A very common topic in Islam is women's rights. Some people think women are inferior to men, and they think that the women don't have any rights in Islam nor any personality. They believe she needs to do everything what her father, brother or husband want, and that she can't express her opinion, or else she will be beaten or abused. Well, none of this is true, and Islam came with a great blessing for women. Before Islam, women were in the situation I explained, and they were treated like animals and couldn't own anything. Often female babies were buried because people thought getting a female was a sorrow for the world. However, with Islam all of this changed. The woman got many rights from Allah (subhana wa ta'ala); she could inherit, have her own property, express her opinion, be respected as a wife and mother and have her own personality. Islam was a reform for humankind.
Rights as a sister:
THE QURAN
"... if the man or woman whose inheritance is in question has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus is it ordained by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, Most-Forbearing" - Quran 4:12
AHADITH
Ibn Abbas reported that the Holy Prophet (sallalhu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "If one brings up three daughters or sisters, teaches them good manners and treats them kindly and lovingly till they no longer need his help, Allah will make paradise obligatory for him. One man said: What if he has two? He replied: And he also. Ibn Abbas said that if the people had enquired about one, the Prophet would have said the same thing." [Shariah Sunnah]
Rights as a daughter:
THE QURAN
"Allah thus directs you as regards your children's (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two thirds of the inheritance, if only one, her share is half." - Quran 4:11
"When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah what an evil (choice) they decide on!" - Quran 16:58-59
AHADITH
'Aisha reported: "A woman came to me, while there were two of her daughters with her. She was begging of me, but found nothing from me except one date which I gave her. She divided it between her two daughters and she herself did take nothing of it. Then she got up and went away. The Holy Prophet came and I informed him (of it). He said: Whoever suffers for anything on account of these daughters and (still) treats them with kindness, they will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "If anybody has got a female child, and then does neither bury her alive, nor treats her unjustly, nor prefers his male children to her, Allah will admit him in Paradise." [Abu Daud]
Rights as a wife:
THE QURAN
"Permitted to you, on the night of the feasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves: But He turned to you and forgave you." - Quran 2:187
"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." - Quran 2:228
"And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift, but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with right good cheer." - Quran 4:4
"O ye who believe! ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them, - except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike in them, it may be that ye dislike a thing that Allah brings about through it a great deal of good." - Quran 4:19
"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect." - Quran 30:21
"Let the women live (in 'iddat) in the same style as ye live, according to your means. Annoy them not, so as to restrict them. And if they carry (life in their wombs), then spend (your substance) on them until they deliver their burden: and if they suckle your (offspring), give them their recompenses: and take mutual counsel together, according to what is just and reasonable. And if ye find yourselves difficulties, let another woman suckle (the child) on the (father's) behalf." - Quran 65:6
AHADITH
Hakim-b Muawiyah from his father reported: "I asked: O Messenger of Allah! what right has the wife of one among us got over him? He said: it is that you shall give her food when you have taken your food, that you shall clothe her when you have clothed yourself, that you shall not slap her on the face, nor revile (her), nor leave (her) alone except within the house." [Ahmad & Abu Daud & Ibn Majah]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "The most perfect of the believers in faith is he who is the best of them in conduct, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives." [Tirmizi, approved]
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "When a woman says her five (daily prayers) and fasts her month, and guards her private parts, and obeys her husband, let her enter Paradise by whichever door she likes." [Abu Nayeem in Hilya]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said:"Let no believing man hate a believing woman. If he hates one trait of her character, he shall be pleased with another that is within her." [Muslim]
"Nothing among the choicest blessings of this world is better than a virtuous wife." [Ibn Majah]
Rights as a mother:
THE QURAN
"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them Thy mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." - Quran 17:23-24
"(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable." - Quran 19:32
"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) goal." - Quran 31:14
AHADITH
Abu Hurairah reported that a man enquired: "O Apostle of Allah! who is the most proper person for my good association?" "Thy mother", replied he. Then he asked: "Who is next?" "Thy mother", he replied. Then he asked: "Who is next?" "Thy mother" he replied. He enquired: "Who is next?" "Thy father" [Bukhari & Muslim]
Mugirah reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "Allah made unlawful to you disobedience to mothers, burying alive of daughters, and refusing help. And he disliked for you frivolous gossips, frequent questions and squandering property." [Bukhari & Muslim]
Muawiyah-b-Ja'hemah reported that Ja'hemah came to the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu 'alayhe wa sallam): "I intend to join a battle and have come to you for consultation." He enquired: "Have you got mother?" "Yes", he replied. He said: "Then keep near her, because Paradise is at her feet." [Ahmad & Nisai & Baihaqi]
Abu Hurairah reported: "A woman came to the Prophet and said: "My husband intends to go away with my son while he gave me water to drink and and gave me other benefit." The Prophet said: "This is your father and this is your mother. Take the hand of any of them you like." He took the hand of his mother and she went away with him." [Abu Daud & Nisai]
From this we see that women has a lot of rights in Islam, although sadly this is not what we see around the Muslim world today. Many women are deprived of their rights and value, but this is based on culture, not religion. Islam has provided women with many rights, and those who tries to take them away are doing wrong to themselves! Women should be respected throughout her life and she plays an important role in Islam. Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) created men and women to live together in this world and support each other and help each other on equal terms, although they have some different positions due to their biological and mental differences.
