Women In Islam

just want to clear the air. am not a sexist eh...

With the rise of Islam, came the rise of women and her elevation to a position of social envy. Historically, the various 'civilisations' have treated women in various ways: in ancient Greece, women were considered as commercial merchandise; the Romans treated them as slaves; Hindu tradition dictated that her dignity lay in burning herself in her husband's ashes; while in pre-Islamic Arabia, baby girls were often buried alive.

Islam put an end to these negative and debasing attitudes and dignified women. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Muslims to search for paradise 'at the feet of your mothers' and that the mother was the one most deserving your care and service. He encouraged his followers to treat their wives fairly and with respect: '... the best among you is the one who is the best towards his wife.'

Islam consolidated her rights. When a Companion enquired about the wife's rights, the Prophet replied: 'That you should feed her as you feed yourself, clothe her as you clothe yourself, that you should never hit her face or put her down, or cut yourself from her except in the house'. He admonished men concerning beating their women, stating: 'certainly they are not the best among you' and 'None of you must beat his wife as a slave is beaten, and then have sexual intercourse with her at the end of the day.'

He practised what he preached: His wife Aisha states: 'The Prophet never beat any of his wives or servants; in fact he did not strike anything with his hand except in the cause of Allah...'