Importance of Woman

Islam has raised the status of women. Islam gave them the honor that they deserved and it protected them from the suffering, humiliation, and injustice that they have suffered before Islam was born. People used to be evil towards women, and they would treat them like animals or money, and only use them for their own benefit. This is completely opposed and unacceptable in Islam.

Before Islam, the husband did not have the responsbility to pay for his divorced woman, and he would have the right to marry as many other times as he desired. When Islam came, it gave women the right to recieve money from their divorced husband. The man is also restricted to a maximum of four wives; that is only if he has the capability of being fair amongst all of them.

During Al-Jahilyyah, the step-mothers would have no right to gain any money from their dead husbands. The sons of the deceased husbands would have the right to inherit their father’s money, including his wife’s. Islam would then come in to stop this act, and it would place the laws in order to allow these woman to inherit money from their passed husband’s.

In Al-Jahilyyah, the widows would be ordered to stay isolated within a home for a year. Within this period, they did not have the right to shower or use any types of perfumes. At the end of the year, she would exit the home and would have a bad odor accompanied by a bad physical state. After Islam began, it would forbid this act from continuing and restated the women’s dignity. The widows were only ordered to stay home for a total of four months and ten days, where they would be entitled to all activities at home including showers.

During Al-Jahilyyah, women would have the right to have multiple relationships with different men. In the case where she would get pregnant, she would have the choice to randomly select one of the men to father the child. This is completely prohibited in Islam.

Newborn baby girls were not welcomed in the Jahilyyah period. If a father was informed that he would be having a daughter, it would result in him feeling angry and depressed to the point where they would brutally kill their child. Burying these girls alive was a common way to kill the babies during this era. This sinful action was completely erased when Islam was born. The Prophet, (PBUH), did clearly mention that Paradise will be guaranteed to those fathers that will properly raise two daughters in a good and pure way. When somebody asked the Prophet what would happen if he only had even one girl, and if he would still go to Paradise, the Prophet responded with yes. This left fathers excited and relieved when they found out that they would be having a daughter.

Before Islam, many of their practices would be similar to that of the Jewish. A major practice that would occur was when a woman would be experiencing her monthly period. They used to forbid her from cooking, touching, or interacting with others during this time. They would view her as a dirty being who had no right to be in their presence. Islam changed this behavior and view towards women when on her period completely. Her life and actions will still be the same except for intercourse.

Now, let’s discuss how Islam gave a significance to woman and honored them rightfully and with just. First, men and women have the same origin and should be treated equally in humanity. The Prophet (PBUH), has said that both men and women should be viewed as if they are brothers and sisters. Because of this, they should not feel inferior or less significant than the man.

Second, the Islam states that those women and men who will believe and act accordingly and appropriately will be rewarded in Paradise. This is clearly explained in Surah Al-Nahl, (97).

Third, in Surah al Ahzab, it is clearly stated that every single type of worship that is done including fasting, giving to charity, maintaining proper and appropriate physical appearance (dressing), etc. men and women will be rewarded equally.

One day, a woman asked the Prophet, (PBUH), if he would be able to schedule a day to teach them about the religious practices, just as he does with the men. The Prophet agreed and he set up a session for them in order to educate them on Islam.

There are many examples that prove how women would educate the men on religion, including Aisha, may Allah have mercy on her.