Women in islam (2)

Women in Islam: An exegesis - Part 2
by Abul Kasem


Abul Kasem writes from Sydney, Australia. His e-mail address is -abul88@hotmail.com


Women are downright inferior!

Islamists often write prolix essays showing the merciful and glorious treatment of women under Islam। If you have read one of this extremely lengthy rhetoric with mind-boggling logic, you have read them all. Because they are all written in almost the same format, so much so that sometimes you may wonder whether all these essays are written by the same writer or not. Their pens are absolutely fluent in describing the half-truth and twisted, convoluted logics. However, they will never tell the true status of women in 'real Islam.' Here I am citing a few examples from the roots of Islam, that is, Qur'an and hadith.

Women witness is half of men...2:282
This is a very well known fact in Islam। Even if a woman is the Prime Minister of an Islamic Paradise she is still inferior to the dumbest of men when it comes to legal matters. Her evidence by herself is never acceptable in an Islamic court of law. It is because of her deficiency in intelligence and lack of memory. What a disgrace to women and their ability of judgment! What happens if a woman becomes a judge? I really do not know the answer. Not only that a single woman's evidence is unacceptable in an Islamic court, but also the women witnesses are completely unacceptable in Sharia where Hudud punishments are involved such as adultery, apostasy, theft-etc. This means that if a woman is raped her evidence or the evidence of any other women (even though there were thousands of women who witnessed the very act with their own eyes) will not be accepted unless four adult Muslim men give evidence that they saw the actual act of fornication with their own eyes. What a justice! I think even a Kangaroo court is better than this type of Islamic court. Now, let us hear from the Qur'an. This verse is very lengthy, in fact, the longest verse in the Qur'an. Therefore, I shall quote only the relevant part.

002.282
USUFALI: O ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write। Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and not diminish aught of what he owes. If they party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her.

This verse is nothing but a slap on the face literally to every woman in this world। In today's world, we have women in almost every profession, even in the tough professions like Law, Medicine, Engineering, Education, Professor, even Astronaut. If we go by 'real Islam,' then all those professional ladies who are not only highly qualified, but also superbly capable of managing the affairs of a company or even a nation are simply lacking in intelligence (read stupid). It's a small wonder that we see the most of the wretched women in Islamic paradises.

Could it be that I probably made some mistake in commenting on verse 2:282? Could it be that there may be some divine/secret reason for sending down verse 2:282 that only God knows? May be, God really did not mean to insult the women। May be our interpretation is all wrong. If you are thinking in this fashion, then perish that thought. See Shahih Bukhari confirms women's lack of intelligence in the very words of Muhammad.

Majority of women are in hell...( Shahih Bukhari 1।6.301)

Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer। Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."

This hadith not only confirms what I wrote previously, but also goes one-step further in saying that hell is the abode for most of the women in hereafter। Why should it be so? The reason is also explained in this hadith.

Are you still appalled? No, not yet? Look at this hadith।

Women are like animals and slaves.

Women, slaves and camels are same; must seek Allah's refuge from all these...(Sunaan Abu Dawud 11.2155)

Book 11, Number 2155:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As:
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If one of you marries a woman or buys a slave, he should say: "O Allah, I ask Thee for the good in her, and in the disposition Thou hast given her; I take refuge in Thee from the evil in her, and in the disposition Thou hast given her." When he buys a camel, he should take hold of the top of its hump and say the same kind of thing.

Here is another insult to women। In the following hadith a woman is as impure as a dog and a monkey. In fact, there is a very little difference between the treatment of a dog and a woman if we really go deeper to get the latent meaning of this pernicious hadith. What words do we have to use to express our disgust? What would be the feeling of a modern, educated, working, respectable lady reading this authentic hadith?

A prayer is annulled by a passing woman, dog and a monkey...( Shahih Bukhari 1.9.490)
Volume 1, Book 9, Number 490:
Narrated 'Aisha:

The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people)." I said, "You have made us (i.e. women) dogs. I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away. for I disliked to face him."

All women have natural menstruation cycle। This is completely normal and almost 100% women are fully at ease with this natural phenomenon. It is not something for which a woman has to see a doctor every time she has her period unless there are complications. However, Islam is different. What the world thinks as simple and natural phenomenon, Islam thinks otherwise. It considers menstruation as a pestilence. Here is yet another the verse from the Qur'an.

Menstruation is a disease...2:222
002.222
PICKTHAL: They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation। Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness.

Whenever this verse is cited as anti-feminine and derogatory to women, our Islamic brothers get very defensive। They would twist and turn, and beat around the bush by saying that this verse is really meant to protect women during her period by warning people that it is a difficult time for women. How merciful! See how great Islam is! No science could discover that menstruation is a disease, but look at Islam. It is truly great. It can discover which no science or medicine could find! Let me ask our Islamic brothers a simple question. If menstruation is a disease, then why do we not ask the women to see a doctor? Why should the women be ostracised during her period? Sex during period is not advisable, although medical evidence shows that it is ok. This simple fact does not need any intervention from the almighty God through His mighty Qur'an. Even the primitive people had the knowledge of this natural periodic cycle of women and knew how to tackle it without insulting and ostracising women. Why did Muhammad do that? It was all based on the old Jewish/Zoroastrian practice of segregating women to a secluded place during her period. Muhammad did not have the guts to completely reform this discriminatory treatment of women but maintained that age-old tradition.

Here is a hadith that further confirms the gross insult (and gross miscarriage of justice too!) to women due to her physical makeup and biology. Please note that this hadith restricts a woman from doing her religious obligations because of her natural biological phenomenon. If we go by this hadith, then I wonder how would a workingwoman manage to go to work during her period.
Menstruation is a defect in women for they cannot fast and pray during their periods... (Shahih Bukhari 3.31.172)

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 172:

Narrated Abu Said:
The Prophet said, "Isn't it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion."
In today's world, there are a few countries ruled by women including Bangladesh. This is what Islam has to say about a nation being ruled by voomen.

People ruled by a woman will never be successful...(Shahih Bukhari 5.59.709)

Volume 5, Book 59, Number 709:

Narrated Abu Bakra:
During the days (of the battle) of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a word I had heard from Allah's Apostle after I had been about to join the Companions of Al-Jamal (i.e. the camel) and fight along with them. When Allah's Apostle was informed that the Persians had crowned the daughter of Khosrau as their ruler, he said, "Such people as ruled by a lady will never be successful."

