International Women’s Day and women in Islam

Today, the 8^th March, has been celebrated annually as International Women’s Day since 1813, and has been further recognised by the United Nations since 1975. The marking of this day promotes recognition of the abuse and many disadvantages women have endured for centuries and highlights their continuing struggle to attain their rights and dignity. 

Men have their International Day as well which is celebrated on 16^th November in many countries around the world.

There can be no doubt, and we all recognise this fact, that women are, in general, treated badly, worldwide, by the opposite sex, mainly by their own relatives, husbands or partners. It is also a fact that they are often seen only as sexual objects and not as respectable and dignified human beings. They are often sexually harassed, exploited and misused. This is not to say that men are not exploited and mistreated by women, but this is rarely the case.

The International Women’s Day was first introduced for the purpose of marking women’s enormous contributions to humankind as well as to empower them and meet their social, economic and political aspirations.

Ever since humanity first appeared on the face of the earth physical power and domination has been in the hands of men. Women, due to their less robust physical structure, have always found themselves weaker and disadvantaged in the ‘man’s world’.

However, since the time of Adam, Allah has granted both men and women their respective rights and dignity. With these rights comes the often forgotten, or ignored, responsibility and an accountability towards each other. No one is more virtuous than any other in the Sight of Allah except by the means of their deeds and their closeness to Allah.

The original agenda concerning the celebration of an International Women’s Day included the following:

1-                  Achieving full gender equality in politics, business, education and health.

2-                  The right to vote, which they were subsequently given, in Britain, in 1918.

A century on, according to some surveys reported in the news, the following outrages are still being suffered by women:

1-                  An estimated 120 million girls and young women have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse (this number in some surveys is thought to be much higher).

2-                  More than a third of women worldwide have also experienced physical and sexual violence.

3-                  Women are disadvantaged in their work place and earnings.

4-                  Women are still being deprived of their lawful rights and dignity.

Islam, to ensure the rights and dignity of women, revealed a whole chapter, Surah, in the Quran, called An-Nisa or ‘The Women’. Women’s rights and dignity were completely ensured and enshrined within the Shariah Law. They were granted equal rights to dignity and life. The Quranic guidance and Prophetic traditions lay down important ground rules for the safety of women and their independence in terms of their rights, for example in marriage and divorce, ownership and inheritance. Also covered are the exercising of these rights in social and political matters, business and livelihood and their religious and spiritual life.

Islam does not allow violence against women in any shape or form, or indeed against anyone of either sex. Any physical violence is accountable in the Sight of Allah and the Law of Qisas or retribution is equally applied and must never be ignored.  In a case of violence against any woman, be it a wife, daughter or a sister, the law of retribution is applicable and justice should be implemented.

The Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘the best among you is the one who is best to their wives (Ahl) and I am the best among you to my Ahl (wives). The Prophet disliked the acts of those who mistreated their women and reprimanded them.

The Islamic law of fairness also applies to women who work alongside men. If a woman carries out the same work as a man fairness and justice require that she receives equal pay.

Tragically, and most importantly, most surveys show, girls and young women are more likely to be assaulted sexually by their relatives and acquaintances, rather than strangers. To protect women’s dignity and honour Islam lays down some rules for dress codes. The sexual predators out there are often lured by the beauty of women into committing their crimes. The Islamic dress code is the first line of protection for the dignity and honour of a female and observing them assists in preventing these sexual crimes taking place. 

Muslim society itself is by no means free from this evil, indeed and to the disgust of many, sexual harassment has become a matter of routine in many Muslim societies, even though the women dress in accordance with the Islamic dress code. Despite the overwhelming condemnation contained in the religious guidance written into Islamic Law, these crimes continue to occur in Muslim societies, sometimes more frequently than they do in secular societies. A heightened Islamic awareness is needed and the law must be implemented, without exception, in all cases of violations against women.

Men, of all nations and religions, need to respect all women, according them their rightful dignity and honour, if they are to maintain any semblance of honour for themselves. Islamic teachings and guidance will continue to seek to purify men's hearts and mind and cleanse them of the sickness of sexual fantasies and harassment of women.

Men and women both need to respect each other’s dignity and honour. From an Islamic perspective, a spiritual heart and mindset is the best deterrent against the evils of sexual harassment, sexual assaults and violation of dignity and modesty of a person. A rational man must always realise that he should behave better than an animal.  If he does not he must expect to be treated as one!