Truth about Muslim women
Ladan Davallow
Did you know that 75 years ago women were not considered persons under Canadian law? Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham writes in her October 22, 2004 article, "Up until then, women were invisible under the law, like children with no legal rights. Only men had rights and women and children did not. Women were chattels, dependents of fathers, husbands and even brothers." According to Bramham, it took the Supreme Court of Canada five weeks of hearing arguments and debates before they could rule if women were considered "persons."
Over 1400 years ago, Islam liberated women by not only considering them as "persons," but also by giving them rights. Ignorance and misrepresentation, however, have often resulted in many misconceptions of Muslim women in Islam. As is usually the case with stereotypes, people tend to passively absorb information about Islam and women without bothering to return to the law of Islam as it is found in the Holy Qur'an and the practice of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
As one of the many Muslim women raised in Canada, I feel that my fellow citizens should know the truth about my identity. No, I am not oppressed. No, I'm not uneducated. No, I am not forced into marriage. And I'm speaking on behalf of the majority of Muslim women when I share these few words.
Myth #1 - Islam oppresses women
We hear this all over the media. It seems like in "the West," oppression has gradually become synonymous with women in Islam. When I walk down a crowded street I can almost hear the passersby saying, "Oh that poor girl, forced to wear the headscarf. Why doesn't she just conform? This is a free country!"
How could Islam oppress women when every year millions of pilgrims walk between the two mountains Safah and Marwa in Mecca following the footsteps of Hajjar, the wife of Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, who did this in search of water for her infant?
How could Islam oppress women when God proclaimed Mary (the mother of Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him) and the wife of the Pharaoh as examples for male and female believers to follow?
Finally, In Islam, women were granted rights over 1400 years ago, including the right to own property, pursue a career, and inherit financially. In essence, Muslim women still enjoy the rights of inheritance, contract, enterprise, and property ownership until this very day.
Myth #2 - Muslim women are forced to wear the veil, implying that they are oppressed
If you read Amany Alsayyed's article that appeared in The Peak [October 4, 2004], you have a good grasp of the absurdity of this myth. Alsayyed mentions, when referring to Muslim women, that, "what the veil adds . . . is simply a sign of identity." If you ask a group of Muslim women why they wear the headscarf, you will definitely get diversre answers since it is a very personal issue. Islamically, it is believed that in matters of religion and faith, no one can simply force an ideal on you; for, as it says in the Qur'an, "there is no compulsion in religion."
When accepting the choice to embrace the veil, then, a Muslim woman becomes the epitome of good character. She is not only modest in her dress, but in her actions and manners as well.
For those who say she's oppressed, let me ask you this: Is it not also a form of oppression to set extremely high standards for the "acceptable" look, weight, and style for a woman in a capitalist society, and to end up with some women spending hours perfecting themselves in order to become an acceptable member of that society? Alternately, is it not a type of freedom and honour when a woman, any woman - Muslim or not - believes her attractiveness comes from her personality and intelligence (along with having a decent, good-looking style that is not set back in the '50s), rather than how low her "low rise" pants go?
Myth #3 - In Islam, men are superior to women
This myth is rejected with one simple verse in the Qur'an:
"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 with Allƒh is that [believer] who has At-Taqwƒ [piety]. Verily, Allƒh is All-Knowing, All-Aware" (Qur'an 49:13).
God makes no distinction between gender, race, or colour. Moreover, what elevates a person in the sight of God is his or her piety or God-consciousness. Both men and women are regarded as equal in humanity and will be equally rewarded or punished for their deeds. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Girls are the models of affection and sympathy and a blessing to the family."
Myth #4 - Women are not allowed to get educated
Well, I guess the fact that I am a Muslim woman attending this university is one counter-example. Further, the Prophet Muhammad not only instructed all humans to gain knowledge and education, he commanded it. It is written in the Qur'an that those who know are unlike those who don't know - pointing to the irreconcilable difference between ignorance and knowledge. Education is a lifelong commitment for every Muslim and is the key to a successful life in this world and in the hereafter
Myth #5 - Muslim women are forced into arranged marriages
It is evident in Islam that a woman may not get married without her permission and consent. This is further reinforced in the practice of the dowry, which is presented to a Muslim woman upon marriage, and not to her parents. In Islam, marriage is a contract - not just a sacrament where vows are exchanged - between the husband and wife. The marriage contract should reflect the interests and needs of both man and woman. A Muslim bride-to-be has all the right to insert her conditions into the contract. Also, divorce is highly discouraged, although permissible if necessary.
Furthermore, in addressing the male gender, Prophet Muhammad said, "The best of you are they who behave best to their wives."
[ The opinions presented here are the author's, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Peak. This space is here for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Articles should be 1000-1200 words. For more information, call our Features Editor at 291-4630 or e-mail peak_features(at)mail(dot)peak(dot)sfu(dot)ca. Say anything, the last word is yours! ]