Women in Muslim Society :: essays papers

Women in Muslim Society 1 ABSTRACT In the western society today there is a stereotypical belief that Islamic women are treated unequally and cruelly. The object of this report is to challenge this stereotype and the argument of gender equality within the Islamic Religion/Muslim society. 2 INTRODUCTION The status of women in the Muslim society is neither a new issue nor a fully settled one. The position of Islam on this issue has been among the subjects presented to the Western reader with the least objectivity. This report is intended to provide a brief and authentic display of what Islam stands for in regard to women within their beliefs. The teachings of Islam are based essentially on the Qur'an (God's revelation) and Hadeeth (elaboration by Prophet Muhammad). The Qur'an and the Hadeeth provide the basic source of authentication for any position or view which is attributed to Islam. This report focuses on the position of Islam regarding the status of woman in society 3 METHODOLOGY The information of this report was obtained through:  Mullah, Hassan Ismahael- One of the priests (Mullah^s) of the Gold Coast Islamic community. Mullah Ismahael was approached with the question over equal rights within his religion and its typecasts. In response he stated that ^he opposed these stereotypes for it is against the true meaning of Islam, Muslims do not believe in such inequality^ and with this he was a main source of information quoting from the Qur'an and Hadeeth plus giving his viewpoint in many aspects of this religion.  Qur'an (God's revelation) and Hadeeth (elaboration by Prophet Muhammad).  Library resources  The Internet 4 WOMAN IN ISLAM 4.1 The Spiritual Aspect The Qur'an provides clear-cut evidence that woman is completely equated with man in the sight of God in terms of her rights and responsibilities. The Qur'an states: "Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds" (Qur'an 74:38). It also states: ...So their Lord accepted their prayers, (saying): I will not suffer to be lost the work of any of you whether male or female. You proceed one from another ...(Qur'an 3: 195). Woman according to the Qur'an is not blamed for Adam's first mistake. Both were jointly wrong in their disobedience to God, both repented, and both were forgiven. (Qur'an 2:36, 7:20 - 24). In one verse in fact (20:121), Adam specifically, was blamed. In terms of religious obligations, such as the Daily Prayers, Fasting, Poor-due, and Pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. In some cases indeed, woman has certain advantages over man. For example, the woman is exempted from the daily prayers and from fasting during her menstrual periods