I am writing this article in an interview format, where I am interviewing an imaginary sister called, Fatima!
Fatima: What are the rights of a woman in Islam?
Me: That depends on whether or not were talking about woman as a family member (mother, sister, daughter, wife etc), as an individual (single, divorcee, traveler) or those in a hierarchical position (professional, business, governmental etc).
Fatima: Ok, before we go in that direction, answer this, do women in Islam have the same rights as men?
Me: No. Women and men are equal in the Sight of Allah (swt) in terms of them living by the halal and staying away from the haram. But, they have different roles and responsibilities.
Fatima: Why are then men allowed to marry more than one, and women aren’t? And how come we have to wear the hijaab whilst men don’t have these kind of restrictions?
Me: I don’t really know why Allah (swt) made things like this. But, he (swt) obviously knows about human beings and what rules and laws would work best for them.
Allah does say in the Qur’an that there are things people think are bad for them but it is not.
Fatima: So, why are there so many women on TV and media talking about women freedom and equality, and how this is justified from Islam?
Me: It is very true. There are some women who are being encouraged to talk about feminism and Islam. They say, ‘Look, Allah saids, he created men and women as equal!’ as elucidated in this ayat, where Allah saids in Sura Huzurat, (Ayat 13):
“O mankind! We created You from a single (pair) of a male and a female, And made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (Not that you may despise (each other). Verily The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (the person who is) the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge And is well acquainted (with all things).”
But, we know that our prophet (pbuh) practised Islam the best. Looking at the society he built we can see that men and women had very different roles and responsibilities. One has to study the life of the Muslims in Madina to know what I mean.
Fatima: Ok, so what are my rights as a student going to uni?
Me: Ok, first and foremost, you have the right to study anything that is not haram.
You have the right to carry on studying for as long as you want as long as studying doesn’t interfere with fulfilling your other duties as a Muslima.
You can become a doctor, a teacher, a business woman, or even a builder! So as long as you are not mixing with men regarding non-work or study related matters.
Remember, the right to study academic subjects and non-work related study is mubah (optional) and not one of your fundamental rights. So, if your parent or your husband refuses to let you pursue further or higher education then you should pursue home study instead.
However, the right to study Islam, the things all Muslims must know, is obligatory. And if you don’t have access to Islam at home, because maybe your family isn’t blessed with Islam or you don’t have internet, then you can go out to study, even without permission.
Finally, as a Muslim sister you must understand that your primary role in life should be a wife and a mother as defined by Islam. So, try to be a good mother and wife at the same time working towards a degree.
However, if you feel that you are compromising your deen (religion) then you must do something about it, even consider dropping out from studies. I say this because of the well known shariah principle; ‘That which leads to haram, is haram in itself’.
So, if studying in colleges and universities slowly gets people to attend parties, or even have lunch together with men in their class, then you must stop that activity, and if you can’t then you must stop attending that institution.
Ok sister Fatima, will answer more questions later! But, does anyone else have a question or have a view?