Imam Ghazali is one of the greatest Islamic scholars of all times. Some Muslims would even say that his position is next to Muhammad. This 'great' Islamist was one the most anti-woman scholar I had ever read. Here are a few 'gems' from this greatest of all Islamists. I wonder how is it possible for a woman to be more pious than a man is when both Qur'an and ahadith find so many faults in her and relegate her position in society to that of a slave and an animal. To make sure that a woman is inferior to a man and she is always below him Imam Ghazali categorically advises Muslims not to marry rich women forgetting the fact the founder of Islam (Muhammad) himself married one of the richest lady in Arabia (Khadija) and without her immense wealth Muhammad could never have been what he dreamed of. Talk about double standard in Islam! Why does Imam Ghazali have to prescribe such a marital prescription? A prescription for disaster, may I add? He knew the power of money and wealth. He knew that a rich lady would never accept the degrading treatment of hers in the hands of her husband; she will simply desert her man if ever any man dares to dehumanise her. Nevertheless, the gross sexism of Islam must prevail. Therefore, he had no choice but to recommend marrying poor women, for, their financial dependence on men will ensure their inferiority and servitude. Here are the quotes from Ghazali' famous book.

Women should be beneath men on four things (Ref: 7.Vol II p373)
And someone else remarked: " A wife should be beneath her husband in four things or else she will despise him: age, height, wealth and lineage. She should be better than him in four others: beauty, manners, character and scrupulousness in matters of religion."

Do not marry a rich woman, marry a poor woman (Ibid, p373)

Someone once said: "The man who marries a rich woman will find five things in her, an expensive dowry, a delayed wedding, a lack of service, constant expense and an inability to divorce her should he wish to do so, because of his fear of losing her money. The case of poor woman, however, is quite the opposite."
The matter of inheritance in Islam is quite a lengthy issue and it is downright contentious too!. It is not an appropriate matter to be discussed in this essay, which is solely devoted to women related issues. However, let us not forget the unfairness of Islam towards women on this matter. Women get only half that men get. Many Islamists justify this rule by saying that a woman does not contribute anything to the creation of a family wealth. All the money she gets is for hers to keep. They also contend that other religions gave no rights of inheritance to women. Islam was/is the only religion that gave women some rights of inheritance. The first argument can be countered by the reasoning that the man who inherits something from his relatives also did not put an effort to the creation of wealth of the relative concerned. So, a man or a woman inheritor is in the same footing. So, why shouldn't they have equal share in inheritance? The second argument is simply not relevant in today's world. No other religion follows their age-old/antiquated inheritance rules any more. Most of them follow the secular rules. It is only the Islam that still persists on keeping this gross unfair inheritance rules.

Rules on inheritance women get half of men: (Note as per Shah Waliullah these verses abrogate 2:180)...4:11-12

004.011

YUSUFALI: Allah (thus) directs you as regards your Children's (Inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased Left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases ('s) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise.

Part 3 >>>

एकालाप (४) : मैं नीलकंठ नहीं हुई

एकालाप ४ : मैं नीलकंठ नहीं हुई
-ऋषभ देव शर्मा

वे आए और रेखाएं खींच गए
मेरे चारों ओर
मेरे ऊपर नीचे
सब तरफ़ रेखाएँ ही रेखाएँ

.

मेरे हँसने पर पाबंदी
मेरे बोलने पर पाबंदी
मेरे सोचने पर पाबंदी
.
हँसी, तो सभा में उघाड़ी गई
बोली, तो धरती में समाना पडा
सोचा, तो आत्मदाह का दंड भोगा
.
फिर भी मैंने कहा
मैं हँसूँगी
मैं बोलूँगी
मैं सोचूँगी
.
मैंने पैरों में घुंघरू बाँध लिए
और अपने साँवरे के लिए
नाचने लगी
.
नाचती रही
नाचती रही
.
उन्होंने मुझे पागलखाने में डाल दिया
कुलनाशी और कुलटा कहा
साँपों की पिटारी में धर दिया
.

मेरे अंग-अंग से साँप लिपटते रहे
दिन दिन भर
रात-रात भर
मेरे पोर-पोर को डंसते रहे
चूर-चूर हो गयीं
नाग फाँस में मेरी हड्डियां
.

फिर भी
मैं नाचती रही
नाचती रही
नाचती रही
अपने साँवरे के लिए
.
उन्होंने विष का प्याला भेजा
मेरा नाच रुक जाए
मेरी साँस रुक जाए
.

मैंने पी लिया
विष का प्याला
सचमुच पी लिया
कंठ में नहीं रोक कर रखा
.

मैं नीलकंठ नहीं हुई
सारी नीली हो गई
साँवरी हो गयी
साँवरे का रंग जो था
.

मैं हँसती रही
मैं नाचती रही
.

मैं रोती रही
आँसुओं से सींचकर
प्रेम की बेल बोती रही.
.

जाने कब से हँस रही हूँ
जाने कब से नाच रही हूँ
जाने कब से रो रही हूँ
अकेली
.

कभी तो आनंद फल लगेगा
कभी तो अमृत फल उगेगा
.

"दिस इस too मच to हैंडल फॉर an ओल्डमैन like यू "---????

३ जुलाई को मैंने "इस्लाम में स्त्री .... " विषयक अबुल कासिम जी के एक आलेख की पहली किश्त इस ब्लॉग पर डाली थी । उस पर ३ प्रतिक्रियाएँ प्राप्त हुईं । जिनमें से २ अंग्रेजी में अख्तर की थीं, जिन्होंने यह भी लिखा की उक्त लेख के लेखक का नाम अबुल कासिम छद्म नाम है। जबकि ऐसा कतई नहीं है। उनकी लेखमाला की किश्त पूरी होने के पश्चात उनके अन्य लेखो, स्रोत व संग्रह आदि की पूरी विस्तृत जानकारी का लिंक यहीं इसी ब्लॉग पर उपलब्ध कराया जाएगा। अभी उनका ईमेल आईडी व सिडनी में रहने की जानकारी तो दी ही गयी है। अस्तु।

कहीं अख्तर जी व अन्य पाठकों को ऐसा न लगे की इकतरफा बात को ही यहाँ स्थान दिया गया है , इस का ध्यान रखते हुए अबुल कासिम जी के लेख पर आई तीनों प्रतिक्रियाएँ इस बार सम्मिलित रूप से पोस्ट के रूप में देना उचित है, वैसे भी वे प्रतिक्रियाएँ स्वयं में एक स्वतंत्र चिंतन के आलेख रूप ही हैं। तो क्रमश: पढ़ें -----

ऋषभ

July 5, 2008 6:54 PM

Abul kasemके लंबे लेख को पढ़कर कुछ वर्ष पूर्व 'हंस' के मुसलमान विशेषांक में छपे कई आलेखों की याद ताजा हो आई.

