Women in Islam
Women who are part of the Muslim society have varying roles, obligations as well as rights. However, these variations are believed to be caused by cultural differences rather than the teaching of the Qu’ran. In most Muslim countries, women have lesser rights than men when it comes to civil rights, education, dress code, legal status, marriage as well as divorce. In addition, most Muslims believe that the restrictions being imposed on women are mandated by the teachings of the Qu’ran and are expounded by the Islamic law (2006)
. Therefore, they believe that these restrictions are based on the divine understanding of the natural differences of men and women. Therefore, the restrictions on women are perfect and just. However, there are those who believe that the restrictions go beyond the Islamic since they are being motivated by culture. For example, the rulings on dress codes are different depending on the cultural background of the follower; there are those who wear veils to cover their heads while other wear burqas to cover their entire body except their eyes. Muslim women cover their bodies since it is stated in the Qu’ran that they should not show their bodies and adornments to people other than their husbands, fathers, sons or relatives. This is a means of protecting their families by exemplifying good human interactions.
The role of women in Islam is governed closely by regulation s in terms of behavior, human relations and conduct. The most emphasized role of women in Islam is that of their role within family units. As mothers, women have play the role of early socializers and educators (Shorish-Shamley). This means that women have the obligation of passing onto the next generation of Muslims that teaching of Allah as they know it themselves.
This means that women have the role of women in Islam is an important one. This is the case because they are entrusted with the role of preserving the family. In addition, it I the obligation of women to ensure that the next generation of Muslims are raised to continue and spread forth the word of Allah.
As such, women as not restricted from being educated especially in the field of Islamic studies. This is still part of ensuring that the next generation of Muslims will be raised according to the teachings of the Qu’ran as their forefathers have interpreted before them. However, it is still the case that women cannot lead men. This means that they teach their sons but there will come a time that they would have to abandon this duty for they can only be imams fo a group of women.
Since the time of the Prophet , the status of both Muslim and non-Muslim women have changed. For this reason, some are arguing that the interpretation of the teaching of the Qu’ran regarding the roles of women be restudied in order to fit the changing times. In addition, Islam is known as the forerunner of women’s and as such, its interpretation should not be frozen in the 7th century.
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