At the same time, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) calls attention to the gross excesses being committed by those in authority in the name of implementing religious norms. The ongoing protests in Iran, in the aftermath of the killing of a young Mahsa Amini in the name of Hijab violations by the national "moral police" may also mark the beginning of the end of an oppressive regime of Mullahs playing God on earth.
Elucidating on the Islamic concept of a non-exploitative social order where men and women have an equal responsibility in recognizing the dignity, rights and interests of one another, Hazrat Saheb (aba) underscores the need for the community of believers- both men and women- to gain a proper appreciation of the ethical roots and subtle wisdom that underlies the Islamic regulations of social life.
Read the Friday Sermon Below:
Islam’s Uprising & the Rights of Women
Islam is currently the
second largest religion in the world, and as per the recent statistics and
trend, it is the fastest growing religion in the world with roughly 1.97
billion followers. The majority of the new reverts to Islam are women.
Many of them - whether
the women and men who have accepted the truth of Islam and submitted to Allah’s
will - have testified that Islam is really that religion of peace which it
advocates and have found the revelations of the Almighty God, i.e. Allah, to be
ever true and valid today as it was yesterday.
Despite the
Islamophobia of some and the outcry against the Hijab or Islamic Pardah,
more and more women from various religious backgrounds have found their way to
Islam and have not hesitated to adopt the Islamic way of clothing.
It is a fact that Islam is for today’s woman as it was for yesterday’s woman. The teachings of Islam are such that it remains modern and up-to-date despite the erosion of time. Indeed, the modern Muslim woman came into existence with the advent of Islam roughly some 1467 years ago. It is through Islam that the woman has gained her full rights, rights which unfortunately others are still fighting for even today.
The common image of the
Muslim woman is that of a suppressed woman, forced into a marriage she did not consent
to, tied to the whims and dictates of her overtly masterly husband and extended
family, and neither allowed to be educated nor to voice her opinion.
What attracts a woman
to Islam is simply that Islam is the only religion that gives true equality,
true freedom and real rights.
As far back as the
ancient history of the Greek and Roman Empires, women were considered far
inferior to men and enjoyed no freedom. Again up until the 6th
century, conditions declined and worsened.
In pre-Islamic Arabia,
and the rest of the world, the condition of the women was equal to that of
slaves with no rights. They were debarred from owning or inheriting property
and wealth in general, except those of the elite class. In day-to-day life,
they had no rights over their children or themselves. They were only a shadow
of a human being, being traded and sold as per the whims of their husband or
owners.
They had no true status
in society, and no respect was vouchsafed to them as a wife, mother or
daughter. As a wife, the woman could not appeal for divorce if she was abused
by her husband. As a daughter, she is not entitled to any education except
being trained how to serve her future husband and taking care of her home. In
fact, she was considered as a burden on her father and was often killed at birth.
Being bereft of education and regarded as a worthless creature, the pre-Islamic
woman had no say in any religious matter, being regarded as stupid creatures
with no intelligence. Those who were regarded in high esteem were only those of
the upper class who had the choice of choosing their husband, manage a business
and inherit from their fathers. While riches were honoured, poverty was spitted
upon.
Whereas many of these
conditions still remained in the West up until the 19th and 20th
century, but with the advent of Islam the Muslim woman already enjoyed those
freedoms and rights which are now being suppressed again, ironically by those
who were advocating and fighting for the rights of the women.
Today, the conception
of the modern woman has taken a new form. The greater she is denuded, the
better. For the non-Islamic theologians, politicians and commoners, the woman
is freed when she clothes herself in an impious way. The past restrictions
levied on the women of yesteryears have caused a mental trauma which led many
of them to do the contrary of what was expected of them at the time. So, the
dress code of the Virgin Mary and the women of her time became more of a prison
for today’s woman than the chastity she and her peers advocated.