प्रचार चाहे जो किया जाता हो पर जमीनी सच्चाई यही है कि न तो इस्लाम स्त्री जाति के प्रति सदय और संवेदनशील है [ कुछ अपवादों को छोड़कर ] और न ही मुस्लिम समाज में स्त्री की दशा दूसरों से बेहतर है .

इसलिए यह ध्यान रखना पड़ेगा कि संघर्ष करती स्त्री के स्त्री और मानव होने का महत्त्व मुस्लिम या ईसाई या हिंदू होने से ज़्यादा है.

विचारोत्तेजक सामग्री जुटाने के लिए साधुवाद !!

Widget by Hoctro | Jack Book

akhter

July 4, 2008 10:42 PM

ABUL KASIM [fake name] THIS IS TOO MUCH TO HANDLE FOR AN OLD MAN LIKE YOU!

the importance of Iddah, which is extremely important to decide cases of family related issues like divorce, marriage, maintenance etc.

Family peace is an integral part of Islamic social system. Owing to much less prevalence of extramarital relationships, promiscuity and sexual perversions, family system is safe and alive in most Muslim societies even at this time of crisis, unlike most of the Western countries where arrangements are being made to perform its final rites. Divorce rates are extremely low, with less than 1 per cent of Muslim marriages ending in divorce in most countries, compared to more than 50 % in most of the Western countries. The incidence of Polygamy is generally low, except in some countries. Wherever polygamy is there, this is nowhere compared to very high promiscuity rates in Western countries. The differences between promiscuity, permitted by modern systems and prohibited by Islam, and polygamy, permitted by Islam and interdicted by modern laws, are huge and need not be discussed here. With hardly a few marriages breaking, the number of single parents is remarkably low in Muslim countries, and there are only very few unfortunate children living in single parent families. In Islamic societies, abortion too is much less common; in most of the countries people regard it as murder of their own children.

Iddah

Iddah is the period for which a woman has to wait after the initiation of the process of divorce or after the death of her husband. The following facts about Iddah are to be noted:

1. The period of Iddah in case it follows the pronouncement of divorce is three menstruation-cycles if by that time she shows no signs of pregnancy.

2. If a woman undergoing Iddah develops signs of pregnancy her Iddah will be extended till the termination of the process of delivery. (This must include the postnatal period of 40 days.)

3. If she is having irregular menstruation cycles her Iddah will be of three months.

4. If she is undergoing Iddah after the death of her husband its duration will be four months and ten days.

The legal provision of Iddah has enormous implications on family and social health and legal matters related to marriage.

1. Iddah safeguards the honour of woman. If a woman leaves the house of her husband and after a few weeks, she develops signs of pregnancy, her husband can charge her with infidelity. This is why the Quran has specifically enjoined that Iddah has to be completed in the house of the husband.

2. Iddah safeguards the legal rights of woman and her child. In case, iddah is not completed in the husband’s house, the paternity of her foetus may become a matter of controversy.

3. Iddah ensures safe motherhood. In case her pregnancy is completed in any house other than that of her husband, she may suffer from mental anguish, which can be detrimental for the health of mother and child.

4. In the case of divorce (according to the procedure laid down by the Quran), Iddah provides an opportunity top the couple to bury their differences and reunite without any problem;

5. Iddah is also extremely important for the sexual health of individuals and society

I was struck with the extraordinary role of Iddah during the compilation of my monograph, "Islamic Model for Control of AIDS" when to my amazement I found that Iddah would play a crucial role in protecting men and women from sexually transmitted disease. Since then I have continued to get more and more convinced about the extraordinary importance of Iddah in Family Health and Peace. One of the primary objectives of Iddah is to ensure that right from the first day of conception till the completion of the process of delivery (including postnatal period) she would be looked after financially, physically as well as socially by her husband. During this period, the husband is not entitled to formalize the divorce even if he has decided to part with her. Thus the antenatal, natal and postnatal cares are obligations imposed by Islam on fathers. This also provides the couple with an opportunity to reconcile their differences; the news that she is pregnant is more often than not likely to facilitate this reconciliation. It is obvious that such an extraordinary status of mother also ensures the safety of child.

Family is not an artificial creation of man for every born has a father and a mother. It is therefore necessary that the parentage of every child must be established beyond doubt. The establishment of the identity of mother is a foregone conclusion, as she physically delivers the child. But the establishment of the identity of father will create huge problems if the propriety of the institution of marriage is not maintained. If there had been no provision of a mandatory period of waiting it would have become impossible, in case a woman married within a few days of separating from her husband, to know the real father. If the identity of the father of the child is not established, it is bound to cause immense damage to the future prospects of the child; he or she may have to grow outside the shadow of fatherly protection. Thus Iddah preserves the family system ensuring that the children and parents live without their mutual love and affection getting diluted by any kind of suspicion. This of course also preserves the credibility and honour of the woman.

Another important role of Iddah is to prevent the sexually transmitted diseases. The provision of Iddah means that no woman can ever have sexual relations with two men without a gap of at least three months. This is greatly helpful in minimizing the risks of HIV and other STDs. It is interesting to note that the incubation period of all STDs is less than 90 days, and the window period of HIV/AIDS is also about 90 days. In Syphilis for example the median period of incubation is 21 days though occasionally it may be up to 90 days. Thus in the case of Syphilis, the woman will develop symptoms of Syphilis within and not more than three months. The development of a painful swelling in her private parts is likely to prevent her from marrying till she gets relieved. The same is true of other STDs like Lymphogranuloma venereum, Reiter’s disease, Herpes etc. In the case of AIDS, while the incubation period may be several years, the blood test for HIV becomes positive within three months. So if the spread of AIDS warrants a strict vigilance a woman may get her HIV tested after the expiry of Iddah before getting married again. This rule may be used with good effect for the AIDS prevention programmes. (See my book "The Killer Sex" for details).

Now before arriving to any conclusion in Imrana case, the following principles must be kept in mind:

1. Without any formal declaration, the sexual contact between a man and a woman cannot be accepted as the part of a legal marriage, even if this has happened with the consent of both. Sex outside marriage is a punishable act

2. In Islam, Nikah can take place only if both have agreed. Any forced relationship or rape cannot be taken as marriage. Any forced sexual act will lead to the punishment to one who forces the other.

