CSS 2022 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | The Concept of the Status of Women in Islam
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Question Breakdown
The examiner asked for a proper explanation of Human rights and the concept of human rights in Islam in this particular question. After it addresses the major portion of the question with pertinent examples, act like a carry-on top. This section can be explained by citing the lessons and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) regarding the Concept of Human Rights in Islamic thought in the Specification of “Status of Women in Islam”.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Islamic concept of Human rights
3-Importance of Human rights in Islamic thought in the specification of “Status of Women in Islam” according to the sermon of Hijjatul Wida
- ✓The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) final sermon emphasizes Women’s rights and dignity
- ✓The beloved Prophet’s farewell sermon promotes the right to life, respect, and justice for women
- ✓The sermon is an excellent route to economic rights for women
- ✓The sermon is a perfect road to social dignity for women
- ✓The beloved Prophet’s farewell sermon promotes the right of women as a wife and daughter
4-Importance of human rights in the specification of “Status of Women in Islam” according to Quran and Hadith
4.1-Social rights of women
- ✓Islam provides equality of all Humans
- ✓Islam signifies the importance of women as a mother
- ✓Islam strictly signifies the rights of women as a wife
4.2-Economic rights of women
- ✓Islam provides a proper right to Inheritance for Women
- ✓Islam provides the right of independent ownership to women
- ✓Islam provides the more secure financial rights to women
4.3-Political rights of women
- ✓Islam signifies the woman’s right to participate in public affairs
- ✓Islam gives proper rights to education of women
- ✓Islam supports women’s participation in administration
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Fourteen centuries ago, Islam provided humanity with an ideal set of human rights. These rights seek to end injustice, exploitation, and oppression while bestowing upon humanity honour and dignity. Nevertheless, human rights are an essential component of the overall Islamic order, and all Muslim governments and social institutions are required to uphold them within the parameters of that order, both in word and in deed. Undoubtedly, Allah (SWT) created men and women equally, without regard to one another. Therefore, Islam has guaranteed women’s rights and gender equality in all spheres of their lives. Islam guarantees the equality of men and women and forbids discrimination against them. It is the religion that gave Muslim women the freedom to enjoy the same rights as men. As a result, When it comes to their relationship with Allah (SWT), men and women in Islam are unquestionably equal because they are both promised the same reward for good deeds and the same punishment for bad deeds.
“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women,” declares Allah.
(2: 228)
In the sacred Qur’an, Allah devoted an entire chapter to women. Furthermore, Allah (SWT) speaks directly to women throughout the Qur’an. Islam holds that all people, men and women alike, are created in a pure state. Every Muslim works to uphold this purity by abstaining from vices and enriching their inner selves with virtues.
Islamic philosophy of human rights
In Islam, men and women have the same relationship with Allah and are guaranteed the same rewards for good deeds and punishments for bad deeds, so there is definitely no difference between them. The holy Qur’an often refers to believers as “believing men and women” in order to highlight the equality of men and women with respect to their respective roles, rights, attributes, and merits. Islam is the religion that first granted women a position of dignity and honour because, prior to the arrival of Islam, there was significant discrimination against women. The Qur’an holds that since Adam and Eve shared the same soul during their creation, they are equally guilty, equally responsible, and equally loved. “The men believers and the women believers are responsible for each other is a significant verse in the Qur’an. They obey Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (PBUH), they observe prayers, they forbid evil, and they enjoin good deeds. (9:71).
Importance of human rights s in Islamic thought in the specification of “Status of Women in Islam” according to the sermon of Hijjatul Wida
Islam eliminated discrimination against women, injustice, and inhumanity. It also gave men and women a comprehensive code of conduct. Before the arrival of Islam, women were treated like chattels or slaves with no rights, dignity, honour, or rank by pagan Arabs who would also bury their female offspring alive and make them dance in the open air near the Ka’ba during annual fairs. Islam believes that men and women are made of the same soul and share the same essence.
“O mankind, be mindful of your duty to your Lord, who created you from a single soul and it created its mate and from the two created and spread many men and women,”
(4: 2).
In light of the possibility that he might not be able to join his followers in the years to come, the Prophet (PBUH) made the decision to deliver his most significant message to the thousands of people who joined him on his last pilgrimage. The true moral greatness of a person is revealed when they realize the absolute reality of death, and it is during this moment that the Prophet (PBUH) gave a speech that succinctly summarized Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) final sermon emphasizes Women’s rights and dignity. Undoubtedly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded Muslims to treat women with gentleness and commanded all those present on his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj al-Wada) to treat women with kindness and politeness, and through them, all future Muslim pilgrims. “Regarding women, fear Allah (SWT),” he (PBUH) exhorted. With Allah’s (SWT) blessing and the word of Allah (SWT), you have joined them in marriage and made their bodies lawful. Regarding food and clothing, you have (rights) over them, and they have (rights) over you depending on your means.
