sex and gender stereotyping in the interpretation of the Quran and the implications for a modernist exegesis of rights 12. The Traditional Approach to the Formulation of Islamic Law 13. The Difficulties with the Traditional Approach to the Formulation of Islamic Law 14. The Influence of Sex Stereotyping in the Development of Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Qawwamun and Obedience and Method for an Alternative Reading We need to understand the fact that any progressive and lasting change that has to happen in a religion should come from within. This is true for Islam also. Any overt attempt at "secularization or liberalization" sponsored from outside will be met with accusations of Westernization, or even apostasy by the religious conservatives, and will not achieve the objective of revision in Islamic jurisprudence to address the concerns of women. Forced secularization from outside will simply avoid having to solve the problem, while assuming that the problem is inherent and unsolvable. This will be catastrophic for the progressive women's movement within Islam which wants to work for change in the Islamic laws and moral concepts based on the fact that Islam is a religion which strongly supports gender based equality. Therefore any long lasting solution for gender based equality should come within Islam. The awakening should come within Islam regarding the fact that uncertainty limits human ability to conclusively define laws as Islamic and revision in Islamic jurisprudence should be considered necessary to accommodate the will and the rights of the people especially the marginalized and discriminated sections like women.

WOMEN IN ISLAMIC SOCIETY:

On no other question perhaps are opinions in our world as sharply divide as on the question of women's place in society. These clashing opinions manifest themselves in a million ways in our everyday life. They determine one's attitude on many important questions such as education for women, co-education, and purdah system (stick Hijab), the dowry system, the right of women

to inherit property, the question of monogamy and divorce etc. All these issues stem from one basic question. What is the place of women in our society? Is she inferior, superior or equal to man? What is her duty? What is her relation in society? Islam stipulates the law of Allah and provides guidance for the regulation of life in the best interests of man. The law of Allah is out and out for our benefit. Islam has made sure to strike a balance in the rights of man and the rights of the society so that no conflict may arise between the two and all must co-operate in establishing the law of Allah. As far as the question of women's place in society is concerned Islam has laid clear and concise definitions in this regard. Before moving on to what Shariah says about it is important to know as to what history has to say about it. Woman was man's first slave. For ages man has used woman for his pleasures. He has created the myth of woman's inferiority to man. Even today, there are many who regard woman to be essentially inferior creatures. Some think that woman is all emotion; she has no intelligence. Other asserts that she cannot resist temptation and there are still others who claim that a woman has no right to live independent. Woman is a creeper that needs support of a tree. There are many men who feel ashamed of listening to their wives with patience just because they bare the shame of being woman. Unfortunately women have been going through this agony since a very long time now. 1400 years ago darkness held the sway. The store of human knowledge was scanty and his outlook was narrow. There was no respect for woman and man's thinking was wild and barbaric in this regard. Whatever nations man had of moral, culture and civilization, were primitive and uncouth. Out of sheer foolish notions of prestige they would bury their daughters alive lest anyone should become their son in law. They would marry their stepmothers after death of their fathers. Woman was nothing but a symbol of sex and pleasure for man. Men were playing havoc with their lives. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) then brought with him the limits and restrictions imposed by Allah to prevent a man from encroaching upon rights of woman. Islam does not want a man to become so much selfish and self centred that for attainment of few charms of mind and body he unashamedly assails the rights of women and violates all sanctions of morality. I, therefore, propose to give here a brief summary of those injunctions of Islam that throw light on this aspect of society along with the crude views and practices that are still prevalent in this modern age. In Islam a woman is a symbol of respect, comfort, reverence and love in every position she holds. Family is the first cradle of man. It is here that the primary character traits of man are set. As such it is not only the cradle of man but also the cradle of civilization. Therefore, let us

