Of Islam and Women: A Reflection of Women in Islam
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This article is contributed by Thaheera, A 2nd year Literature student from Nanyang Technological University.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any members of im.prof
In recent times, Islam has become a subject of curiosity and analysis thanks to media coverage of events around the globe. As much as the painting of Islam in an adverse light and almost demonising it to some extent, is undeniably harmful for a religion that is already facing backlash from the Western world for being oppressive and regressive, there never has been a time when people’s interest in Islam was aroused as much as it has today. Learned Muslims, and non-Muslims alike, have taken the challenge to explore this religion, and its tenets.
An article titled “15 Important Muslim Women in History” authored by Mohamad Ballan, PhD student in Islamic and medieval history at the University of Chicago, was published online in commemoration of the International Women’s Day on the 8th of March. This review of the fascinating eye opener of Islamic history will seek to oppose the misconception that Muslim women are being oppressed by religion. A careful study of the early days of Islam and during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would reveal many strong, independent and courageous women, whose deeds and determination will surprise the feminists of today. Third wave feminism, regards Islam, and other conservative religions as oppressors of women’s rights, that disallow women from unleashing their potential. A common stereotype of orthodox Islamic societies would be that the men never allow the women out of their homes, or even the kitchens, in very extreme circumstances, effectively extinguishing any potential in them. However, number two on the list of 15 Important Muslim Women in History debunks such a myth.
Nusayba b. Ka’b al-Ansariyya, fought in the Battle of Uhud in the year 625A.D. just like any other warrior, with a sword and a shield, and protected the Prophet against harm, while sustaining wounds from the enemies. Her first words upon waking up from her injuries were to inquire about the health of the Prophet, in a stunning display of courage, strength and loyalty to the Prophet and Islam. Yes, she was a woman, and no, no one stopped her from choosing to fight in the war, in a time and culture which most regard to be conservative. If a woman in the year 625 A.D. was able to stand along men to protect her faith and people, there is nothing much today that prevents modern Muslim women from achieving their aspirations, so long as they are sunnah in the eyes of Islam.
No discussion about Islam and feminism would be complete without mentioning Khadija b. Khuwaylid (R.A.), the beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was written in a hadith that the Prophet himself said that “God Almighty never granted me anyone better in this life than her. She accepted me when people rejected me; she believed in me when people doubted me; she shared her wealth with me when people deprived me; and God granted me children only through her.” Khadija (R.A.) was not only influential after her marriage to the Prophet; she was one of the wealthiest and most intelligent women in Mecca, and a highly successful businesswoman.
One of the first women to accept Islam, she became a pillar of support for the Prophet against his enemies, and was there for him in his most trying times in his life. It is not a far-fetched statement to claim that the Prophet’s success in spreading Islam, and its message to the world, is partly due to the very strong support and motivation he received from his beloved wife. This shows that Islam values the words of a learned person, whether man or a woman. If the Prophet himself, who is regarded as the most perfect Muslim to have walked the face of the Earth listened, to the words of his wife, and acted upon it with positive results, there is no doubt that Islam is far from the anti-feminist doctrine it is usually portrayed as.
About The Author: Thaheera is currently pursuing her major in English Literature at Nanyang Technological University, due to her deep love for language and literature. She is also working on her first novel and aspires to be an accomplished writer. Her hobbies include reading, writing, watching good films and TV shows, along with spreading the love for literature and the arts to those around her. She is an animal lover, whose ideal world is one where animals are treated well and loved by humans.