3. In Surah Nur, it has been clearly enjoined that one who has committed an illegal sexual act can only marry one who has either committed similar act or an idolater or idolatress. Such a person cannot marry an unadulterated Muslim.

4. A woman cannot have relationship with two men without the completion of a gap of at least three months.

5. If a person rapes the wife of a man, it would not automatically annul her relationship of marriage with her husband.

6. If a father-in-law rapes his daughter-in-law, this would not annul her relationship with her husband on the ground that a woman cannot marry a father and a son. In this case, the woman has not chosen to have relationship with her father-in-law who in fact raped her. According to Islamic law, he is not even entitled to life anymore. When she was in marriage with a man, she was a forbidden woman for his husband’s father. It is he not her who has committed the forbidden act; so it is he not her who deserves punishment.

So, the ideal verdict would have been like this:

1. If the rape is proved, the rapist will be given a punishment in accordance with the law of the country, and in addition he will be excommunicated from the community;

2. His relationship with his wife will be broken, as he cannot be allowed to live with a pure Muslim woman;

3. The raped woman (Imrana in this case) should have been asked to observe a period of Iddah (meaning suspension of sexual relations with her husband) for a period of three months. If she is not found pregnant and has not caught any STD in this period, she can resume her normal relationship with her husband. In case of her becoming pregnant on account of rape, she would be entitled the right to abort.

I urge the Clerics should re-examine their position in view of the above stated facts.

akhter

July 4, 2008 10:53 PM

TAWADU 1


In Arabic Tawadu means modesty and humility. Humility is the quality or state of being humble. The virtue of tawadu is the opposite of arrogance, pride and haughtiness. Humbleness means not assuming, not pretentious, insignificant, and lowly. We must put all our pride away. We must always thank Allah when we pray. All of us are equal to one another, and no one's better than anyone. What distinguishes us from others is the faith we have which Allah sees, deep inside our hearts. One should try hard to simply be humble and never act too proud. It's always best to be modest and keep our feet on the ground. Because pride will eat us up inside if we're arrogant and loud.
One can sincerely confess, "Everybody else is good but I am bad; everybody else is wheat but I am chaff", and then those of the highest stature in the heavens are kissing him on the head. Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever is humble, God exalts him, and whoever is haughty, God humiliates him." This means that being really great is inversely proportional to behaving as being small. This could be discerned from the lives of Prophets, Sahaba (companions of the Prophet (pbuh), Saints, great scholars, great men and women, Noble laureates.

Humility in the Companions

A Companion sees Caliph ‘Umar (RA- may God be pleased with him), carry water in a pitcher on his shoulder and asks him: ‘What are you about, O Caliph of God’s Messenger?’ Hadrat ‘Umar (RA), who is one of the foremost in nearness to God, answers: ‘some envoys have come from other countries. I have felt some conceit (excessively high opinion of oneself, one's appearance or ability: vanity) in my heart and wanted to suppress (subdue) it.’ ‘Umar (RA) used to carry flour on his back. Once he accused himself while giving sermon from the pulpit and he did not respond to those who criticized him. Like ‘Umar, Abu Hurayra (RA) carried wood for some time while he was the deputy governor of Madina. When he was the chief judge in Madina, Zayd ibn Thabit kissed the hand of Ibn ‘Abbas, and Ibn ‘Abbas, known as the Interpreter of the Qur’an and the Scholar of the Umma, helped Zayd get on his horse. Imam Hasan (RA), the Grandson of the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, sat together with some children who were eating bread crumbs and ate with them. Once Abu Dharr (RA) offended Bilal Habashi (RA) and in order that Bilal might forgive him, put his head on the ground and said: ‘If the blessed feet of Bilal do not tread on this sinful head, it will not rise from the ground.’ All these events and many similar others are instances of humility.
Both God Almighty and His Messenger emphasized humility so much that one who knows of it feels no doubt that servanthood consists in humility. The Qur’anic expression, "the servants of the All-Merciful are they who walk on the earth in modesty, and if the impudent (rude people) offend them, they continue their way saying ‘Peace!’ (25:63). The Qur'an praises humility, and the Divine statements; Allah loves a people who are "humble toward believers" (5:54) and merciful among themselves. Allah (SWT) says, "You find them bowing down and falling prostrate (48:29)". These are expressions of praise for their ingrained humility reflected in their conduct.

Concerning humility, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declares: " God has ordered me that you must be humble and that no one must boast to another. Shall I inform you of one whom Hellfire will not touch? Hellfire will not touch one who is near to God and amiable (agreeable) with people, and mild and easy to get on with. God exalts one who is humble. That one sees himself as small but he is truly great in the sight of people. O God! Make me see myself as small. "

Nabi Kareem (pbuh) lived as the most humble of people.



*

He stopped at the places where children were, greeted them and played with them.

*

If someone held him by the hand and wanted to lead him somewhere, he never objected.

*

He helped his wives with housework.
*

When people were working, he worked together with them.
*

He mended his shoes and clothes, milked sheep and fed animals.
*

He sat at the table with his servant.
*

He always welcomed the poor warmly.
*

He looked after widows and orphans.
*

He visited the ill, followed funerals and answered the call of the slaves in the community.





The beloved servants of God, from Rasoolullah (SAS), to Caliph ‘Umar (RA) and the Umayyad Caliph ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-’Aziz and from him to numerous saints, purified and perfected scholars, and those honored with nearness to God, have held that the sign of greatness in the great men and women is humility and modesty, while the signs of smallness in the small is arrogance and vanity, and they aimed thereby to guide people to the way of becoming perfect men. For those who have realized their nothingness before God Almighty are always balanced in both their religious lives and their relations with people. They have no problems with either the revealed truths of religion or in matters related to human reason. If Qur’anic revelations appear to them as contradictory to human reason or established rational or scientific facts; instead of objecting to them, they try to learn the truth of the matter. Those who have achieved humility are completely convinced of the superiority of the revealed truths. They are certain that it is impossible to be prosperous in the Aakhirah (other world) by following the ways that oppose the Qur’an and the Sunnah. They find the greatest source of power is to become an Abdullah (in servanthood to God). In reality, one who worships God never lowers himself to adore anybody else. Sa'id Nursi Bediuzzaman 1 said: " Do not boast of yourself in a way to see yourself as greater than others. Those who are truly humble do not attribute to themselves the fruits of their work and efforts, nor do they regard as a cause of superiority over others. They give credit to Allah (SWT) for their successes."