all consider the injunctions of Shariah relating to the family. Islamic injunctions about the family are very explicit. It assigns to man the responsibility of earning and providing the necessities of his wife and children and to protect them from the vicissitudes of life. To the woman it assigns the duty of managing the household, training and bringing up the children in the best possible way, and of providing to her husband and the children the greatest possible comfort and containment. It is not so because a woman is not capable of working and supporting her family, Islam rather considers a woman more capable of bringing up a family then a man. Many men think that a woman's place is in home and that she suited only to keeping house and rearing children. Many are against education for women. They think that it is only for a man to become a doctor, an engineer, a scientist, a statesman etc. Why a woman's noblest ambition is to become a good mother and good wife. They deny women right to property, freedom of speech and choice of her husband. And since a man is appointed as the head of the family, most of them don't consider it wrong to mentally or even physically torture the women. This concept is wrong. Being given the house hold responsibility does not mean that woman are not allowed to step out of their houses at all. This is not the case. She can go anywhere she likes and she can do anything she wants as long as she is fair to her supreme duty. As far as the question of education is concerned Islam is in favor of educating women. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said it is the duty of every Muslim man and woman to seek knowledge (Sahih Muslim). If a woman chooses to be a doctor or an engineer or an expert of any technical field, there is nothing wrong in it from Islamic point of view. Islam has also stressed that man and woman are equal as far as the question of kindness and their deeds are concerned. The Holy Koran says that And they (women) have rights similar to those (men) over them in kindness. Islam does not give any man the right to physically or mentally torture his wife/mother/sister/daughter. Similarly when it comes to matrimonial matters Islam gives a woman the right to marry the person of her choice. In our society people normally wed their daughters of with whomever they want to without consulting them. It is strictly pointed out in Islam that parents should ask their daughters and seek their will before they marry them. In this context Koran says that o ye who believe! It is not lawful for you to forcibly inherit women Islam also gives the right of law of dower or haq mehar to a woman when she marries a man. It is the duty of the husband to pay this amount to his wife. and give unto the women (whom ye marry) free gift of their marriage portions

Then a woman also has the right of khulah or divorce obtained on wife's initiative. Similarly a woman can have her own property and make whatever amendments she want in it. Islam has also granted women share in inheritance of property. These can be found in Koran in (11:4 alNisah). The religion also allows a woman to seek support from court just as a man can if she has any such problem. For being witnesses in court Islam has certain considerations. According to Islam testimony of a man is equal to that of two women. Islam gives a degree of superiority to man over woman. According to Islam men are in charge of women because they spend on woman what they earn. Some people in our society confuse this term with masters, which is wrong. As for the question of veiling our men consider it to be there supreme duty to insult women on this issue. Islam has laid clear instructions in this regard. Islam expects a woman to cover everything except her face and her hands while going out. Our men see to it that their women are properly covered and they don't mind suffocating them. It is said in the Koran Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. In short a woman is respectable in all her categories in Islam. As a mother heaven lies under her feet. In the role of a daughter she is God's blessing to parents. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to rise in respect of his daughter Fatima whenever she paid a visit to him. As a wife she has the right to be politely and kindly treated. As a sister she is a symbol of love and affection. Nature has equipped woman with immense qualities and she can and she is participating in the prosperity of nations. Therefore it is wrong to believe that women are inferior to men.

WOMEN RIGHTS TODAY:

The subject of Muslim Women's Rights has been a hot topic in certain circles for sometime now; some of the most strident voices emitting from quarters whose knowledge of Islam borders the ridiculous. Their allegations are mainly based on assumptions and pre-conceived ideas about Islam. There's also no dearth of opportunistic scribes, posing as "experts", whenever the chance to make a quick buck or an impromptu appearance on a favorite TV show avails itself. Unfortunately, the way people treat one another these days in so called "Muslim lands" also bloats the cloud of confusion. More often then not, people confuse the teachings of Islam with what those who call themselves "Muslims" do, forgetting the glaring fact that Islam isn't the personal property of anyone. Nor is it a 'label'. Islam is a dynamic way of life that nurtures and supports the sincere follower who lives his life according to the Divine injunctions.(c)