The topic will continue ...
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Showing posts with label rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rights. Show all posts
Monday, 24 January 2011
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Explosion in Alexandria, Egypt
(you can access the news article at BBC if you click on the title of the post.)
This morning when I woke up, I was sad to learn that a bomb had exploded outside the Coptic Church al-Qadissin in Alexandria right after the New Year's service. 21 Christians were killed and over 70 injured. President Hosny Mubarak said that "This sinful act is a part of series of efforts to drive a wedge between Copts and Muslims." And I believe he has right, as some people see themselves superior to others and do not respect other opinions or beliefs.
Tensions have increased between these two groups of people during the past months, as al-Qaeda themselves have occasionally threatened the Christian minority in Egypt, which caused greater security outside the churches. Muslim top-leaders within the country have expressed their condolences, but a heart on fire is difficult to settle, and the Copts demand increased protection and rights in their country.
(the photo belongs to CBC.ca)
I heard that it's the father of a good friend of my boyfriend, who is investigating this case, and from what I've heard he is a very good police man and inshaAllah he will catch the ones behind this bombing.
What does Islam say about terrorism? And which rights do Chrisians have in a Muslim country? I will have a look at this in today's post.
Maybe some people have read the book called "Islam and Terrorism" by Mark A. Gabriel, where the author tries to portray Islam as a violent religion supporting and encouraging terrorism. Well, I once decided to read this book myself. This was about 8 months after my conversion, and in the beginning I was worried that this book might make me think bad about Islam and make me believe Islam is violent, and hence weaken my faith. Anyway, I'm always open to see and hear all sides of a case, so I decided to read it. Already after a couple of pages I noticed odd things in what the author was stating. Of course, when he was trying to illustrate how Islam supports terrorism, he used sources from the Quran kareem and hadiths, but the sources had been altered. He had changed the contents of them and circumscribed them, to change the meaning.
Alhamdullilah, I'm a critical person, so when I read things I always check their reliability and sources, so I was sitting with the computer while I was critically reading what Mark said. The sources he was listing, I searched them all when I was reading, to see if they said what he really was stating, and I saw that he had altered them all. I didn't read more than 80 pages before I was tired by this nonsense and I gave the book back to the library. I just say that, if you have read this book, be sure that the book is not reliable, and it's only a desperate try to turn more people against Islam. You need to do another research to find the truth about Islam and terrorism, and I must admit that after I read this book, my belief and love for Islam only increased. So the book worked against it's purpose.
People who mean terrorism has a root in Islam, base their beliefs on misinterpretations of the Quran kareem. The biggest danger with the Quran is to just take one verse and look at it, ignoring the verses that came before it and after it. The Quran must be seen in context, and not in pieces.