In short, just as humility is the portal (entrance) to good conduct or being characterized with the qualities of God (such as generosity, merciful, helpful, forgiving, etc.), it is also the first and foremost means of being near to both the created and the Creator. The time when a believer is nearest to God is when he is prostrate (Sajada) before Him.

Humility of Abu Bakr

Hadrat Abu Bakr (RA) was very humble. When he would see a bird, he would sigh that he were like such a bird. He would often say that he would prefer to be a hair on the body of a Muslim. When he went to perform the 'Hajj', and some people walked in his train (caravan), he asked them not to follow him, but to go their own way. Before becoming the Caliph he used to milk the goats in the neighborhood. After becoming the Caliph when Abu Bakr passed the street, one of the women remarked
"he has become the Caliph and he would no longer milk the goats." Abu Bakr heard these remarks and said that the caliphate made no difference to him, and that he would continue to milk their goats. If any one praised him, he would say, "O Allah, You know me more than myself, and I know myself more than these people who praise me. Make me better than what they think of me, and forgive those sins of mine of which they have no knowledge, and do not hold me responsible for what they say."

Ali’s humility 2

Hadrat Imam Ali (RA) was humble, detested showiness (pretension) and conceit (haughtiness, pride, superiority, vanity, and self-importance). Even as Caliph he used to sweep the floor of his own house, chop wood for fuel, carry water on his shoulders, mend his own shoes, wash his own clothes and milk his goat. Ali's (RA) wife Fatimah (R.Aa) did similar domestic jobs with her own hands, grinding wheat in the hand-mill, baking bread, lighting the oven, washing the dishes and tending to her children.

One day with when he was returning home with a bag of dates from the bazaar, he received many offers from people anxious to carry the bag for him. Hadrat Imam Ali (RA) refused them all, saying, "Whosoever is responsible for looking after his children, has the bigger responsibility of carrying the burden himself." Ali (RA), was often seen walking barefooted and on one occasion when he happened to be riding a horse he was distressed to find people following him on foot. When he asked them what they wanted, he was told that they felt elated by walking in his retinue (entourage, followers). To this Ali (RA) replied, "Go back to your business. By walking behind a rider, you will breed feelings of inferiority in yourselves and infect me with arrogance (conceit)."

On another occasion when Ali (RA) was discussing the essential qualities of a ruler in a sermon, a member of the congregation rose and praised Ali (RA) for his eloquence. Ali (RA) said that his subjects ought not to praise him, for he wanted no flattery, being all too conscious of his own unworthiness. Concluding his sermon he said, "To a person who has been influenced by the superb Majesty of God, everything else appears petty (little, trivial, insignificant) and frivolous (playful). He looks upon all other things as shallow and trivial. The worst ruler is one who is given to pride and arrogance and hears flattering words from others. All praise is due to God. You should not praise me because I herewith declare before God and all of you that are here, that I have many responsibilities, which still lie undischarged. In the face of this how can any one applaud me and consider me praiseworthy? You should not accord me that treatment which is only befitting to tyrants. Neither become afraid of me nor ever hesitate to tell the truth. Do not show any consideration to me if you feel that I am wanting in justice, and never conceal the truth from me. I cannot trust any flatterer (one who praises too much, toady) because he might mislead his tempting talk and me might beguile (entice) me into vainglory (vacuum, vagabond). I pray to God to save me from an erroneous path. We men are all alike and there is no other Master than God."

Sayings of Imam Ali (RA) 3

"Humility is your best friend in Life. If you are humble, your humility shall help you in your difficult time. Anyone who falls into the grip of an unkind person, and then talks to him with humility, his humble talk shall give relief to him. By humility he shall always be respected. Humility is a light in your life. Your life shall be enlightened with humility. People who come across you and find you humble, shall be delighted to meet you. All people will mark your good behaviour and humility, and they will be satisfied with your humble nature. Humility therefore, is the beauty of life. If you are humble, ALL people shall respect you and offer you a better seat and position. If you prefer to take a lower seat, you will be liked by all. Be humble and you will be very much respected by people who love those who are humble. Remember, everyone desires to take the side of the scale that stays downwards (the scale that is heavy). Man is upgraded by his humble nature. You always respect and salute people with your hand and that hand is called ‘THE RIGHTHAND'. The right hand is liked by people. You also eat meals with your right hand. You will be greatly benefited if you will not keep arrogance in your mind. Your life shall be happy, and you can live a long and happy life. If you have peace and happiness in your heart anyone who will come across you will be delighted and happy.

O Momins do not be harsh to anyone in your life and always be humble. Be soft as silk, since silk lasts long. Keep your heart humble and delicate.

O Momins, you have seen how green and tender the grass is. Keep your heart soft, tender, and delicate like the grass. Do not be hard and tough like a big tree in the jungle. When there is a storm, a big and hard tree collapses soon but the tender and delicate grass stays safe and sound. Even the wind and storm cannot harm the tender and delicate grass.

O Momins, be soft hearted; keep your heart tender and soft like butter. You know that pure butter is excellent. When food is cooked with pure butter, it tastes delicious.
Similarly, a delicate heart and mind gives happiness to all. It gives peace and contentment to our body, mind and heart. A narrow-minded person is hard and tough to others. Thus he has lots of enemies.

O Momins, if you will talk politely to others, you will be able to capture the hearts of people. A king can tie the hands and legs of people who live in his country, but he
cannot tie the hearts of the people. Anyone who knows how to speak politely and sweetly will make all people his friends, and is liked by one and all. Thus he gains immense benefits in life. The Almighty ALLAH blesses anyone who speaks politely and humbly. Talk politely with all people and you will please all. Remember there is Almighty ALLAH in the hearts of all. Therefore, if you will please their hearts, the Almighty Allah will shower His Choicest Blessings upon you. Be kind and polite to all and you will experience, that all will become your good friends. In your daily life you always come across your fellow brothers and sisters, so always be humble, polite and soft to them. A merchant who knows how to talk sweetly finds that his trade increases, his business expands and he can do good business. This world is like a bazaar. Speak politely to capture the hearts of people. In the hearts of all people Our Lord, is seated and if you have the desire to meet our Lord you have to be humble, soft and polite with all your fellow brothers and sisters.

O Momins, treat others as the elders. Think yourself as being small. Anyone who understood this high and great principle of LIFE has known the Truth and has expressed the beauty of RELIGION.