'Muslim women have become an absolute symbol of oppression, and distorted images of them permeate news coverage.' (Arzu Merali, director of research for the Islamic Human Rights Commission)

Most non-Muslims when asked about Islamic attitudes to women, would probably say that Islam is a religion which oppresses women; some might even say it borders on the misogynistic. Images of Muslim women wearing hijab (head and body coverings) are often used as evidence that they are being oppressed (largely by men), and that Islam does not promote equality amongst the sexes. Stories of the Taliban in Afghanistan, who dictate (and limit) in very specific ways what Muslim women can and cannot do, also add fuel to the fire, and further reinforce the perceived oppression of women under Islam. However, as most Muslims are keen to point out, one should not confuse the beliefs and practices of a small minority, with Islam itself: 'Anyone wishing to understand Islam must first separate the religion from the cultural norms and style of a society. Female genital mutilation is still practised in certain pockets of Africa and Egypt, but viewed as an inconceivable horror by the vast majority of Muslims. Forced marriages may still take place in certain Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, but would be anathema to Muslim women from other backgrounds.' Although the Qur'an explicitly states that both men and women are equal in every way before God, there are verses in it which allow men to have more than one wife (polygamy), and in some cases sanction the veiling and beating of women. All this has further undermined Islam's egalitarian claims, in the eyes of non-Muslims. Maryam Jameelah reported that the first champions of the movement for women's 'emancipation' were no other than theverywellknown western thinkers,Marxand Engel. They were undoubtedly the founders of Communism that proved to be a disastrous system of life. Their communist Manifesto (1948)preachedthatmarriage, homeand family were nothing more than a curse which has kept women in perpetual slavery. Thus, they insisted that the women must be liberated from domestic servitude and achieve full economicindependence through wholetimeemployment inindustry. The main aim of those women liberation champions and other adamant supporters of feminism was to grant womenasmuchfreedom toindulge inillicitsexasthe men through mixed education, employment outsidethe home side by side with men, social functions and courtship before marriageinsemi-nudefashion,mixedsocial functions which include drinking, drug-taking and dancing.(10)

To know the real position of women in Islam, one first needs to educate oneself on what Islam's all about.

Islam is not a new religion, its principles are the same principles that had governed the lives of the prophets and believing peoples throughout the ages. Simply put, the way of Islam is the Creator's guidebook for His beloved creation, man. And who knows this limited creature better than the one who made him? And who can best guide him and counsel him if not the Maker?

Allah doth wish to lighten your (difficulties), for man is created weak (in flesh). (Quran:4:28)

Islam is therefore a divinely ordained path for humanity, a way of life that empowers the individual and the society to live in accordance with the laws of the Divine -- the benefit of which is reaped by society as a whole. We have to understand that Allah is the Creator of all and all are equal before Him: men, women, black, white, brown, tall, fat, thin, rich, poor, none are excluded from the mercy of Allah. The Creator looks only at the heart of man and the human being is judged according to his good intentions and actions, not according to his gender or lineage. The Messenger of Allah said, "Whosoever is slowed down by his actions (on that Day),will not be hastened forward by his lineage." Man is created for a purpose and each and everyone of us has a role to play; and women are not exempt from this rule, nor are they burdened with more than they can bear.

While women are equal to men before Allah, they are different from men, and I have yet to meet a normal woman who wishes to become a man. Now, what rights do women have in Islam? Common sense tells us that the best place to seek an answer to this question is to go right to the heart of the matter, the source of Islam -- instead of relying on other people's opinions and judgments as these would only lead us further away from the truth. At the outset, we have to realize that Islam abhors all kinds of oppressions and mistreatment of the weak by the strong.