It is stated in the Quran that: "If anyone slays a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew all humankind. And if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all humankind." - Quran 5:32
How can anyone then defend the use of terrorism against innocent people? The Quran teaches us to respect all other races, languages, nationalities, skin colours and beliefs. In the Quran Allah (SWT) repeatedly tells us to do good and act good. The Quran always urges that forgiveness is better than revenge, and forgiveness will have a greater reward with Allah (SWT.) An example might be:
"The recompense for an injury
is an injury equal thereto (in degree),
but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation,
his reward is due from Allah,
for Allah loves not those who do wrong.
But indeed, if any do help and defend themselves
after a wrong done to them,
against such there is no cause of blame.
The blame is only against those who oppress men
with wrongdoing and insolently transgress
beyond bounds through the land,
defying right and justice.
For such there will be penalty grievous (in the Hereafter).
But indeed, if any show patience and forgive,
that would truly be an affair of great resolution."
- Quran 42:40-43
We have the right to defend ourself against harm, but not hurt anyone solely because he has another belief than us. Allah (SWT) loves those who do justice and those who do good and have patience. If somebody has another religion that you, that should be none of your concern as long as this person doesn't do anything to harm you.
If they do try to harm the Muslims, such as a violent attack on a country, Muslims have the right to defend themselves. Only in cases of war can they injure and harm others, but that is only the result of defense. They can't stand passively watching their country and people go to ruins. This can be seen from this verse from the Quran:
"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter ... But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful ... If they cease, let there be no hostility except those who practice oppression." - Quran 2:190-193
The danger happens when anyone just looks at this line "slay them wherever you catch them." - Quran 2:191. You need to look at the whole context to get the true meaning, and this verse just means that if you are attacked without reason, or oppressed you have the right to fight back. There are no clear evidences in the Quran kareem that supports terrorism, and the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) have the right to be protected by the state when they live in a Muslim country, but they should pay jizya, meaning a tax to the state.
The People of the Book do however, not have the right to express their religion out loudly for Muslims to see or hear in an Islamic state. They and Muslims are subjected to the same civic laws and should be treated alike in matters of theft, murder, damaging property, honour etc. On personal matters, such as marriages and inheritance, they have the right to appeal to their own religious courts. There are much more to it, than what I have mentioned here now, what I try to say is that the People of the Book have rights in an Islamic state, though not always equal to the Muslims. That is to protect the religion Islam, which has been completed as the true religion of God. So how can some Muslim extremists exercise terrorism on innocent people!
To return to the case of Egypt, Egypt is not an Islamic state, it's only a Muslim country. The constitution within the country is secular, except in personal matters such as inheritance, marriage and divorce. The Christians in Egypt do not pay the jizya, which they should do, to be granted this protection and all their rights. As human beings, they should not be discriminated, and their beliefs should be respected. We are all children of Adam and Hawwa (Eve) and we all have the same god. If there is peace in the world, everyone can interact more easily with each other and learn more about each other to acquire acceptance.
Allah (SWT) knows best.
This morning when I woke up, I was sad to learn that a bomb had exploded outside the Coptic Church al-Qadissin in Alexandria right after the New Year's service. 21 Christians were killed and over 70 injured. President Hosny Mubarak said that "This sinful act is a part of series of efforts to drive a wedge between Copts and Muslims." And I believe he has right, as some people see themselves superior to others and do not respect other opinions or beliefs.
Tensions have increased between these two groups of people during the past months, as al-Qaeda themselves have occasionally threatened the Christian minority in Egypt, which caused greater security outside the churches. Muslim top-leaders within the country have expressed their condolences, but a heart on fire is difficult to settle, and the Copts demand increased protection and rights in their country.
(the photo belongs to CBC.ca)
I heard that it's the father of a good friend of my boyfriend, who is investigating this case, and from what I've heard he is a very good police man and inshaAllah he will catch the ones behind this bombing.
What does Islam say about terrorism? And which rights do Chrisians have in a Muslim country? I will have a look at this in today's post.
Maybe some people have read the book called "Islam and Terrorism" by Mark A. Gabriel, where the author tries to portray Islam as a violent religion supporting and encouraging terrorism. Well, I once decided to read this book myself. This was about 8 months after my conversion, and in the beginning I was worried that this book might make me think bad about Islam and make me believe Islam is violent, and hence weaken my faith. Anyway, I'm always open to see and hear all sides of a case, so I decided to read it. Already after a couple of pages I noticed odd things in what the author was stating. Of course, when he was trying to illustrate how Islam supports terrorism, he used sources from the Quran kareem and hadiths, but the sources had been altered. He had changed the contents of them and circumscribed them, to change the meaning.