THE MODESTY OF GOD’S MESSENGER 4

In social life each man has a window called status through which he looks out to see others and be seen. If the window is built higher than his real stature, he tries, through
vanity and stretches himself up to be seen taller than he really is. If the window is set lower than his real stature, he must bow in humility in order to look out, to see and be seen. Humility is the measure of a man’s greatness; just as vanity or conceit is the measure of low character.
God’s Messenger had a stature as high as to touch the ‘roof of heavens’, so he had no need to be seen. He lowers himself to stay in the world for a while so that people might find the way to God. Since he is the greatest of mankind, he is the greatest in modesty - the greater one is, the more modest he/she is.

Rasoolullah (SAS) never regarded himself as greater than anybody else. No one could distinguish him among his Companions except for his radiant face and attractive personality. He lived as the poorest of them, dressed like them, sat among them and ate with them, as he did with slaves and servants. Once, a woman saw him eating and remarked: ‘He is eating as if he were a slave.’ Rasoolullah (SAS) responded to her, saying: Could there be a better slave than me? I am a slave of God. He was once serving his friends, when a Bedouin came in and shouted: ‘Who is the master of this people?’ The answer of Rasoolullah (SAS) was such, that, besides introducing himself, it also expressed a substantial principle of Islamic leadership and public administration: The master of the people is the one who serves them. In the words of Imam ‘Ali (RA), ‘among people, he was one of them’. When he reached Quba accompanied by Abu Bakr (RA) during Hijra, some people of Madina, who had not seen him before, tried to kiss the hands of Abu Bakr, because outwardly, there was no sign to distinguish the Prophet from Abu Bakr.

In the construction of the Mosque in Madina after the Hijra, he carried two sun-dried bricks while everybody else carried one. In the digging of the ditch around Madina to defend the city in the Battle of the Ditch, the Companions bound a stone around their bellies because of hunger, but God’s Messenger himself bound two, because he was hungrier than anybody else. Once, a man saw him and, due to his awe-inspiring appearance, began to tremble out of fear. Rasoolullah (SAS) calmed him, saying: ‘Brother, don’t be afraid! I am a man, like you, whose mother used to eat dry bread.’ Again, a woman suffering from insanity pulled him by the hand and said: ‘Come with me and do my housework.’ God’s Messenger went with the woman and did the housework. As reported by ‘A’isha (RAa), mother of believers, God’s Messenger patched his clothes, repaired his shoes and helped his wives with the housework.

Although his modesty elevated him to ‘the highest of the high’, he regarded himself as an ordinary servant of God. Once he said: No one can enter Paradise by his deeds. When asked whether he could not either, he answered: I cannot either, but for the Mercy of God. His Companions attempted to do nothing without consulting him or getting his permission or approval. Once, Hadrat ‘Umar came to him and asked his permission to go for (Umra) minor pilgrimage. Rasoolullah (SAS) gave him permission and made this request: Brother, include me in your Du'as (supplications). ‘Umar rejoiced so much at that one day he was to say later: ‘If the worlds had been granted to me that day, I would not have felt the same happiness.’

In addition to the other virtues of the Prophet (SAS), his humility was one of the greatest qualities. As he attained a higher rank each and every day, he increased in humility and servanthood to God. His servanthood is prior to his Messengership, as we mention in the declaration of faith: I bear witness that there is no god but God; I also bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. He preferred being a Prophet-slave to being a Prophet-king (Prophets David (AS) and Solomon (AS)).

God praises his servanthood and mentions him as a servant in several verses of the Qur’an:

When the servant of God stood up in prayer to Him, they (the jinn) were well nigh upon him in swarms (to watch his prayer). (Al-Jinn, 72:19)

"And if you are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down on Our servant, then bring a Surah of the like thereof, and call your witnesses beside God if you are truthful. (Al-Baqara, 2:23)

After the death of Khadija and Abu Talib, Rasoolullah (SAS) became convinced that he could no longer stay in Makkah with any hope of victory or security. Before things became too critical, he went to Ta’if in search of a new base for his faith, but he received there the worst kind of welcome. At a time when he felt himself without support and protection, God manifested His Mercy perfectly and honored him with the Ascension (Meraj), raising him to His Presence. While narrating this incident in the Qur’an, God mentions him, again, as His servant to show that God’s Messenger deserves Ascension through his servanthood:

"Glory be to him, Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the Furthest Mosque, the precincts of which We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (Al-Isra’, 17:1)

Humility is the most important aspect of the servanthood of God’s Messenger, who declared: "Whoever is humble, God exalts him, and whoever is haughty, God abases him."

Hadrat Imam ‘Ali (RA) describes the Prophet (pbuh), " God’s Messenger was the most generous of people in giving out and the mildest and the foremost of them in patience and perseverance. He was the most truthful of people in speech, the most amiable (agreeable) and congenial (friendly, pleasant) in companionship and the noblest of them in family. Whoever sees him first is stricken by awe of him but whoever knows him closely is attracted to him deeply, and whoever attempts to describe him says: ‘I have, either before him or after him, never seen the like of him, upon him be peace and blessings’.

REFERENCES:

वूमन इन ....( अबुल कासिम)

वूमेन इन इस्लाम : An exegesis

(by Abul Kasem)

Abul Kasem writes from Sydney, Australia. His e-mail address is - abul88@hotmail.com

Prologue: After the Islamic revolution in Iran many people became interested in Islam, which was, hitherto, a very obscure religion usually associated with the Arabs, the poor, and the Blacks. Although I was a born Muslim and was indoctrinated in the faith in a very rigid manner in my childhood, I had very little idea about the 'real Islam.' Just like most Bangladeshis, I thought Islam to be peaceful, tolerant, and very positive towards women. After the Iranian revolution, I read a lot about Islam. The advent of Internet brought me the greatest opportunity to learn about Islam in a short period of time. I scanned innumerable essays in various Islamic web sites written by Islamic scholars mostly residing in the Western countries. Their essays on women gave an impression that Islam has many goodies for them. Like an ordinary gullible Muslim, I also believed in whatever they wrote. Then I found a great discrepancy in what these Islamic scholars (read Islamists) wrote and the unspeakable barbarity and gross unfairness perpetrated on the women in the Islamic paradises like, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and certain parts of Nigeria and Malaysia. If the present trend continues, then, soon Bangladesh would be in the list of Islamic paradises. I thought about my aging mother. I thought about my working sisters. I thought about my loving wife. I was greatly distressed when I thought of what could happen to these dearest relations of my life if Bangladesh goes Islamic and Allah's laws (read Sharia) are enforced in Bangladesh. This forced me to dig deeper and deeper into Islam and especially the Sharia provision/s for women. I made a microscopic dissection of Islam from its very root. What I found was shocking. Sometimes, I just could not believe what I was reading. Thus, I completely discarded the explanations, apologies, and tafsirs from the erudite Islamic scholars and started to use my own brain, common sense, and judgment to find the truth. After I found the 'real Islam', I could not look straight into the eyes of my mother. I could not sit comfortably with my sisters. I could not be at ease with my wife. I was forced to pick up the pen (read keyboard) to tell all the mothers, sisters, and wives of Islamic faith what Sharia/Islam means for them. We must let our women folk know the truth about the treatment of Islamic women before many so called 'moderate' Muslim countries bring this Trojan Horse into their lives and become another Afghanistan, Iran, or the Northern parts of Nigeria and Malaysia। As I write, I heard the news that a Nigerian woman would be stoned to death after her newly born so called illegitimate daughter is weaned, probably after a period of two years. Please think of this barbarity. Please remember your mother, remember your sisters and your loving wife when you read this essay. Won't you?

