Women In Islam

There is little point in discussing how well or badly so called
'Islamic countries' are living up to the teachings of Islam, or why. First it is
necessary to clear up misunderstandings of what those teachings are.

Women are equal to men in the sight of God but they have in some respects
different roles in life to men because of their different natures.

They differ psychologically, physiologically, and biologically from men. This
makes them more suitable than men for certain responsibilities and less suitable
than men for others.


Islam recognizes these differences.

Oppression of women is the result of removing their rights. Islam gives men &
women rights that are different in some aspects to those they have in the
western world. The principle difference in the way these rights came about is
also important.


In the West rights became part of the law only after women had
been through great political struggles and also partly due to the necessity of
women working in factories during wars. It is possible that this will be
reversed in the future.


In Islam, rights were given 'out of the blue' by God through
revelation. They cannot be reversed by anyone's decision. Most Muslims recognize
the purity and validity of the Qur'anic laws even if they are not following
them, but it may be necessary to struggle for a return to them from time to
time. It is quite commonly agreed that all things in life which are worthwhile
require some struggle.



There is considerable overlap of rights that now exist in the Western world and
those which Muslim women have always had (at least in principle if not in
practice). This link may give some examples:




In a truly Islamic society women have the following rights in Islam:


The right and duty to obtain education.

The right to have their own independent property.

The right to work to earn money if they need it or want it.

Equality of reward for equal deeds.

The right to participate fully in public life and have their voices heard
by those in power.

The right to provisions from the husband for all her needs and more.

The right to negotiate marriage terms of her choice.

The right to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she
simply can't stand him.

The right to keep all her own money (she is not responsible to for
spending on the upkeep of the house or any persons).

The right to get sexual satisfaction from her husband.

http://www.islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/spot_full_story.asp?service_id=576