The status of women in society has long been a contentious issue that remains unresolved. In the pre-Islamic era, women were subjected to severe mistreatment including infanticide and negative attitudes towards wives and sisters. However, Islam brought about a paradigm shift where both men and women are regarded as equals with equal human rights. Although their roles and duties may differ at times, both genders have the opportunity to attain perfection and spiritual proximity to God. This viewpoint is substantiated by a verse from the HOLY QURAN and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to Allah, humanity was created from a male and a female, and different nations and tribes were established to foster identification and unity. The most revered individuals in the eyes of God are those who are most conscious of Him. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized equality among all people, without differentiation based on ethnicity, race, or gender. The only distinction lies in the level of godliness. Thus, Islam grants women a respectable position within society and bestows upon them the honor of living in it.
The text emphasizes the significance of women as mothers in Islam. In accordance with Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims are directed to honor and cherish their mothers. By stating that Paradise lies beneath their feet, Allah has elevated the position of mothers. According to Islamic belief, demonstrating obedience and reverence towards one’s mother is considered a core responsibility, equal in importance to performing Salaah (prayer) and fasting. Causing harm to one’s mother is regarded as the second gravest sin, leading to severe repercussions from Allah either in this life or the hereafter.
Allah loves and cares deeply for us, more than anyone else. He especially favors those who show love and care towards others but is greatly displeased with those who harm others. Allah, being All-Knowing, understands that no one in this world demonstrates more love and care towards another person than a mother does for her child. Only Allah and his Messenger (PBUH) have a greater affection for you than your mother! Only Allah truly comprehends the extent of sacrifices made by your mother; he witnesses her enduring pain while striving to fulfill your every desire. He observes the boundless love and kindness shown by your mother.
Allah has blessed your mother with many virtues and rewards, elevating her to a high status that brings us joy. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah commands us to treat our mothers kindly, especially as they age and become weaker. We are told to speak gently to them and show them respect. Additionally, Allah has given us a prayer for supplicating on behalf of our mothers. In an Islamic account, it is mentioned that a man sought guidance from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by addressing him as “O Prophet of Allah!”
Despite having numerous loved ones and acquaintances whom I hold dear and want to assist, it can be challenging to decide who deserves my utmost attention. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has offered clear guidance on this issue by stressing the importance of prioritizing my mother above all others. This advice brought immense satisfaction to the individual. However, even with a large number of relatives and friends, he still sought additional clarification on who should come next in terms of priority after his mother. To his surprise, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reaffirmed once again, “Your mother!”
The man asked the question again, ‘What I want to know is, after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me?'” The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny, replied, “‘Your mother!'” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reiterated this three times. The man then asked, “‘And after my mother, who comes after her? Is there anyone besides her?” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) answered, “‘After your mother, your father.'” This demonstrates the significance of mothers in our religion,
ISLAM.
The Quran acknowledges the challenges faced by mothers in multiple instances. It emphasizes the importance of treating parents well, particularly mentioning the hardships endured by mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period of breastfeeding. This passage also highlights the development and growth of individuals until they reach maturity. At this stage, they are urged to express gratitude towards God for His blessings upon them and their parents, as well as to strive for righteousness in their own lives and for their future generations.
The text emphasizes the significance of repentance and being a Muslim. It also highlights the importance of mothers and the good deeds associated with serving and being obedient to them, as mentioned in a narration by Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states that offering prayers on time is the best deed, followed by being dutiful and kind to one’s parents, and then taking part in Jihad in Allah’s cause.
The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the significance of showing kindness towards parents and also warned against disobeying them, stating that it is one of the major sins: “The greatest sins are associating partners with Allah, being undutiful or unkind to one’s parents, killing a forbidden soul, and bearing false witness.” During a conversation, someone inquired if carrying his mother for miles to Hajj and continuing to care for her during Hajj would fulfill his obligations towards her. The Prophet (PBUH) replied by saying, “You have not even fulfilled the right of one contraction she had while she bore you.”
Showing appreciation for the existence of our mothers is crucial in our lives. They play a vital role as both teachers and sources of inspiration. Every day spent with them allows us to grow and develop as individuals, while every day without them signifies a missed opportunity. Prior to the emergence of Islam, the birth of daughters was not celebrated but instead brought shame. The widespread practice of killing infant girls was prevalent among pagan Arabs, who would bury their daughters alive out of fear that they may marry and have sons-in-law.
Children are a precious gift from Allah to parents. Parents should consider their children as priceless treasures, as their worth far surpasses any wealth or material resources. It is important to express gratitude to Allah for blessing them with children, whether they are sons or daughters. Daughters, in particular, are an exceptional blessing from Allah. They bring salvation and lead their parents towards paradise. It has been said that the joy felt by parents at the birth of a daughter is even greater than making Tawaaf of the Kaaba seventy times.
