January 13, 2010

Women are considered the better half of any society. But the other half finds its origin in her and develops on her lap. The major portion of the mental and physical growth and development of a child takes place below the age of  2 ½ - a time when the child spends most of the time with the mother. That is why they say  "you educate a man you educate a person , you educate a woman you educate a society.”  Empowering women for a society has been a topic of discussion all over the world. The former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said, “ There is no better tool for development more effective than  the empowerment of women.”
Studies show that women have powers no less than men in working for a society. The study by Professor Adrian Furnham of University College of London shows that women have the same average I. Q. as men. John Gray has stated in his book  ‘Men are from Mars ,Women are from Venus’ that “They [women ] are willing to lose .When the men in the family are successful they feel successful.”  So it is not a question of ability but a matter of attitude or opportunity that makes  women lag behind. The skill that a woman uses in her kitchen on planning what to cook, how to distribute to the different members in the family according to their needs is not a small one. The way she handles the family budget in short term and long term plans cannot be devaluated. The society  i. e. the extended family can utilize this skill of a woman in its development planning  where only the amounts and the numbers  differ.
    How?
Every one accepts the fact that women should be empowered. But how? This is where the differences occur. Some say that they must get political empowerment. They must get considerable representation at all levels of political set up. True, but when we analyze the few women representatives in politics in different nations we feel sorry to say that this is not what we want. They act as rubber stamps or puppets in the hands of a male authority. This kind of back seat driving would do no good in uplifting women or the society. Not only in politics but also in other fields where ever they enter they should be worthy of it , or those who are already in should improve their skills and become worthy of what they hold. Reservations are useful in pushing the age old downtrodden , oppressed and backward community of women to the fore front. They should also be empowered with real moral values so that their presence   doesn’t lead to more degeneration of the society.
What Kind of Reformation?
There are differences of opinion on what change do we expect to bring out in society. Different nations talk about different social changes according to their personal needs and interests. The best example that could be given from history for social and political revolution is  that of what  prophet Mohammed [s] was able to bring out in Arabia in the 6th century B.C.  It was a society of illiterate Arabs scattered in different tribal groups ,fighting and killing each other , immersed in alcohol and considering women only as  sexual instruments, regarding the birth of a daughter as a shame and burying them alive and what not? No wonder it was called the jahiliyya period in history. But within a few years prophet [s ] was able to transform them in to the most cultured society that history has ever seen. Before Islam they were oppressed by the Jews who would lend them money   for heavy interest to be utilized for destructive purposes. But later history tells us that the governors in the Islamic provinces found it difficult to find deserving people to receive zakah.
The Present Situation
The present situation of women around the world is not an ideal one .Two third of the world’s illiterates are women. Out of the 1.2 billion people who live on less than a dollar per day,  two third are women. Only less than 10% of the world’s resources are owned by women. That means more than 90% are male owned. She is kept aloof from the main spheres of social, political and economic centers. Even in the so called liberated societies her role is not that of an influential force in decision making but as a tool to implement the male chauvinist rules which are in most cases against her. Even within the family which is considered her main domain she is not comfortable. Lack of family values, weak marital ties, promiscuity, immodesty, divorce etc. keep her suffocated inside the house. Most of the customs and traditions related to occasions like birth, marriage and death are designed to keep her subjugated. The innumerable superstitious beliefs even in the most modern and advanced societies are detrimental to her progress. Hence the birth of a female child is considered as a shame or curse. Something to be feared and despised. So families have no hesitation in killing them in the womb. That is why it is said that no place is safe for a woman, even the mother’s womb.
May be we can say that more and more women are getting educated in today’s world. But the irony is they lack even the social awareness of the least educated women of the previous centuries. They lack practical wisdom and don’t know how to respond, react, or resist. Only when she takes an active role in the various functions of society and mingles with its members she will become more aware of the realities of life and will learn to react. The problem now is she is being chained  and mesmerized by T.V. programs  specially designed to attract her and make her dwell in a dream world full of sound and fury signifying nothing. They indirectly teach her how to dress sexy and slowly take her away from her culture and values. They never give her chance to think and slowly she becomes autistic. So in order to bring about changes in a society women have to come out of their shells and play an active role.  And this is the religious duty of a Muslim woman.
Doubts
When we say this people ask: how is it possible within the framework of the religion? How can a Muslim woman do this inside her black dress? These and many such questions are the result  of a wrong notion on women’s liberation, the after effect of the extreme feminist ideology that came from Europe as a protest against the atrocities of the church towards women.
Women’s liberation is not exactly the liberation from dress or from men. It is neither an escape from womanhood and its basic nature. The notion that a woman would get acceptance in society only if she dresses like man, and acts like man is not real liberation. She should have the freedom to dress according to the instructions of her creator whom she values more than anyone and also according to her biological nature. The various women’s magazines and T.V. programs designed for women convey the message to her that oppressed if you are dressed. They tell her that if you wear conventional dress you will become invisible and who wants to be invisible? But the truth is to be an active member in society you need have to be that visible and expose your body. The Islamic dress in comparison with the tight so called trendy dresses give her more freedom of movement and keep her more focused on her duties. It also confirms respect for her in society as the holy Qur’an says  in Sura Al-Ahzab  verse number 59 .This kind of de womanizing process is the strategy of colonial powers to conquer the lands and possess the women. All precious things are covered and hard to get. So hijab is not slavery. It is indeed an honor for women as it recognizes her worth.
Another misunderstanding is that Islam doesn’t permit women to come out of her shell to walk into the streets to involve in social activities. The very fact that she is instructed to wear hijab proves this wrong. Hijab is essential only when she goes out. At home she is instructed to wear all her adornment.