Allah says, as related by the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, 'O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.' Hence, those who tend to oppress women do it only out of their own selfish greed and not because they are being ordered to do so by Allah. On the contrary, believers are warned against such propensity: "O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness." (Quran:4:19) A believer is not only forbidden to mistreat his wife, he's warned against harboring any dislike for this good creation of Allah: "If you take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good." (Q:4:19)

Even in the case of divorce, the husband must exercise utmost caution in the way he deals with the situation: "When ye divorce women, and they fulfill the term of their (iddah). Either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them, (or) to take undue advantage." (Q:2:231) It's even forbidden for men to take back their gifts, 'It's not lawful for you, (men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives) except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. (Q:2:229) Also read (Q:2:236 &237) Islam not only gives women rights in their day to day affairs, it places women in an enviable position, a status that demands respect and veneration: 'O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you). Surely, Allah is Ever an AllWatcher over you. (Quran:4:1) The Messenger of Allah said, "The most perfect of the believers is the best of you in character, and the best of you are those among you who are best to their wives." Slandering women is forbidden, and punishable by law: "And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations) Flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors-" (Q:24:4) Such as willfully hurt believing women: "Are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: For them is a grievous Penalty."(Q:24:23)

In this world, such people as hurt the feelings and honor of believing women may put on an air of being 'the good guys' themselves. However, in the Hereafter and that's where true justice shall be served, 'Their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to the actions.'(Q:24:24)

Islam is the eternal divine message of Allah, the Almighty and Exalted, to all mankind, delivered by the Prophet and Messenger of Allah . Some have believed in the Message of Islam and followed it, while others disbelieved in it or refuse to follow. Allah declared that all human beings are dignified and honored more than other creatures of Allah, as He stated in the Glorious Quran: And indeed We have honored the children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with lawful good things, and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preference. [17:70] Allah also declared another major principle: that all men are created equal in terms of original creation. He stated in the Glorious Quran: O mankind! Be dutiful to Your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created many men and women; and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (i.e. kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. [4:1] Based on the previous principles, all men and women are equal in terms of humanity and basic values, obligations and responsibilities. All men and women are created equal in the sight of Allah. Their differences in race, language, livelihood and geography etc have no relationship to increase or decrease this honor. True distinction among them is based on their Godconsciousness, commitment to Islam, the revealed religion of Allah, and their level of practice and application of its principles in their own daily lives. Allah stated this in the Glorious Quran when He said: O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is the one who is most pious and righteous. Verily, Allah is All- Knowing, All-Aware. [49:13] Therefore true honor of any person in the Sight of Allah is not on the basis of color, social status, sex, race, strength, health, dignity or wealth. The only measure of distinction in the Sight of Allah is strictly on the basis of piety, faith and the performance of good deeds. Similarly, Allahs Prophet was also reported as saying:

.O people, your Lord is one and your father is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a red person over a black, or a black person over a red, except by piety.. [Ahmad and verified] The teachings of Islam remove all artificial differences between men, and place them all on equal footing. One of the essential teachings of Islam, often misconstrued, abused or poorly explained, is that .a female is equal to a male in everything except where there is a distinct reality and exception.. The equalities and exceptions were the subject of this book attempted to clarify some of these misconceptions about the reality of women in Islam. Allah stated in the Glorious Quran: The believers, men and women, are helpers, supporters, friends and protectors of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do; and they forbid (people) from all forms of evil (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer their prayers perfectly, and give their charity and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will shower His Mercy upon them. Surely Allah is All- Mighty, All-Wise. [9:71] Allah stated in the Glorious Quran: So their Lord accepted (their supplications and answered them), Never will I allow to be lost the work of any one of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another... [3:195] Allah stated in the Glorious Quran: There is a share for men and a share for women from what is left by parents and those closely related, whether the property be small or large, a legal share. [4:7] a woman will never enjoy her natural honor and full rights and freedoms except under the protection of the divine and just laws of Islam. Islam designates certain duties and obligations that necessarily go hand in hand with the rights. Islam is a divine religion revealed by the Beneficent and Omniscient, as opposed to man-made laws that dictate artificial boundaries, privileges, and monopolies. Islam is everlasting and universal, for the whole of mankind, male and female, rich and poor, the ruler and ruled, and strong and weak, whether white, black, red or yellow. They are all equal in the Sight of their Creator, Allah , who knows best what is of benefit in both this world and the hereafter. No one should pass judgment on Islam on the basis of what is observed in the behavior and attitude of some groups of Muslims who, unfortunately, use Islam to cover up their personal or party crimes. There are many individuals who are counted as Muslims since they declare by their lips that .There is no god worthy of worship except Allah Alone, and Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah.