Muslims should remember that the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) originates from his beloved daughter Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (R. A). The Quran emphasizes the importance of daughters by stating that Allah grants females and males as He pleases. In this verse, the female is mentioned before the male, indicating the superiority of having a daughter over having a son.
According to the Quran, there is a mention of the unfavorable treatment of daughters in certain circumstances. It states that when someone is informed of the birth of a female child, their face darkens and they feel inward grief. They may even hide from others due to the perceived shame associated with having a daughter. The Quran questions whether they should keep their daughters with dishonor or bury them in the earth, condemning such actions as evil. Therefore, Islam’s stance on daughters is clear, encouraging their value while expressing hatred towards those who dislike or are saddened by their births.
We understand that hatred towards something does not necessarily mean that it is truly deserving of such judgment. The Quran explains this by stating that if one dislikes something, it may be that through it, Allah brings forth a great deal of good. In the context of the status of daughters, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated immense love and affection towards his own daughters. There are many traditions that emphasize the importance of treating daughters kindly, including one stating that if a believer takes care of and marries off three daughters properly, they will be rewarded with entry into Paradise.
The education of daughters is just as important as the education of sons, as seeking knowledge is obligatory for both Muslim men and women, without distinction. Islamic teachings emphasize the value of daughters. According to a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), anyone who has three daughters and fulfills their needs will enter Paradise. When asked about having two daughters, the Prophet replied, “And two.” He also suggested that showing mercy to daughters is a significant form of charity (sadaqa).
“Certainly, Messenger of Allah!” he responded. He also added, “To support your daughter upon her return to you, as you will be her sole provider.” According to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), any Muslim who has two daughters and takes good care of them will be granted entry into Paradise. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated that when a boy is born, he brings one Noor (light), while a girl brings two Noors. A Hadith states that if parents show kindness and generosity towards their daughters, they will be as close to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Jannah as one finger is to another.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught that facing difficulties due to daughters and having patience will lead to the daughters acting as a barrier against Hell. Moreover, lovingly enduring the challenges of raising daughters and finding suitable marriages for them will make Paradise obligatory and safeguard from the torment of Hell. Daughters are a blessing from Almighty Allah, and parents who treat them well will be blessed with His generosity.
According to a great Saint, it is believed that showing mercy to daughters will result in receiving mercy from Almighty Allah. It is also believed that when a girl is born, her parents are distanced from Hell by five hundred years. Celebrating the arrival of a daughter is considered even more significant than performing Tawaaf around the Kaaba seventy times. Muslims should also remember that Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) family lineage can be traced back to his beloved daughter, Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (R.A). Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to rejoice at the birth of daughters, express love towards them, provide guidance, and ensure they receive their rightful share from your possessions.
It is crucial to acknowledge that daughters should not be denied their inheritance, as they also have a voice in this matter. It is vital to understand that daughters are a gift and should not be viewed as a burden. Sisters play an important role within the honorable Islamic nation, which is unparalleled in its excellence among all nations. This nation has given rise to exceptional men, leaders, conquerors, and women unlike any other on Earth. It offers guidance and adheres to the true religion. The remarkable women of Islam who preceded us played a pivotal role in establishing this esteemed position among all nations.
Allah has given Islam to this nation and has elevated Muslim women, ordaining them to participate in the duties of promoting truth, prohibiting evil, and upholding Islamic principles. According to the Quran, “The believers, both men and women, are allies of one another; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, establish prayer and give Zakat (charity), and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” The role of women holds great significance in Islam.
Islamic teachings grant women rights and shares in property. In the Holy Quran, Allah states that males receive a portion equal to two females in inheritance. If there are only daughters, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance, but if there is only one daughter, her share is half. As for parents, each receives a sixth share if the deceased had children. However, if there are no children and the parents are the sole heirs, the mother is entitled to a third share. If the deceased had siblings, then the mother’s share becomes a sixth.
The distribution of assets is to be carried out after settling legacies and debts. It remains uncertain whether one’s parents or children hold greater significance in terms of benefits. These portions have been decreed by Allah, who possesses complete knowledge and wisdom. This anecdote is derived from the life of the Prophet (PBUH): Shayma, the Prophet’s foster sister, was older than him. While they resided together in their early years, she dedicated a substantial amount of time to caring for him. She would provide nourishment, display affection and empathy, hold his hand, and accompany him on walks.