Chastity means piety
and vice-versa. When there is piety, there is shame, there is chastity. Islam
as a religion of peace and submission to the Unique Lord of the Worlds is the
religion of chastity, purity, shame and freedom. One does not need to be naked
or semi-naked to be called liberated or free. The concept of the modern woman
has evolved in that direction, but Alhamdulillah, ever since the attack of the
World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001, and the rise of Islamophobia up till
now, despite the great hatred against Islam and Muslims, but with the concerted
and relentless efforts of many of our Muslims brothers and sisters, we have
succeeded in showing the true face of Islam in all the hatred we underwent.
Despite various attacks on the image of Islam, on Allah’s Holy Book and Holy
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), yet the perfume of truth spread to the truth-seekers,
the lost souls who were in quest of the Higher Truth, i.e. Allah.
While, Alhamdulillah,
the Sun of truth is rising in the West, and many Westerners have embraced Islam
with a true and sincere heart, but unfortunately those who were supposed to be
guardians of faith of Islam are mutilating the image of Islam by allowing
themselves to disrespect the truth for free publicity and the power and wealth
of this world.
Today the great Sheikhs
and Kings of the Arab world have become beggars to the Political West. For the
sake of political power and fraternity, they have traded Islam for a paltry
price. Today they are the main idol-carvers and builders while the father of monotheism,
i.e. Abraham (as) and the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh) destroyed
idols. All the teachings of Islam have been trampled under their feet because
they think highly of themselves, believing themselves to be the lords of this
world.
The recent case of the
murder of Mahsa Amini in police custody due to a few strands of hair being
visible has spark great revolt in Iran. Should it have been so? Few strands of
hair coming out are not such a sinful act as to beat and murder a woman. While
the Islamic Code of Dressing is to be respected, but like I told you last week
from the Divine Revelations vouchsafed upon me on the Islamic Pardah with is supported by Allah Himself in His Holy Book [the Quran],
the Burqa is not the Islamic Dress Code though it is preferred [it is
the best form]. This dressing code was not current during the lifetime of the
Holy Prophet of Islam, and even when the verse of The Veil was revealed. Few
strands of hair being visible are not a sin, and yet the moral police have
taken action against her because of ‘Bad Hijab’. But, should that mean
that the women revolt and decide to remove the veil? Is this Islam? Is this
what Islam has preached? Those who have done it are those who see the Veil as a
hindrance instead as a protection. While the once naked women of the West are
now covering themselves and being chaste inside and out, the Arab women are
revolting. This is a case of total opposite of behaviours. The Arabs who should
have been role models for all mankind as the Holy Quran was revealed in their
tongue, yet, it is the pure-hearted of the West who are now embracing the
truth.
All this shows that
having a Muslim name and attire does not make one a Muslim. A Muslim should be
Muslim at heart. A person who follows the laws and guidelines of Islam without
any fear of man or because of man is a Muslim. A Muslim believes that God has
created us for a purpose and given us His direction and guidance so that we can
strive to worship Him, obey His commands and to serve humanity. The Holy Quran
states:
“I
created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” (Az-Zariyat 51: 57)
Islam does not mean
captivity or force but the Muslim woman should be able to clothe herself in the
Islamic Way without fear that this dress code is becoming her prison. On the
contrary, this dress code should become her protection in the world of men.
This dress code should become her means to make her voice heard in the world of
men. Hijab, Khimar or Burqa should not be seen as a sign
of suppression but as liberation. The woman is free to work, hold conference
and work along men in her Pardah. The
Pardah is not just her identity as a
Muslim who obeys the commandment of God Almighty, but it acts as a mark of
honour and protection in the world of men. She can express herself while in Pardah. She is free in her Pardah and not the other way round [i.e.
she is not suppressed]. Those Muslim women who revolt against the Islamic Pardah are those who were forced in some
way or another in following the dress code, but yes, one should not be allowed
the freedom to walk naked in the street in the name of freedom. Nudity is
private to a person and her spouse and exposing one’s nakedness to others is a
sign of immorality and is the work of the Satan.