- The beloved Prophet’s farewell sermon promotes the right to life, respect, and justice for women.
Nonetheless, the Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is widely recognized as the beloved Prophet’s final speech, highlighted women’s rights and advocated for their right to justice, life, and respect. The Prophet underlined in his sermon the significance of treating women with kindness, equality, and respect, as well as the necessity of defending their rights and ensuring their well-being.
- The sermon is an excellent route to economic rights for women
Eliminating infanticide and establishing clear rights for women were two aspects of Muhammad’s legacy. Gender equality is a fundamental tenet of Islam. It gives women the divinely approved rights to inheritance, property, society, and marriage, including the freedom to say no to a marriage proposal and to file for divorce.
- The sermon is a perfect road to social dignity for women
Undoubtedly, the beloved Prophet PBUH emphasized women’s dignity and respect throughout his life and in his last sermon, he (PBUH) said, “O people, you have rights over your wives and your wives have rights over you. Remember, you must always treat your wives with kindness. Women are weak and cannot protect their own rights. When you married, God appointed you the trustees of those rights. You brought your wives to your homes under the Law of God. You must not, therefore, insult the trust which God has placed in your hands.
- The beloved Prophet’s farewell sermon promotes women’s rights as wives and daughters.
During the beloved Prophet Muhammad’s farewell speech, he emphasized the significance of treating women equally, kindly, and with respect. He (PBUH) emphasized that men have a duty to provide for and defend their wives and daughters, as well as women’s rights to be treated fairly by their husbands and families. Therefore, the beloved Prophet (PBUH) said,
“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.”
Thus, this statement ensured women’s rights and dignity in Islam.
Importance of human rights in the specification of “Status of Women in Islam” according to Quran and Hadith
A-Social rights of women
No Muslim in Islamic history has ever questioned a woman’s human status or her possession of a soul or other superior spiritual attribute. Islam accords women a status that is both realistically fitting for their nature and incredibly high (when compared to other religions). It’s something new, something different, and it doesn’t resemble any other system.
- Islam provides equality of all Humans
Women are entitled to education on par with men. It was declared by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) nearly fourteen centuries ago that all Muslims, male and female, must pursue knowledge. Muslims have generally adhered to this categorical proclamation throughout history. Islam raised women’s standing in society, treated them equally to men, and in certain cases, gave them the upper hand when it came to being mothers. As daughters, women have a right to fair and respectable treatment from their parents. The Prophet (PBUH) bestowed blessings upon those who did not treat their daughters with disdain or give preference to sons over daughters.
“We have commanded man to treat his parents with kindness: it took thirty months for his mother to bear and wean him, and she did so in excruciating pain”
(46:15).
- Islam signifies the importance of women as a mother
The mother, who endures hardships during childbirth, lactation, and upbringing, is a woman’s first point of contact. Islam is the only religion in history that honours the woman as a mother and raises her. No other religion or system does this. Honouring one’s mother is a virtue that Allah has instituted, and He prioritizes the mother’s rights over the father’s. The Qur’an reiterates and honours this in a number of chapters: We have commanded man to be kind to his parents since they bear him through hardship after hardship, and it takes two years for him to wean him. Give thanks to Me and your parents; everything will come back to Me, we said. (31:14). Nevertheless, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is quoted as saying,
“Whoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her.”
in this context. And does not give his son preference over her; God will let him go to Paradise. (Ahmed Musnad, 1957)
- Islam strictly signifies the rights of women as a wife
In Islam, a woman receives this important position through Nikah (marriage). The holy Qur’an states: “And among His signs is that He created between you affection and kindness, and He created spouses for you from among yourselves so that you might find repose in them. There are definitely clues for those who are reflective in this. Al-Rum 30:21 The various sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have been mentioned. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him),
“Marriage is my tradition; whoever shuns it is not from among me.” When we get married, I will be proud of your number when it reaches other countries in the afterlife. “When a bondsman performs nikah, his half Din fulfills and, in another half, (one should) fear Allah (SWT),”
said the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, it should be clear that a woman’s status as a wife is very high. All other connections in the world originate from this status.
