Islamic Culture: Womens Status in Islam - Coursework Example

Islamic Culture: Women’s Status In Islam: Name: Name of the institution: Islamic culture is a vey unique culture and it is the cultural practices that are very common to Islamic people in one way or the other. Nevertheless, it is not so easy to pinpoint this culture for there are so many Muslims who live in different countries around the globe, but they are well known for their religion that is very similar to every Islam person in the world. In this culture women has their place like any other culture but it is very clear that the Muslim women are very well looked after and they are given the opportunity to be themselves in every facet of life namely, spiritually, politically, economically and socially. In this essay, I will discuss Islamic culture with a specific focus on the Women status in Islam. (Adel, 2012). The status of women can be considered as a olden days agenda which has not yet been resolve even in the contemporary world. However, Muslim women are well looked after and their place in the society and family very distinctively preserved.The which i is based on Gods revelation and the Hadith the elaboration of Prophet Mohammed has written decrees on how to cater for women. Women have a big heart, but they are very sensitive in a way especially when they think that their territories have been interfered with; just to mention it is the reason we see women going to Beijing to fight for gender equality especially in the other countries. This is not the case in the Islamic domain for the women are fitted perfectly. They are well protected and are fully covered even in the religion; they are given the freedom of speech and freedom of choice. Nevertheless, women need to make a choice and an informed decision of where they are needed most; as a Muslim woman one need to ask if she is mostly needed in the family or in the society (Bodman, 1998). Firstly, in the spiritual aspect it is very clearly stated in the noble Quran “O Mankind, keep your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate (of same kind) and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women...".(Noble Quran 4:1) Quran gives directives and directions on how the Islamic people should live their lives. This verse in the Quran is dealing with the position of women in all aspects and it is a decree that contains eloquence, depth, brevity and originality. It is a very rich quote and it speaks volume as a noble origin as it clarifies the position of Muslim women in the society at large. The Quran largely speaks abut women and their position in every aspect. The following quotes are just a proof of how women are seen in the spiritual realm. ““The Creator of heavens and earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves” from Quran 42:11, “He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and there from did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)..."from Noble Quran 7:189 and “And Allah has given you mates of your own nature, and has given you from your mates, children and grandchildren, and has made provision of good things for you. Is it then in vanity that they believe and in the grace of God that they disbelieve?" from Noble Quran 16:72]" this is a clear indication that the Quran has fully taken position of women and so it shows how women should be considered in the Islamic culture.This is a very good connection for it will shed light to the younger generation to come will be able to do the same in regard to their women (The Holy Quran 1998). Moreover, the Noble Quran 74:38 states that "Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds" this shows how women fairs with men especially in the sight of God. This means that they should be responsible and accountable when it comes to their relationship with God. They should both fulfill their obligation to God without any excuses. One great example is that both men and women are required to go for a pilgrimage at least once in their life time and they should be faithful in conducting their daily prayers. However, in some cases the women are given special privileges and mostly while they are pregnant they are not expected to go fasting. In addition, while they are pregnant they should avoid fasting in order to nurse the baby. They are treated with consideration which means that they will not be expected to make up for the missed prayers. Secondly in the social aspect, marriage becomes the main point of discussions. The marriage issue is vey well supported by the Quran and it shows the position of women in married life. It is clearly shown in the Noble Quran 30:21 "And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." This decree clearly shows that man has no right to mistreat or oppress woman for she was created as his helper and not a slave. This is a notion stating that marriage is not only meant for continuity of human kind but it should be in support of spiritual and emotional well being. Both men and women should mind each others welfare in marriage and give each other what is expected and especially love and care. Women in Islam are given an opportunity to be themselves as they express their points of view and opinion regarding family and the welfare of children. Women too are obliged by this quoted verse from the Quran to be very good when it comes to serving their beloved husbands for they are helpers and they need to do it with respect and care (Saktanber, 2002). In addition, the rules in marriage life emphasizes on harmony and upright human nature. This indicates that the men and women should be able to have equal rights but should not be so adamant when it comes to leadership. The Quran supports this idea as seen it the Quran 2:228 "...And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them.”(The Holy Quran 1998). However, this does not necessarily mean that men should go around showing their superiority complex; they should lead the women with respect and love. In the family decision the island people are very adamant on mutual agreement. In addition Prophet Mohammed and the Quran emphasizes on the basic rights of a wife and they mostly recommend kind treatment and as well as the companionship. The noble Quran 4:19 says it all "...But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein God has placed much good."(The Holy Quran, 1998). In this verse Prophet Mohammad was emphasizing that men must strive to be the best in the family and he clearly claimed that the best and perfect believers are not only best in conduct but also in the manner they handle and treat their wives. He mentioned those words due to the many women who were coming to his wives complaining of their husbands’ behavior of beating them. He was terming these husbands as not the best of them (Adel, 2013). Besides, if the woman feels that she is not comfortable in her marriage and she is not contented on the manner in which the man is treating him or handling the family matters she is allowed to divorce. Nevertheless, it should be done with caution; both of them should sit down and analyze the situation of the family before making a move. They should consider the stability of the family in order to avoid causing emotional stress especially to the children. Due to the emotional nature of the women there should be a very tangible reason to be presented to the judge. Women are allowed to divorce their men without resorting to the court particularly if the nuptial contract sanctions it. The man is required to seek a gracious end in marriage even though his marriage is difficult and all seems impossible. (Joseph & Najmabadi, 2003). Thirdly, the economic aspect reveals that Islamic women are require to have the right to own property and to engage in any work that can make them financial stable. Women are allowed to take care of their money and use it as they wish they can also mortgage and sell property without being intimidated by men. They are also allowed to get used and have their own money provided they make an informed decision on how to handle their family matters. This refers to one given fact that Islamic culture considers woman role in the society as sacred and essential. This means that even though the woman should seek employment she should consider parenting as a noble and crucial role for it is a responsibility to shape a future nation. However, this does not indicate that a woman should not be employed. Women in Islam are allowed to mostly go for the career that fits their nature and more importantly the place where society needs them most; these comprise on medicine, teaching and nursing among others. It should also be noted that women are allowed to seek a position on the field that they are so much talented in even though it is the position of a judge (In Joseph et al, 2013). Finally, the political aspect clarifies that Islamic women have political rights. They can be elected in any position and they can also be nominated in political offices and participate in public affairs. Hadith provides a great example where women engaged in serious discussions in the mosque (Adel, 2013). Nevertheless, there is a part in the Hadith which states that there will be no prosperity with women as the leader of state. It is claimed that it does not refer to the dignity or rights of women but the natural differences present in the psychological and biological make-up of men and women (Adel, 2013).To me this has a lot of weight bearing in mind that it is very rare to find a woman president. In conclusion, women status in the Islamic culture is very well catered for. Women are free to be socially, spiritually, economically and politically be themselves. This in itself is very good for it shows that women are not just considered as a second party but an entity that needs respect and dignity in all aspects. Women in Islamic culture have equal rights in many cases and they are expected only to take responsibility when it comes to making decision. Women in Islamic culture are well supported by the Quran and Hadith and they can freely engage in activities that mostly build the nation and society at large. Nevertheless, women are supposed to take family as the most important facet of their life they are not only looking at the present welfare of the society but also the future. A woman therefore, engages in activities that they are most needed and hoses that fits their nature. The careers that they are supposed to engage with are the teaching nursing and medicine, areas indeed that needs a woman touch. Nevertheless, they are also supposed to search their hearts on where they are needed most and also on the talents that they own. With such status as a woman in Islamic culture finds life worth living. References: Adel, G. H. (2012). Hadith: An entry from Encyclopaedia of the world of Islam. EWI Press Ltd. In Joseph, S., In Booth, M., In Davary, B., In Gualtieri, S. M. A., & In Shehabuddin, E. (2013). Women and Islamic cultures: Disciplinary paradigms and approaches, 2003-2013. Bodman, H. L. (1998). Women in muslim societies: Diversity within unity. Boulder [u.a.: Rienner. The Holy, Quran.(1998). Translation of verses is heavily based on A. Yusuf 'Ali's translation, The Glorious Quran, text translation, and Commentary: The American Trust Publication: Plainfield. Saktanber, A. (2002). Living Islam: Women, religion and the politicization of culture in Turkey. London [u.a.: Tauris. Joseph, S., & Najmabadi, A. (2003). Encyclopedia of women & Islamic cultures. Leiden: Brill. Read More