Women’s  liberation  is  often mistaken as a movement  against men .This originated from Europe due to the male chauvinist  regulations of the church. Karl Marx was of the opinion that it is through the conflict between opposites that history expands. But Islam believes in the co-operation and co-ordination of opposites i.e. couples in the progress of the society. They, like the two tires of the same car have to move together for any movement forward.  is clearly illustrated in Sura Al-Taubah verse number 71. “ The believers men and women are ‘auliya’ of one another , they enjoin good and forbid evil; they perform Salath and give the Zakath and obey Allah and His Messenger. “ here ‘auliya’ means men and women are complementary  not competitive to each other. There is no question of who is greater but there is a question of who does the duty. This verse also throws light on the fact that it is wrong to say that women have no social responsibility. If so one may even have to say that she doesn’t have to perform Salath or give Zakath as the verse gives equal importance to all.
When we analyze the topic from the Islamic perspective we have to bear in mind that unlike the other isms and movements Islam originates from the creator who created both men and women. Hence it is neither male oriented nor female oriented. It is suitable for everyone at all times and all places. The difference in sex is neither a defect nor an advantage. Both men and women according to their basic nature have different roles to play.
The sixth century B.C. saw the golden era of womanhood with the revelation of the Quran and the teachings of prophet Mohammed [s].They both came with answers to the innumerable questions about women.  At a time when people considered the birth of a female child as a curse the Quran exalted her and motivated the believers to desire for girls. When Maryam’s mother gave birth to her she lamented “ O my Lord ! I have given birth to a female child, "[Quran 3:36] But Allah said, “Allah knew better what you brought forth.” and exalted her position and gave her as an example for all believers [both men and women] to follow. That jahiliya society which used to bury girls alive [Quran 6:140] was instructed to bring up both girls and boys equally, educating them in the same manner. Bringing up girls was being taught as a means to go to Heaven by the prophet (s).
Even great thinkers like Aristotle considered women as having no soul. If at all there is any they thought that it is inferior to that of man. But the Qur’an objects this and declares that both are created from the same nafs [Qur’an4:1].  The concept that she is created from the ribs of Adam is not in accordance with the spirit of the Qur’an and Sunna. When people like St. Augustine believed that “It is Hawa’s lust that led her to prompt Adam to eat the forbidden apple ”, the Qur’an doesn’t put the blame only on her. In fact the Qur’an clearly tells us that they both were tempted by satan, they both committed the sin, they both repented and Allah forgave both of them.[Qur’an 2:36, 7:20-25] He also promised both of them that he will send his messengers to guide them. Some even believe that the labor pain that a woman undergoes is a punishment for this sin. In fact Islam teaches that it is to give her the greatest honor i.e. motherhood under whose feet is the paradise of even the greatest of the great men.
While marriage is still considered as a means to enslave women in many parts of the world the Qur’an declared it as a great contract. If a woman finds it difficult to adjust with her husband she is given every freedom to end the contract like men.
In worship, in reward or in punishment she has equal rank with men. "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another.” [Qur’an 3: 195] The same message is conveyed in Qur’an 4:124 and 16:97.
Now let us analyze the Islamic history to see if women had an active role in society.

             The examples are innumerous. Wherever women were needed in reforming the society  prophet (S) kept them with them with him. In certain places he even gave them a superior position. Right from serving and treating the wounded soldiers, digging graves to bury them , and fighting personally in the battle field women’s active role was seen.  From kitchen to the most intricate state affairs women were found active and influential. Their role in society was a creative one and not that of just show off. What they proved was that in Islam women is not the tail or attachment of men. She is neither weak nor frail. She is the personification of strength and steadfastness .She has her own identity with clear cut responsibilities and undeniable rights. None of the above mentioned women earned their reputations just because of their husbands, fathers or brothers. They were praised in history for their own contributions. Others, in spite of being great men’s wives were cursed in history. For instance the Qur’an sets the example of the wives of prophets Nuh (A) and Luth (A)  for all disbelievers.
The great women in Islamic history were real feminists with real stuff. They achieved this greatness at a time when means of transportation or communication was very less. They crossed hills and valleys, high ways and deserts to do their social responsibility and win the pleasure of their Creator. With all the modern facilities what is the Muslim woman doing today? It is high time she woke up to fulfill her duties i.e. to establish good and eradicate evil (Quran:Thawba:71) . Otherwise as they say “evil wins where good men walk away.”
The problem is that our women are not ready to sacrifice the cozy and comfortable life for anything.  They are being trapped in the glamorous world depicted by T.V. shows. They believe that woman means the physical body, and the physical body means the physical beauty and the physical beauty means the fairness of the skin. Their entire resource is utilized on this quest. Their main aim is to be on display. Even at a time when people are dying around them their main concern and worry is due to a pimple on their face.
Where to begin?
The beginning of any change should be from the family. As family is the basic unit of society any step to reform society forgetting families would be as ridiculous as wearing lipsticks and not brushing your teeth. The irony today is those who want to do social work do not want family. Those who want family do not want society. This is something strange to Islam. In the early Islamic society women played an active role in public matters while concentrating on their families and bringing up children like Abdulla Bin Zubair. The woman who goes out to society gains more confidence, experience and awareness to prepare her children to face the challenges of the new world. Those who say women will get spoiled if they go out must bear in mind that in this new world of media and technology there are more chances of women getting spoiled inside the house than outside.
But the change should begin from our hearts. As Leo Tolstoy said “everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself”. This is more clearly illustrated in the Quran.  "Verily! Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves." (Quran 13:11).