Women in Islam

The burqa and niqab have become a topic of much controversy and heated debate. A number of countries have banned the wearing of these religious garments, while others have considered banning or limiting their use. Many arguments have been made against the wearing of the burqa and niqab, claiming they are anti-social, backward, oppressive, and not part of Islam. This pamphlet discusses the burqa and niqab from an Islamic viewpoint and addresses the many concerns and allegations made against the…

(part 1 of 2): Hijab in Christian Denominations The literal meaning of hijab is to veil, to cover or to screen. It encompasses more than just a dress code; it is concerned with moral boundaries and respect for woman. It is part of community cohesion and modest behaviour. However, the term hijab has become interchangeable with the word scarf. The meaning is sometimes extended to cultural dress standards such as the burqa of Afghanistan, the chador of Iran and the…

(part 1 of 3) The Islamic veil or hijab refers to the loose-fitting, plain and opaque outer garments which cover a Muslim woman’s body. While basically identical to the clothing depicted in traditional Christian representations of Mary (peace be upon her and her son), and every nun who has sought to emulate her since, the hijab is readily singled out as sign of extremism, the supposedly inferior status of Muslim women, Those who see Muslim women as little more than…

(part 1 of 2): The Various Rights Islam Gives to Women Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the Women’s liberation movement began in the 20th century. Actually, the women’s liberation movement was not begun by women, but was revealed by God to a man in the seventh century by the name of Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, the last Prophet of God. The Quran and the Sunnah of…

Western Attitude towards Women Modern western attitude towards the female gender is a reaction to a long history of subjugation, rooted mainly in Judeo-Christian traditions. Perhaps, more accurately, one can assert that modern attitudes arose in post-reformation philosophies – ideas that appeared during the ‘era of enlightenment’. In contrast to this is the Islamic world view, one which finds its basis in the teachings found in the revelation given by God to the Prophet Muhammad. According to Muslims, the view…

(part 1 of 2): The History of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and its Types A common phenomenon which has been regretfully associated almost exclusively with Islam is the various forms of female genital cutting, or FGC[1]. Although many of those who are involved in this act attribute to the religion of Islam, the majority of the forms of FGC present in the world today which are acts truly abominable, acts of which the religion of Islam is innocent. In no…

Probablemente no encajo dentro de la noción preconcebida de una “rebelde”. No tengo tatuajes visibles ni un piercing y no poseo una chaqueta de cuero. De hecho, cuando la mayoría de la gente me mira, su primer pensamiento está usualmente relacionado con la idea de “mujer oprimida”. Los valientes individuos que se han armado de coraje para preguntarme acerca de la forma en la que me visto usualmente tienen preguntas como: “¿Tus padres te hacen vestir eso?”; o: “¿No te…

On my wall, I have a picture of a Muslim woman shrouded in a burka[1]. Beside it is a picture of an American beauty contestant, wearing nothing but a bikini. One woman is totally hidden from the public; the other is totally exposed. These two extremes say a great deal about the clash of so-called “civilizations.” The role of woman is at the heart of any culture. Apart from stealing Arab oil, the impending war in the Middle East is…

A book, Perfect Madness by Judith Warner, published by Riverhead Books, tells us that during her research, Warner discovered that: “Seventy percent of American moms say they find motherhood today ‘incredibly stressful.’” “Thirty percent of mothers of young children reportedly suffer from depression.” In the lands where all that glitters is somehow perceived to be gold and therefore desirable, women are discovering that playing roles that were not ordained for them by God is not all it is cracked up…

For centuries, Muslim women in all corners of the world have been aware of the liberation that is achieved by adhering to the concept of hijab. Current world events have once again brought the issue of women’s liberation in Islam to the forefront of people’s minds.   Can a Woman Who Adheres to Hijab Be Liberated? Can a religion that considers morality to be a part of faith clearly define the equality of men and women and their rights and…