Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
Muslims generally do not take interest in social work as compared to other communities and as such the social problem in this community is much more than those of other communities. IIWA is an international Non-Profit organization, which is established with a view to fill this vacuum and brings the women together under one umbrella to serve the Ummah. Since most of the sensitive issues in the society relate to women alone it is natural that her involvement and views on the subject is very necessary. Individually some women might be working for the good cause but their presence is never felt due to lack of communication and adequate publicity.
IIWA is a platform for woman to help those who are in need but also to raise their voices against injustice being meted out against women in the society. Though IIWA is an organization of Muslim women, it would also work for betterment and upliftment of women irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. By and large Muslim women are neither employed nor do any business and they have adequate time, which could be utilized, for social cause and make our society happy and healthy.
The First Step
IIWA is the first Muslim women organization, which would have an international connection and presence and would try to solve all issues relating to women. They may include matrimonial issues, like selection of spouse, divorce, payment of Meher and maintenance, marriage of widow or discrimination in inheritance. It could be educational or even economic issues, which need to be addressed in any society.
The women involved in this organization have worked individually in any or all of the fields mentioned above. For example a model Nikahnama was drafter some 15 years ago and was discussed with Ulama and after due deliberations it was released by All India Muslim Personal law Board.
If we look at the history of Islam, we find that women are very much involved in social, economic and religious activities. They had a say in the matter and was respected for their views. However, subsequently under the influence of other non-Islamic societies, the presence of women diminished from our society which resulted into discriminations against Muslim women, never heard of before in Islamic society. In order to rectify this situation, it was necessary to form a Muslim women group which shall act as per the well defined laws as given in Qur’an, Hadith & Sunnah under the able guidance of our Ulama. It is sad that despite very clear understanding of the position of women in Islam, the Muslims generally adopted various customs and traditions regarding position and treatment of women, which were quite discriminatory in nature, which people followed religiously, so much so that some of these traditions were allowed to be continued by educated elite under the guise abundant precaution.
It is a matter of great pleasure that an international Muslim women’s organization IIWA is now established. To me, it was a dream comes true. During last two decades of my work in the field of education and social activities my meeting with a few ladies and study of a few books made me think of working with other concerned ladies in an organized way. Fortunately, the moment this idea was floated many women and young girls came forward offering their ideas, views and services for the noble cause.
When I look at the condition of women in the world both in Islamic and non Islamic country I find that the woman is oppressed either due to ignorance or deceit in the name of liberation. Whereas when we look at the history of Islam, we find women as part of the ummah, contributing in every field in the sphere of life. We find her in education, business, battlefields, politics, and literature. Muslim women made history by participating in social life as she was an important member of society. .
A Sense of Equality
Abdul Haleem Abu Shiqah, an Arabic scholar writes in his book (which is translated into Urdu as “Aurat Ahde Risalat mein”), that a woman is part of our society but we made her contribution nil and due to her illiteracy and ignorance she is not capable of bearing and upbringing of a generation which this ummah needs today. No wonder the ummah has become so voiceless and inactive in the present world. A woman has the same capabilities, thoughts, vision and sensibilities as men do. Unfortunately half of Muslim population has been made redundant for no valid reasons and with no logical explanations or sanction from Qur’an and Hadith.
Islam is a way of life for both men and women enjoining upon them to educate themselves. The responsibility of creating a healthy society lies with both men and women, in Islam, which is not possible with half the population remaining illiterate and ignorant. The reason is simple, the ummah followed traditions rather than Qur’an and Sunnah. The result was obvious. Majority of women remained illiterate under coercion in a male dominated society whereas those who defied had blindly followed the west and had become epitome of western culture.
While we thank Allah SWT that He made us a part of this Ummah that follows Islam, a balanced logical religion. The reason as to why can’t we be a part of feminist movements is simple. All such movements are anti Islam; moreover we don’t need to be their part for, we have a beautiful and most logical Shariah which gives equal rights to women and guides us to a well defined path of bliss in both the worlds. Islam takes care of a women whether she is a child, orphan, married, widow or divorcee.
Remember when Rasulullah (S) was given the prophet hood it was a woman Hazrat Khadija (R) who accepted him as prophet first and said Ammanna wa Saddaqna. It was a woman (Hazrat Umme Ammara Ansari) who was praised by Rasulullah (S) as great warrior in the field of Ohud and he gave his shield to her as gift. You should know that it was a woman Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (R) who is considered the best of teachers of Ummah. It was a woman Hazrat Asma (R) who was made in charge of the markets by Hazrat Umer (R) due to her exceptional qualities and capabilities to do the job.
Attain Worldly Knowledge
The purpose of establishing IIWA is to help people look at the Muslim women from an angle that conforms Qur’an and Sunnah. It will help women to achieve her goals and objectives and perform her duties strictly within the framework of Shariah. While she learns Qur’an and Hadith she also has to obtain the worldly knowledge to give her child a better perspective and understanding. Today the problem of Muslim women is not those projected by media and leaders but the need to change her perspective and mind-set. Which has been corrupted due to centuries of un-Islamic coercion and fear.
As per a Hadith Rasulullah (S) said that in every generation some righteous people will be born who will rectify the views of those who transgress, exaggerate or foolishly misinterpret and deviate from the right path. He also said that at the turn of every century, Allah SWT will send people who would rejuvenate the “Deen”.
Uzma Naheed Ghazi
Related posts:
- Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
- Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
- Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 2
- Do you think Islamic men treat women better than in America?
- Do you think the islamic rule for women to wear a veil is immoral?