B- Economic rights of women
Islam provides women the same rights as men to enter into contracts, launch their own businesses, pursue education, and own their own property. The life, property, and honour of a woman are just as valuable as those of a man. In Islam, women are granted a portion of property. Before Islam, women were not only denied that share but they were also thought of as men’s inheritance. Islam recognized the inherent individuality of women and created an heir out of that transferable property.
- Islam provides women with the proper right to inheritance.
Depending on her level of relationship with the deceased and the number of heirs, a woman who is a wife, mother, sister, or daughter will inherit a portion of the deceased’s property. Nobody can take this from her or take away her inheritance; it is her share. According to the Qur’an,
“And if a man or woman has a brother or sister but leaves no descendants or ascendants, then for each of them there is a sixth.”
Furthermore, “In the event that there are more than two, they split a third following any bequests or debts, provided no harm is done. The source of this ordinance is Allah (SWT), Who is both Knowing and Forbearing (4:12).
- Islam provides women with the right to independent ownership.
Islam established the right of independent ownership, which women were denied both before and after Islam (even up until this century). Islamic law fully recognizes a woman’s right to her money, property, and other possessions. Quran says,
“For men, there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and for women, there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave—whether it is little or much. These are obligatory shares.”
Qur’an 4:7
Therefore, Islamic teachings uphold this right, which is designed to give women security and financial independence.
- Islam provides more secure financial rights to women.
Nevertheless, as long as certain requirements are satisfied, a Muslim woman is allowed to pursue economic endeavours. Nevertheless, in Islam, women are encouraged to pursue careers in medicine. Institutions that support society can include women. She has an inherent love and devotion from Allah (SWT) that enables her to deal with juvenile offenders, school abandonment, and disillusioned youth. If women are in charge of the workplace, they also have the right to work there.
C- Political rights of women
Islam ensured women’s and men’s political independence. She is entitled to the freedom of self-defence, the protection of her property, and the ability to defend her nation’s sovereignty by engaging in combat. But in order to do so, she has to follow Islamic laws.
- Islam signifies the woman’s right to participate in public affairs.
The early Muslims had a harmonious society in which women played an active role. Women were actively sought out for their advice and were free to express their opinions. Women cared for the injured during battles; some of them even took up arms. For instance, A woman challenged Omar Ibn al-Khattab during his Caliphate in the mosque, proved her point, and made him say in front of the crowd, “A woman is right, and Omar is wrong.” Throughout Islamic history, women have held positions in research, education, public affairs, administration, and lawmaking. While keeping in mind Islamic principles, women are encouraged to actively contribute to the betterment, leadership, and service of various facets of the community in order to carry on this legacy.
- Islam gives proper rights to the education of women.
Islam encourages women to pursue knowledge and education. Men and women alike should value education, according to the Prophet Muhammad. Some instances from the life of Muhammad SAW are available, including the right for women to consult and their involvement in important decisions. Their views in politics were given the same weight as those of men. In one instance, Muhammad SAW designated Umme Waraqah as the Imam for his family. Not only this, but Muhammad’s (SAW) final wife, Hazrat Ayesha (RA). She is renowned for her expertise in rhetoric, history, and medicine.
- Islam supports women’s participation in administration.
Islam encourages women to hold positions of leadership and administration. Khadijah (R.A), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, was a prosperous businesswoman who made a substantial contribution to the upbringing of the early Muslims. The Qur’an states,
The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another. They encourage good and forbid evil, establish prayer and pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will be shown Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
(9:71)
Not only that, but notable scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam al-Tabari, and Ibn Hazm endorse the idea that women could occupy the highest judicial position because the Qur’an praises the Queen of Sheba for her just rule. Furthermore, according to Ibn Hazm, there is no theoretical barrier preventing women from fulfilling the prophetic role. Women in Madinah were appointed to financial positions during the reign of Caliph Umar.
Critical analysis
The only religion that places such an emphasis on women’s dignity and respect is Islam. Unfortunately, many radical organizations share the media’s current perceptions that Muslim women are oppressed, helpless, or subjugated to the men in their lives. In actuality, though, women in Islam are highly esteemed and respected. Islam teaches that when it comes to education, women have both rights and responsibilities. The fact that women are respected by God and that Islam granted them all the rights they are entitled to is highly symbolic in Islam.
Conclusion
In his final sermon, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) emphasized women’s spiritual and intellectual equality with men. The primary distinction between them is in the physical realm, which is founded on the equitable principle of fair division of labor. In a nutshell, Islam represents the concept of human rights, and women are given a very high status (in comparison to other religions) that is realistically appropriate for their biological state. Islam defends women’s rights and dignity in all aspects of life.
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