Alhamdullilah, I'm a critical person, so when I read things I always check their reliability and sources, so I was sitting with the computer while I was critically reading what Mark said. The sources he was listing, I searched them all when I was reading, to see if they said what he really was stating, and I saw that he had altered them all. I didn't read more than 80 pages before I was tired by this nonsense and I gave the book back to the library. I just say that, if you have read this book, be sure that the book is not reliable, and it's only a desperate try to turn more people against Islam. You need to do another research to find the truth about Islam and terrorism, and I must admit that after I read this book, my belief and love for Islam only increased. So the book worked against it's purpose.
People who mean terrorism has a root in Islam, base their beliefs on misinterpretations of the Quran kareem. The biggest danger with the Quran is to just take one verse and look at it, ignoring the verses that came before it and after it. The Quran must be seen in context, and not in pieces.
It is stated in the Quran that: "If anyone slays a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew all humankind. And if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all humankind." - Quran 5:32
How can anyone then defend the use of terrorism against innocent people? The Quran teaches us to respect all other races, languages, nationalities, skin colours and beliefs. In the Quran Allah (SWT) repeatedly tells us to do good and act good. The Quran always urges that forgiveness is better than revenge, and forgiveness will have a greater reward with Allah (SWT.) An example might be:
"The recompense for an injury
is an injury equal thereto (in degree),
but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation,
his reward is due from Allah,
for Allah loves not those who do wrong.
But indeed, if any do help and defend themselves
after a wrong done to them,
against such there is no cause of blame.
The blame is only against those who oppress men
with wrongdoing and insolently transgress
beyond bounds through the land,
defying right and justice.
For such there will be penalty grievous (in the Hereafter).
But indeed, if any show patience and forgive,
that would truly be an affair of great resolution."
- Quran 42:40-43
We have the right to defend ourself against harm, but not hurt anyone solely because he has another belief than us. Allah (SWT) loves those who do justice and those who do good and have patience. If somebody has another religion that you, that should be none of your concern as long as this person doesn't do anything to harm you.
If they do try to harm the Muslims, such as a violent attack on a country, Muslims have the right to defend themselves. Only in cases of war can they injure and harm others, but that is only the result of defense. They can't stand passively watching their country and people go to ruins. This can be seen from this verse from the Quran:
"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter ... But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful ... If they cease, let there be no hostility except those who practice oppression." - Quran 2:190-193
The danger happens when anyone just looks at this line "slay them wherever you catch them." - Quran 2:191. You need to look at the whole context to get the true meaning, and this verse just means that if you are attacked without reason, or oppressed you have the right to fight back. There are no clear evidences in the Quran kareem that supports terrorism, and the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) have the right to be protected by the state when they live in a Muslim country, but they should pay jizya, meaning a tax to the state.
The People of the Book do however, not have the right to express their religion out loudly for Muslims to see or hear in an Islamic state. They and Muslims are subjected to the same civic laws and should be treated alike in matters of theft, murder, damaging property, honour etc. On personal matters, such as marriages and inheritance, they have the right to appeal to their own religious courts. There are much more to it, than what I have mentioned here now, what I try to say is that the People of the Book have rights in an Islamic state, though not always equal to the Muslims. That is to protect the religion Islam, which has been completed as the true religion of God. So how can some Muslim extremists exercise terrorism on innocent people!
To return to the case of Egypt, Egypt is not an Islamic state, it's only a Muslim country. The constitution within the country is secular, except in personal matters such as inheritance, marriage and divorce. The Christians in Egypt do not pay the jizya, which they should do, to be granted this protection and all their rights. As human beings, they should not be discriminated, and their beliefs should be respected. We are all children of Adam and Hawwa (Eve) and we all have the same god. If there is peace in the world, everyone can interact more easily with each other and learn more about each other to acquire acceptance.
Allah (SWT) knows best.
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