WHY DOES ISLAM OPPRESS WOMEN?
TECHNICAL RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM (Episode 1): WHY DOES ISLAM OPPRESS
WOMEN?
by Yusuff Ademola A.
The word ‘Islam’ has been negatively associated with
terrorism, violence, aggression, extremism, hardships, deprivation, and imprisonment
in these present times. This negative view has been strengthened by the actions
of terrorists and ‘orientalists’, who in no way represent the true essence of
the religion. They have hijacked the religion
and consequent media attention for their own selfish, evil goals. Hence, the
global opinion tends towards viewing Islam as a terroristic and extremist
religion.
Most of the times, you would see people arguing that Islam
oppresses women; it permits men to marry more than one woman and commands women
to use Hijaab. Alternatively, they would claim Islam legalises baseless killing
of innocent people – by the way of religious enforcement or apostasy. However,
are these really true about Islam? Does
Islam really oppress women? Does it command slaying of innocent people? Are all
Muslims terrorists? Wouldn't you definitely want to find conclusive
explanations?
Now, let’s critically analyse answers to these burning questions
using the Judeo-Christians' Bible and the Muslims' Quran.
Why Does Islam Oppress Women?
There are some views that have been spread about women and
their rights in Islam. However, these views are not meant for individual women
themselves, but rather as an attack on Islam in particular. The most common
issues raised about women’s rights in Islam are the permissibility of
polygamous marriage and the use of Hijaab.
Whenever I hear this, I always ask, why are these questions
raised against only Islam? As if it were
the only religion that permits polygamy and commands Hijaab. Of course, it is
not only Islam that permits polygamy. Then, how is that it is only Islam that
oppresses women?
The Judeo-Christian Bible says:
“And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was
Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.” (Genesis 4:19)
“After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives
in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.” (2 Samuel 5:13)
In fact, Patriarch Abraham, the undisputed father of faith,
is recorded in the Bible to have married Sarah, Hagar and a third wife. (See
Genesis 16:1, 16:3 &25:31)
Then, what is the problem if Islam permitted polygamous
marriage? How does it withhold women’s rights of marriage?
In fact, no woman can be forced into this kind of marriage if
she did not wish it. Polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but
permitted. And, permission to practice polygamy is not associated with mere
satisfaction of passion, but rather associated with compassion towards widows
and orphans. Islam permits a man to take second wife or more only in the
condition that he is sure of being just and fair to them. The Qur’an says:
“And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the
orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three
or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one...”
(Q4:3)
They would say again that Islam restricts female freedom of
dressing by commanding the usage of Hijaab. And, I ask, is it only Islam that
commands the use of Hijaab?
Of course, Islam is not the first religion to command the use
of hijaab. The Judeo-Christian Bible says:
“But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head
uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were
shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a
shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.” (1 Corinthians
11:5-6, King James Version)
The main reason behind the commandment of Hijaab in Islam is for
a woman to be distinguished, to be identified as a respectable Muslim lady, to
avoid the annoying glances and glares of the men. As we all know, provocative
clothing urges some men to make advances, thereby exposing women to
molestation. This may be encouraged and marketed in some societies, but not
among the respectable faithful Muslims, where all protective measures are taken
to guard women from excess temptation.
To conclude, how does Islam oppress women? If polygamous
marriage or the use of Hijaab were deprivation of women’s rights, then why must
we attack only Islam? Use the comment box to submit your view on this topic.
Watch out for episode 2 on why Islam commands killing of
innocent people. Thank you for reading.
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Very correct. Views well articulated with proofs. Thumbs up. Good work. Eagerly waiting for the next episode.
ReplyDeleteAlhamdulil-Laah, thank you.
DeleteJazakal-Laah Khayran
Alhamdulillah such a beautiful and riveting piece filled with sound points and proof. I'm really looking forward to the next.
ReplyDeleteAlhamdulil-Laah, thank you for reading.
DeleteJazakal-Laah Khayran
West also say that Hijab is an oppression because it doesnt let women who dont like it get away with it as it is mandatory. And they also say it is taking away freedom of expression. What do we answer to such people?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I hope you find this answer from one of writers beneficial. You can always use the contact form for further questions.
DeleteBismillah.
Some ways that one can respond include the following...
1. "The West says" and "not those who use the hijab says." Ask those who use the hijab if they are forced to use it or if they are deprived of their freedom, etc
The West can't determine how we are to live our individual lives.
So the first step is to them to ask a Muslim woman who obviously knows why she wears the hijab. Who is telling the west that Muslimahs that use the hijab are oppressed?
2. Freedom of expression is not speaking on my behalf without asking me about my view with regards to what you are speaking about. Then, we can provide other reasons and benefits of the hijab.
3. Hijab for the Muslim lady is one of her identity as a Muslimah and she wears it in her obedience and submission to her Creator who has commanded her to wear it.
4. Hijab is prescribed for the benefit of the Muslim Women, so they are known as honourable and virtuous Muslimahs and they are not harmed and tauted by anyone.
5. The major trends that has developed in the West over the past centuries is that fashion industry as systematically unclothed women, from being clothed head to toe at the turn of the century, she now wears virtually nothing. On the other hand, there has been a dramatic rise in reported rape cases, with the highest rates of rape incidents found in USA and other Western countries. Is that then civilization and which females are being oppressed?
6. Women are being portrayed as sex objects in the West and it is spreading around the world. In adverts for example, a Gillette razor is not sold based on it quality titanium blades, rather it is advertised with a man shown shaving his beards with a woman's hand coiled around him checking out his shave. A car also advertised with a bikini model lying on it. etc. The subliminal message being taught is You buy the razor, you get the girl, you buy the car, you get the girl etc
7. Some people question the imposition of hijaab by the Islamic state? Is it a personal choice of women or a legal obligation? It is the responsibility of the head of every family to ensure that the women of his household leave the home in a legally acceptable state of dress. The state is further responsible to prevent any woman who appears in public in a state of undress in order to protect public dignity and morality. The West has set its own limits for dress which change according to the mood of the society. At one point, strip joints were illegal. Now many bars have topless waitresses and dancers.
In most states, a woman may not appear in public topless. However, a woman once contested that law in Florida, USA and she won the case. Complete nudity remains a crime throughout the West though nudist camps and nudist beaches are in so many places in Europe and America.
Allaah is our Source of Help. (Answered by Abdul-Aziz Osikoya)