This essay is quite lengthy. I apologize for writing such a prolix article, but I could not help it. No matter how much I tried, I could not shorten further. It had to be very lengthy, for there is so much to tell. For convenience, I have divided the essay in 7 (seven parts).

To begin with, let us start with the unfairness of Allah towards women।

Allah prefers men and you know it!

The interdependency of men and women is recognized in Islam. This is because of the importance of women as a preserver of human species. However, a thorough examination of Qur'an, ahadith and the Islamic Sharia clearly demonstrates the heavy bias of Allah towards men.

Why men are considered superior? It is because of their physical strength, financial ability to pay dower and to spend on women. The Qur'an is very clear about the superiority of men over women. Let us review a few verses from Qur'an to demonstrate this fact.

Men have a degree over women...2:228

002.228
YUSUFALI: Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

This verse establishes the supremacy of men over women, although Qur'an ambiguously claims to bestow similar rights for both men and women. This verse never mentions what those rights are; neither do we find the clarification on this matter in the entire Qur'an. Therefore, a variety of interpretation can be made out of this verse. This verse can really be used to justify anything that a man can find convenient to establish his superiority over women. Of course, the Islamic apologists take this opportunity to make Qur'an look very fair and non-discriminatory to women. It could be true that Muhammad really wanted to see some improvement of status of women in Arabia during his time. However, he was reluctant to enforce a radical change for fear of a backlash from the male dominated Arab society. This verse may look a little benign for it does mention about certain rights of women although not being so specific. To see the real Islamic treatment of women we need to look elsewhere.

Let us examine the following verse up close:

Men are protectors and maintainers of women; women must be devoutly obedient, if not then beat them...4:34

004.034

YUSUFALI: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).

The above verse is quite clear about the superiority of men over women. The verse is lucid in telling the reason for the superiority of men. It is because of their physical strength and their ability to support women financially. Islamists often use this divine decree to justify the subjugation of women in Islam. But their logic falls flat if we recognize today's reality that physical size and strength does not mean a thing. Many animals are much stronger physically than men. How about an elephant? An elephant is hugely stronger than a man is but that does not make it superior to a human. Similarly, a woman may be weaker in physical strength (with proper training a woman can be as strong as any man, if not more) but her physical weakness, in no way make her inferior to men. Financial dependence? This could be true for some ancient societies; but surely not true any more. We have many examples of single women leading a financially independent happy life. There are plenty of single mums (either widowed, divorced or unmarried) who steadfastly support her family without the help of any man.

This verse also prescribes physical punishment for disobedient women. I shall write more on Islamic wife beating later. Why does God have to prescribe this torture on wives? Isn't it because men make women dependent on them? Imagine what would happen to a man if he were completely dependent on a woman for his financial support? Will he dare to raise his hand against her?

Please note the comment (lightly) inserted by the translator Yusuf Ali. He deliberately did this keeping in mind that beating is a gross indecency and a criminal offence in western societies. His purpose of translation of Qur'an was primarily aimed at the western people and the non-Muslims. That is why he softens Qur'an from its extremely harsh statements. The original Qur'an and the translation by other authors do not contain the comment (slightly) insert. Here is the translation of Pickthal and Shakir. While Pickthal translates to whip women, Shakir translates as plain beating without specifying the method.

PICKTHAL: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.

SHAKIR: Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.

When Qur'an treats women in such a disgraceful manner, one may wonder why almighty Allah created women after all. Was it not better to have no woman at all? Actually, Qur'an does not really know the reason for creation of women because Qur'an is not really from God. Muhammad himself with the help of a few of his scribes wrote it. Therefore, in Qur'an we simply find the mention of what people believed in those days regarding the creation of human albeit in a new format.

Here is the verse that tells the reason for the creation of women

God created us from a single person and made mate of like nature; pregnancy is a light burden to women...7:189

007.189
YUSUFALI: It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, (saying): "If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful."

The verse is rather very ambiguous. It says that God created a single person first. What was the sex of that single person? Islamists often use this verse to portray the sexual equality of Islam and how Islam differs from the Christianity and Judaism. In the Bible God says that He created Adam first then He created Eve from Adam's rib. Do not be fooled by this simple-minded interpretation of the Islamists. The key word in this verse is 'you'. Who is this 'you' that God seems to be talking to. Is it a man or a woman? Remember, whom did God reveal the Qur'an? It was not a woman but a man. Moreover, elsewhere in the Hadith we read that women were created from a rib that is why they are crooked (See Shahih Muslim 8.3467). Therefore, the meaning of this verse is no different from the verse in the Bible. In this verse, the Qur'an says that women were created to give companion and pleasure to men. Please take a moment to read and think about the meaning of this verse once again. We do not really need exegesis/mullahs/Islamists to tell us the "Real" Tafsir of this verse. Simple common sense tells us that God created women to give men companionship and pleasure and to bear children. God did not create women as his primary reason. One may conclude that God made women on second thought to alleviate the loneliness and the dullness for men. Women were merely created for men's sensuous pleasure. Pure and simple. This is obvious from the following verse.