So, O Muslim ladies, do
not sell your Islam for a paltry price. Do not roam without the Islamic Pardah. Cover your body properly in a
dignified way. Repel the Satan with your good thoughts and behaviour. Bear in
mind that you have a great role to play in society.
To better understand
your role in the present-day society you must understand the concept of
equality between men and women in Islam. The Quran categorically declares the
equality of men and women even as far back as their point of creation.
'He has
created you from a single being; then of the same kind made its mate.' (Az-Zumar 39: 7).
The Quran states that
women are equal to men in spiritual capabilities as well:
'But
whosoever does good works, whether male or female, and is a believer, shall
enter Heaven, and shall not be wronged even as much as the little hollow in the
back of a date-stone.'
(An-Nisa 4: 125)
In Islam a woman is
equal in status. Allah has made provision for her economic security in the home
of her parents as well as that of her husband. She is entitled to food,
shelter, education, protection from her father and husband, as well as to
inherit from them after their death.
While she is entitled
to many rights, but the Pardah
between man and woman restricts her from competing in sports with men. While
there is no objection for her to compete against women like her, there are
still people who think today that she should be allowed to compete with men as
well. This is against the principles of Islam. Boxing, or Karate or whatever
sports which required touching the male adversaries in competitions is against
the principles of Islam. There is a code of conduct which both the woman and
man must respect. This is what holds back Satan from them if they observe
correctly their Pardah, be it the
woman and the man, both of man.
And it is not possible
for them to demand such equality as nature has created men and woman with
different designs, functions, capabilities and needs. Thus their tasks and
roles in society would differ too. The Holy Quran states:
'And
follow the nature made by Allah - the nature in which He has created mankind.
There is no altering the creation of Allah.' (Ar-Rum 30: 31).
One of the examples of
differing functions and capabilities is that a woman can bear children whereas
man cannot. It is only she who has the physiological and psychological design
to do so. She also has the additional qualities of patience, tenderness and a
unique bond established during the length of pregnancy [between her and her babies]
that makes her more suitable for the upbringing of the children. Islam
therefore encourages a woman to stay at home and take care of her family.
Men however are
designed physically and emotionally stronger and therefore are better equipped
to sustain the rigour of the outdoors and as such Islam assigns them the role
of a guardian, protector and provider: responsibilities in line with their
needs.
As a husband, man is a
guardian over his family and is regarded as the head of the household. It is
not a matter of man’s superiority or a woman’s inferiority; it is about natural
capacity and proper functioning. It is about the role assigned to men and women
by nature [Nature by which Allah has created them].
Many Muslim women who
follow these guidelines confirm that they enjoy a dignity, stability and
fulfilment in their lives - factors which are often missing from societies of
today.
Islam provides economic
security to the woman and has freed her from bearing any sole responsibility of
being a bread-winner. Nevertheless, a Muslim woman can work if she so desires
as long as it is within the perimeters of the teachings of Islam and as long as
her functions and her duties towards her home and family are not affected. If
she chooses to work, then her entire earnings are solely hers to do whatever
she wishes. Should she wish to contribute to the running of the household then
it is seen as an act of kindness on her part. This right for a Muslim woman
gives her absolute financial freedom, peace of mind and comfort, a right that
many women of today’s societies would cherish to have.
Again at the time of
marriage Islam further protects the economic status of a woman by the system of
the dowry (Mahr). Here a husband is instructed to give a certain amount
of money to his bride.
Marriage is perhaps the
most important institution, as the family is the basic unit in a society. The
Holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Marriage is part of my Sunnah,
and whoever does not follow my Sunnah has nothing to do with me.” (Ibn
Majah).
In the absence of
marriage, a woman can be misused as a mere instrument of indulgence. And thus
Islam ensures that through marriage a bond of commitment is formed which
provides a woman with rights that no other form of friendship or partnership
can replace. The Holy Quran describes husband and wife as garments for each
other.
