Women of Islam: Sound of Silence

Author: Farhana Hoque "Treat your women well, and be kind to them,"-Mohammad (pbuh). This hadith has been quoted 1400 years ago by the Prophet Mohammad. So why is it that 1400 years later, many Muslims in the Middle East permit the exact opposite? The hijab, or veil, has been turned from a symbol of honor to a symbol of repression for many Muslim women in the Middle East. The following poem is what Hillary Rodham Clinton has quoted from a student in India during a speech she gave on women’s rights at the Rajiv Ghandi Foundation in India: "Too many women In too many countries Speak the same language, Of silence... We seek only to give words to those who cannot speak (too many women in too many countries) I seek only to forget The silence of the grandmother’s Silence." In my opinion, wearing the veil is supposed to be a symbol of a women’s honor upon who she is and a symbol of respect for her faith as well as her beauty. However, I don’t believe that it should be forced upon her. She should have the option to choose what she feels is best for her. The whole purpose of being a Muslim (male or female) is to embrace Islam on their own without having anyone to tell them they have to and without anyone having to force it upon them. In the Qur’an, there are more passages that address issues relating to women (as individuals, in the family, and as members of the community) than all other social issues combined. Also mentioned in the Qur’an, both Adam and Eve were equally guilty for eating from the tree. The female was never singled out or chastised for being a temptress. This marks God’s fairness and equality to both sexes. According to the Qur’an, women are not blamed for the "fall of man." Pregnancy and child birth aren’t seen as punishments for "eating from the forbidden tree." On the other hand, the Qur’an considers them to be grounds for love and respect due to mothers. If one believes in anything other than that, then they aren’t really considered a Muslim, and they are known as Munafi’qun, or a hypocrite, and too many of them exist today in the Middle East. The women’s position in Islam is a very honorable position. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) has even said, "Among my followers the best of men are those who are best to their wives." In another narration, he has also said "Then remain in your mother’s service, because Paradise lies beneath her feet." The Prophet would want all men to respect women. If he were to see the state of condition of Muslims today, he would’ve went against anything that did not promote women’s rights. Not only that, but also many other acts that go against Islam and its teachings. Also, when concerning education, it isn’t only a right but also a responsibility of ALL males and females. Mohammad (pbuh) has said "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim ("Muslim" referring to both males and females)". Nobody can deny a women’s right to education. Yet in the Middle East they make up lame excuses for women to be kept from going to school. Some say that when she gets married, she will argue with her husband concerning things that may not seem "appropriate" to him. Also that she would be "smart-mouthed" and wouldn’t know how to keep quiet. That’s the problem with many women today in the Middle East, ‘Too many women, in too many countries speak the same language, of Silence.’ I think Muslim sisiters should start to reform. Here are sayings of a woman, Fatima Gailani, who feels the same way. She enrolled at the Muslim College in London in 1991 and is currently studying fiqh, Islamic understanding, which covers all aspects of Muslim life: "Muslim women have made a mistake in thinking that it is not their territory to be educated in Islamic law. Told they cannot be judges, which is not true, or Imams or preachers, educated women turned their energies to medicine, research, etc, never to expertise in Islam. We left it to men and then we mourn and say, ‘Oh, this is injustice, such injustice imposed on us.’ If something that has been given to us by God is taken away in the name of Islam, I will fight it. How else can we safeguard our part of the world, and ensure that no one abuses it? Women have been completely ignored for a very, very long time in our part of the world. And the most unfortunate enemy that women, and men, have in the Islamic world is ignorance: ignorant people facing selfish forces intent on using the religion for political reasons, reasons of power." Fatima says that she would feel the same way if children or men were being similarly oppressed. "I have taken up this struggle not just because I am a woman, but because this is an injustice in the name of my religion. And this misuse of Islam is a major factor in making my religion completely misunderstood by the West, something that need not happen." There are many women who feel the same way Fatima does, but are afraid of speaking up for what they believe in. Being confined and trapped under the laws of Islamic fundamentalists keeps so many women from lifting their veil of silence and being able to have the courage to stand up on their own. As Malcolm X said, "The fate of a nation depends on how it treats it women." This is in the spirit of the Prophet's answer to the Sahabi asking who was most deserving of good treatment and honor: 1) Your mother; 2) your mother; 3) your mother; 4) your father.  The Prophet loved women. How horrified he would be to see the wretched ways that so many of his ummah have been mistreating them. In conclusion, this article is pro women's rights.  All my brothers and sisters are created equal in the face of Allah.  Nobody should deny someone's humanity.  We can not just sit around hoping for change, for change comes with action, which I believe has to start immediately.  Too many women are being silenced, we need to stand up for those who can't, it is our duty to stand up for our religion and its rights. Although I'm only 14, I believe that the youth is where it all starts. We have to set an example for the youth as well as many that are to follow in the generations to come. About the Author: I am a first time author trying to submit an article.  I am 14 years old and I'm from Bangladesh, currently living in Brooklyn, NY in the USA.  My e-mail address is xxbb4evaxx@yahoo.com. Note: Farhana, Keep up the good work and this courageous spirit.  Uzma published in www.crescentlife.com