God created mate for tranquil living and put love and mercy among sexes-30:21

030.021
YUSUFALI: And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.

Does this verse seem to be contradicting the previous verse (7:189)? Of course, it does. This verse seems to suggest that God created women for men and vice versa. That is to say, God created two persons, and not one as was suggested in the previous (7:189) verse. Doesn't it? Who was created first? Man or the woman? Surely, God did not create men to give pleasure and tranquillity to women. It was the woman who was created for men. Thus, from the very beginning of creation of human we see the unfairness of God. Not only that God created woman as a second thought but also he burdened her with the task of child bearing. One may legitimately ask, 'Why? Why God has to put women in such a burdensome position?' The answer, if we go by the Islamic rule, is a simple one. Only God knows the answer. And that's all. But it is not that difficult to ponder on the real reason. All religious books are written by men (religionists say that they are the messages sent by God through His postman like Gabriel). It is, then a simple matter to realize that these prophets of God could never displease men by giving them a secondary position (like women) in the process of creation. Therefore, the women must accept without question the superiority of men. After all, pregnancy and giving birth are dirty/painful jobs that fit only slaves. Doesn't it make sense to realize that when these 'messengers of God' wrote their holy scriptures they viewed women as nothing more than sexual pleasures and slaves to carry the burden of sex (pregnancy)? Read the ancient history of Arabia that will confirm of what I have written.

Can you then guess what would have been the story of creation of Adam and Eve if God's messengers were women?

Another reason given by Qur'an as to why God prefers men is simply laughable. Have a look at the following verse.

Men love to purify themselves-9:108

009.108
YUSUFALI: Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure.

In this verse, the Qur'an says that God prefers men because they (the men) love to purify themselves. Are we then to assume that the women does not know how to purify/cleanse themselves? In other words, are women unclean? Of course, the apologists will say that the meaning of purify means spiritual/mystical, sublime etc. Nowhere in the verse, it says what is the meaning of purification. It could be both spiritual as well as physical (meaning ablution before prayer). Let us take examples from the real world. Are there differences in cleanliness/purification between men and women? The answer is 'No.' Then, why should Qur'an use such inane argument to justify the divine superiority of men? Some may say that the verse did not say that the women do not know how to purify; it simply says that God loves those men who go to the mosque and purify themselves. This argument is simply not unacceptable. Are not women allowed in the mosque? If it is so, then the unfairness of God becomes more inexcusable. Why does God blatantly show his preference for men when both sexes are equally praying in the mosque? Isn't it a kind of religious apartheid?

This kind of Islamic bias for men is again demonstrated in the following verse.

Men are true to their covenant-33:23

033.023
YUSUFALI: Among the Believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah: of them some have completed their vow (to the extreme), and some (still) wait: but they have never changed (their determination) in the least:

How about the believing women? Are they not true to their faith and are they not ready to die for it? We shall, later in this article, see that women are equally commanded by God to go for Jihad and lay down their lives, if required. Why then God has a clear bias for men? Does not God trust women believers regarding their truthfulness and fealty in faith?

Only men receive revelation from God

The Qur'an and God are absolutely adamant that only men are capable of handling revelations from God. God always sends revelations to men. Thus, we have all the prophets to be men. God has never selected a woman as a prophet and in future also, he will not do so. Here are two verses that demonstrate amply this unreasonable desire of God. Have you ever wondered what would have God decided if women were financially strong in the Arabian Desert? What would have God chosen? Do you remember many extant tribal societies where the women ruled supreme? I wonder why God overlooked them.

For more unfairness of God, look at the following verses.

Revelations are sent to men only-12:109

012.109
YUSUFALI: Nor did We send before thee (as messengers) any but men, whom we did inspire,- (men) living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? But the home of the hereafter is best, for those who do right. Will ye not then understand?

Only men are chosen by God to be His messengers-16:43

016.043
YUSUFALI: And before thee also the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.

God chooses messengers from men and angels-22:75

022.075
YUSUFALI: Allah chooses messengers from angels and from men for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).

Let us briefly review those three verses. In 12.109 God says that he had never sent any messenger before Muhammad who was not a man. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet and messenger from God. Therefore, the natural conclusion is that there will never ever be woman messenger from God. In verse 16:43, God confirms his commitment of selecting only men as his messenger before Muhammad was selected to be his Prophet and messenger. This is to say that God had never selected a woman in the past to be his messenger. In 22:75, God confuses us. This time he says that he sometimes chooses men and sometimes chooses angels as his messengers. We have heard the name of a few messengers of God including Muhammad. Who were the angels sent as messengers? Was it Gabriel, Michael, Azazil, Azrael, Malik, Harut or Marut? Or does God mean that men and angels are at the same level in the eyes of God as far as the reception of his messages are concerned? Why were women excluded from the list of angels? This, too, is answered in the following verse.

Men are superior in the worshipping of God -24:37

024.037
YUSUFALI: By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: Their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new),-

Well, the above verse tells it all. Men are simply miles ahead in the worshipping of God than the women folks. Need no further explanation.

Here is a hadith that tells us that there never were perfect women although there were many perfect men. Since God is the only authority who reserves the right to bestow perfection to whomever he pleases, we must, therefore, conclude that only men are given perfection and not women no matter how much they (the women) may try. Perfection by women is simply out of question.

There are many perfect men but there are no perfect women except Mary, Asiya (Pharaoh's wife) and Aisha (Muhammad's wife)- (Shahih Muslim 31.5966)

Book 031, Number 5966:

Abu Musa reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: There are many persons amongst men who are quite perfect but there are not perfect amongst women except Mary, daughter of 'Imran, Asiya wife of Pharaoh, and the excellence of 'A'isha as compared to women is that of Tharid over all other foods.

Having established the indisputable superiority of men, God now elevates a man to the position of a kind of smaller god in the eyes of women. Here is what Islam thinks a woman should do for a man.

A man is next to God for a woman

This concept of absolute superiority of men in Islam is very similar to the Hindu practice. In Hinduism, women are asked to worship their husbands as Devota (demi God). Islam is no different on this. A woman's single purpose in life is to please her husband. Nothing is holier than this. In fact, if a woman were required to worship any one other than God it would be her husband. In hadith we read:

If a woman is to prostrate to another person (besides Allah) it will be her husband.

.(Sunaan Abu Dawud 11.2135)

Book 11, Number 2135:

Narrated Qays ibn Sa'd:

I went to al-Hirah and saw them (the people) prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, so I said: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) has most right to have prostration made before him। When I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him), I said: I went to al-Hirah and saw them prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, but you have most right, Apostle of Allah, to have (people) prostrating themselves before you. He said: Tell me , if you were to pass my grave, would you prostrate yourself before it? I said: No. He then said: Do not do so. If I were to command anyone to make prostration before another I would command women to prostrate themselves before their husbands, because of the special right over them given to husbands by Allah.

PART 2>>>

इस्लाम वॉच से साभार