In Islam, polygamy is
allowed up to four wives per husband. The current misconception surrounding
polygamy that it is practised merely for lust and fun is incorrect. In fact,
Islam permits polygamy only under certain conditions and restrictions and a man
has to undertake full moral and financial responsibility for any woman and
subsequent children he may have.
And if
you fear that you will not deal justly with them marry only one. (An-Nisa
4: 4).
Thus, Islam prevents
adultery, fornication or any form of illegal sexual intercourse as practised
today, such as homosexuality [i.e. a man having sexual relations with other
men], lesbianism [i.e. a woman having sexual relations with other women],
polyandry [a woman having sexual relations with many men], and polyamory
[partners in an open relationship involving sexual relations without the legal framework
of (Islamic) marriage etc.] that is practised in the modern societies of today.
Uncontrolled and
uninhibited satisfaction of physical desire is simply not permitted in Islam.
While today, modern societies have legalised homosexuality and lesbianism and
allowed those involved to get married civilly but in the point of view of
Islam, all these relationships, except the Islamic concept of monogamy and
polygamy (which involves a man having wives up to four under the legal
protection of marriage), are illegal and sins.
Islam regards marriage
as the means by which man’s [i.e. both the man and the woman] natural urges and
needs, both physical and emotional are controlled and satisfied at the same
time.
The purpose of marriage
in Islam is:
1.
To
enable a man and a woman to live together and experience love and happiness,
fulfilment and contentment within Islamic law;
2.
To
produce children and provide a stable and righteous environment for their
upbringing;
3.
To
provide a legal union which safeguards society from moral and social
degradation.
A Muslim man cannot go
to any woman and merely satisfy his physical desires; he has to do so through a
legal contract of marriage, which carries with it the additional
responsibilities, duties and liabilities of family and children for the rest of
his life. The result of this restriction is a creation of a society whose
morals and stability is safeguarded.
Thus Islam prevents all
illegal sexual relations that is practiced in the modern societies of today
where a man may have any number of mistresses, one-night-stands, and affairs,
be it with men or women or both at the same time, etc. In the absence of moral
restraint, monogamy is abused.
On the issue of divorce,
Islam gave women the right to seek a divorce [Khula]. Nowhere else in
the world had any woman enjoyed such independence at this time and it was not
until the 19th century that women in France and the UK were able to
gain this independence.
In Islam, acquiring
knowledge is specifically compulsory for both men and women. The Prophet of
Islam Muhammad (pbuh) said: ‘It is the duty of every Muslim (man and woman)
to acquire knowledge’. (Ibn Majah)
Knowledge enables one
to think with logic and reason. Through knowledge, one gains understanding
which enhances wisdom. In fact, education is very important for a woman, as she
is responsible for the upbringing of the future generation. While education was
being promoted amongst the women of Islam, if a woman in the West displayed any
type of knowledge, she was labelled as a witch, and thus, because of this
thirst for knowledge hundreds of thousands of women were burnt alive at the
stakes.
Islam provides the
precautionary measures so that a woman is not misused. Prevention is the better
cure. The guidelines on adopting modest dress and coverings help to reduce the
attraction and temptation of a man towards a woman and consequently she is
protected from a host of problems that today’s society is facing. And Alhamdulillah,
the women of the West are learning fast about the boon which Islam represents
for them. The creatures who for so long were without a guide and purpose
suddenly found them in Islam. The veil has become their true inspiration,
aspiration and liberation.
May Allah continue to
help His Deen-i-Islam to go from progress to progress and to grow fast,
not just in number but also in true faith as well. Islam does not need numbers
but needs true servants of Allah who know the importance of this Deen in their lives and strive to make
it shine all over the world. May Allah help the people of the West and the Arab
world as well and the rest of mankind to see, accept and follow Islam with true
faith and diligence. Insha-Allah, Ameen. This is our true purpose, to
guide people to Allah, to Islam, i.e. to submit themselves to that One True God
in all humility, sincerity and true faith. Insha-Allah, Ameen.