This verse in the Quran is dealing with the position of women in all aspects and it is a decree that contains eloquence, depth, brevity and originality. It is a very rich quote and it speaks volume as a noble origin as it clarifies the position of Muslim women in the society at large. The Quran largely speaks abut women and their position in every aspect. The following quotes are just a proof of how women are seen in the spiritual realm. ““The Creator of heavens and earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves” from Quran 42:11, “He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and there from did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love).

"from Noble Quran 7:189 and “And Allah has given you mates of your own nature, and has given you from your mates, children and grandchildren, and has made provision of good things for you. Is it then in vanity that they believe and in the grace of God that they disbelieve?" from Noble Quran 16:72]" this is a clear indication that the Quran has fully taken position of women and so it shows how women should be considered in the Islamic culture.This is a very good connection for it will shed light to the younger generation to come will be able to do the same in regard to their women (The Holy Quran 1998).

Moreover, the Noble Quran 74:38 states that "Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds" this shows how women fairs with men especially in the sight of God. This means that they should be responsible and accountable when it comes to their relationship with God. They should both fulfill their obligation to God without any excuses. One great example is that both men and women are required to go for a pilgrimage at least once in their life time and they should be faithful in conducting their daily prayers.

However, in some cases the women are given special privileges and mostly while they are pregnant they are not expected to go fasting. In addition, while they are pregnant they should avoid fasting in order to nurse the baby. They are treated with consideration which means that they will not be expected to make up for the missed prayers. Secondly in the social aspect, marriage becomes the main point of discussions. The marriage issue is vey well supported by the Quran and it shows the position of women in married life.

It is clearly shown in the Noble Quran 30:21 "And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." This decree clearly shows that man has no right to mistreat or oppress woman for she was created as his helper and not a slave. This is a notion stating that marriage is not only meant for continuity of human kind but it should be in support of spiritual and emotional well being.

Both men and women should mind each others welfare in marriage and give each other what is expected and especially love and care. Women in Islam are given an opportunity to be themselves as they express their points of view and opinion regarding family and the welfare of children. Women too are obliged by this quoted verse from the Quran to be very good when it comes to serving their beloved husbands for they are helpers and they need to do it with respect and care (Saktanber, 2002). In addition, the rules in marriage life emphasizes on harmony and upright human nature.

This indicates that the men and women should be able to have equal rights but should not be so adamant when it comes to leadership. The Quran supports this idea as seen it the Quran 2:228 ".And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them.”(The Holy Quran 1998). However, this does not necessarily mean that men should go around showing their superiority complex; they should lead the women with respect and love. In the family decision the island people are very adamant on mutual agreement.

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