During the Hunayn campaign, Prophet Muhammad himself participated in intense battles against the Hawazin tribe. This resulted in the acquisition of a significant amount of goods and property, as well as the capture of numerous individuals as prisoners of war. One of these prisoners was Shayma, who happened to be Prophet Muhammad’s foster sister. Despite facing harsh treatment during her captivity, Shayma tried to alleviate tensions by reminding her captors that she shared a special bond with their Prophet as his milk-sister. After some time had passed, Shayma was eventually separated from the other prisoners and brought before Prophet Muhammad.
Upon her entrance, she greeted him as the “O Messenger of God! I am your foster-sister.” He questioned her, asking for proof. Shayma replied, “O Prophet of God, you bit me when you were a child. Here is the scar!” She proceeded to recall the events of that day from her memory. The Prophet recognized his foster sibling upon seeing the scar and warmly invited her to sit with him by opening his cloak. Despite the passing years, his childhood memories resurfaced vividly before him.
The Prophet Muhammad became emotional, with tears welling up in his eyes, and immediately asked about Shayma’s parents – Halima and Harith. Upon hearing that they had both passed away, he became deeply saddened. Despite his sorrow, the Prophet did everything he could to make Shayma feel welcomed and happy. He offered her two options: she could live with him in affection and honor, with him at her service, or he could provide for her and she could return to her tribe. Shayma expressed her desire to embrace Islam but wished to go back to her tribe.
Before Shayma left, the Prophet gave her a generous gift and promised her more upon his return from Ta’if. This incident highlights the importance of sisters in Islam, as even though she was his foster sister, she was still honored by him. Another misconception in history and the modern world is the position of wives in Islam. Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide with a main focus on women’s status and rights.
Considering the consequences of such observance, one may question whether it actually improves a woman’s status or grants her the desired rights. The Western culture has objectified and exploited women, disguising their actions as a means to save and empower them, when in reality it degrades their status. However, in Islam, the Qur’an and the Sunnah provide a precise description of the rights and status of a wife, offering her a worthy and honorable position. The act of becoming a wife in Islam occurs through marriage, giving the woman the right to choose her partner. Since marriage is a sacred contract, both the man and the woman must carefully consider the selection process before entering into it.
In Islam, wives are regarded as the partners of their “other half.” The prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed his followers to enter into marriage and fulfill the missing part of their faith or way of life. According to the Quran, Allah (SWT) commands men to treat their wives with kindness and to care for them to the best of their ability: “…And live with them in kindness…” Even in the case where a man has two wives, Allah (SWT) states that it is impossible to achieve perfect justice between them, even if one desires it greatly, hence one should not favor one over the other and leave her neglected.
“If you do justice, do what is right, and fear Allah by avoiding wrongdoing, then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. A man should not hate his wife because if he dislikes something in her, he will find something he likes about her if he gives it a chance. One way for the husband to be aware of what he likes in his wife is to make a list of a few things he appreciates about her. Allah mentions among His Signs that He created wives from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them, and He has placed affection and mercy between you.”
Indeed, there are signs for those who reflect, Allah says. In another place, He also states that women should receive their Maher with a good heart. However, if they willingly remit any part of it, then men should take it without fearing any harm. Women have rights over men similar to those that men have over women. In the light of Hadiths, the status of a wife is emphasized. The Holy Prophet advises treating women kindly, as they are created from a rib, and the upper portion of the rib is the most curved (possibly referring to their tongues).
According to the hadith of Sahih Muslim, if you try to straighten a crooked relationship by force, it will break like a fragile object. On the other hand, if you leave it as it is, the relationship will continue to remain flawed. Therefore, it is important to handle such situations with kindness and care. A companion once asked the Prophet about a wife’s rights over her husband. The Prophet responded by saying that a husband should provide food and clothing for his wife as he does for himself. He should never physically harm her or speak ill about her. The husband should also not distance himself from his wife, except when they are in separate parts of the house. Men have authority over women according to God’s design, as they provide for their wives with their wealth.
Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of treating women with kindness and respect. He stated that the most faithful believers are those who are courteous to their wives. The prophet instructed his companions to never mistreat their spouses and admonished them for behaving harshly during the day but desiring intimacy at night. He summarized his teachings by saying, “The best among you are those who are the best to their wives, and I am the best to my wives.”
“A woman should be treated according to the rights bestowed upon her by God. She has the right to be regarded as an individual, with the freedom to possess and manage her own property and income, as well as enter into contracts, even after marriage. She is entitled to receive education and pursue employment outside of her household if she desires. Furthermore, she has the right to inherit from her father, mother, and spouse. It is noteworthy to mention that Islam uniquely allows a woman to serve as an imam, leading communal prayer for a congregation of women.”