but, regretfully, do not perform their Islamic duties or demonstrate sincere commitment to Islam by good moral conduct. Islam is a complete, pure religion, simple to apply in all the various circumstances. Many Muslims strive throughout their lifetime to be good and upright, seeking the pleasure of Allah in all that they do or refrain from doing. On the other hand, there are individuals who deserve to be punished in this world and in the hereafter, for their crimes. These crimes may be so heinous that they are of the level of disbelief and apostasy from Islam, or they may be of a lesser level of disobedience and neglectfulness of the wise commands and beneficial teachings of Allah , and His Prophet . It is understood that if someone lacks something himself, whether it is wealth or morals, he will not enable someone else to have it. This principle applies to Islam as well. For those who are keen to learn more about Islam, our advice is that they seek knowledge from those who are well known for their knowledge, understanding and practice of Islam in their own lives, whereas .nonpracticing . Muslim will definitely mislead them since the term .non-practicing Muslim. is a contradiction in itself. Superficial knowledge of Islam is dangerous, harmful and detrimental since merely reading a few books about Islam, very possibly unreliable sources, will not qualify a person to pass verdicts and disseminate sound knowledge about Islam. Following the opinions blindly is also very dangerous and harmful. It is compulsory to seek sound knowledge about Islam, and not be tricked by those who spread false worship and practice. Allah stated in the Glorious Quran: There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in the Taghoot (what is worshipped other than Allah and pleased with the false worship) and believes in Allah, has grasped the trustworthy handhold that will never break; Allah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower. [2:256](11).

reference.
1.. Abdurrahman Murad WOMAN IN THE SHADE OF ISLAM (Oxford university press.1996) p.10-13 2.SuaymanA.S.A-Shaqasy."How Islam Elevated the Status of Women -III" (A paper presented at the Muslim Sisters' Convention, Mombasa, and December, 1990. Published in AI-Islam 1991) Vol. 15, No.4, p. 38.

3.Prince Charles, "Islam and the West." Arab News, October 27, 1993. In R. Hill Abdul salam. Women's Ideal Liberation.(Abul-Qasim Publishing House: Jeddah) pp. 41-3 4. Abdurrahman Murad, WOMAN IN THE SHADE OF ISLAM (Oxford university press.1996) p.22 5....Emad Khalil. They Said About Islam 1994, in The Islamic Future, 27,(London :ideal publications May 1994) p. 12.

6.Aisha Lemu and Fatima Heeren, Woman in Islam (London: Islamic Foundation, 1978) p. 23. 7.John L. Esposito. Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988, p.97-99. 8.Leila Badawi, "Islam", in Jean Holm and John Bowker, ed., Women in Religion (London: Pinter Publishers, 1994) p. 102-04.

9...Peter Ford. "Why European women are turning to Islam?" Christian Science Monitor, December 27,2004 edition, p.35-37. 10 Maryam Jameelah. Islamin Theoryand Practice. H. FarooqAssociates Ltd: Lahore, 1983, pp. 94-5.

11. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sheha Women In Islam & Refutation of some Common Misconceptions Translated by: Abu Salman Deya ud-Deen Eberle edi Abu Ayoub Jerome Boulter TheVista publishers.1998.p 34-38

Web reference. (a)www.islamfor today.com (b)Women in islam.org (c).www. women rights in islam.com