CSS 2014 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Role of Women in Islam and Modern Society
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2014 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner has asked for a comprehensive review of the role of women in Islamic and modern society. First, we describe the historical background of the role of women in Islamic culture, and then we describe the role of women in contemporary society.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- Significance of Women in Islam
3- A historical background of the role of Women in Islamic society
- ✓ in the political domain
- ✓ in the economic domain
- ✓ in the social domain
4- Role of Women in modern society
- ✓ Breaking barriers at the political level
- ✓ Economic empowerment
- ✓ Advocating the challenges in the modern era
- ✓ Social proficiency and progress
- ✓ Skill development through education and intellect
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Women’s roles within societies have changed significantly throughout time, wildly when contrasting the historical background of Islamic women’s responsibilities with those of women in contemporary culture. Because the Quran’s teachings and the Prophet Muhammad’s actions prioritized equality, education, and social engagement, women saw significant gains in status and rights during the early Islamic era. Contrary to this, initiatives for equality between men and women, access to education, and involvement in the labour and political process have fuelled women’s rights and challenges to conventional gender roles worldwide in the modern age. This provisional analysis aims to demonstrate the evolution of women’s roles in Islamic and contemporary culture.
Significance of Women in Islam
Women’s relevancy is based on Islamic principles of social involvement, female empowerment, and egalitarian behaviour. The notion that both men and women have equal worth in the sight of God are accountable for their actions and can grow in their faith is highly valued in Islam. Women were granted sophisticated opportunities for their era, such as the opportunity to inherit wealth, own properties, and seek educational opportunities to promote their independence and social connections. As Allah says in the Quran, their Lord responded: “I will never deny any of you—male or female—the reward of your deeds. Both are equal in reward. Furthermore, women have historically played essential roles in many aspects of community life, including family, education, and even politics, greatly enhancing the social framework of Islamic society. This multifaceted significance highlights women’s role in both the practical and spiritual facets of Islam.
Historical background of the role of Women in Islamic society
- ✓ In the political domain
The archaeological status of women in Islamic society’s political hierarchy has changed dramatically between the early Islamic era and the present. Women like Khadijah and Aisha played remarkable roles in the early history of Islam; Aisha rose to prominence as a scholar and political figure who was extremely connected with significant occasions like the Battle of the Camel, while Khadijah helped the Prophet Muhammad in his mission. Women wielded necessary authority under the Abbasid and Ottoman dynasties as Islamic culture grew, with leaders like Sitt al-Mulk and validity-sultans serving as political consultants and executives. For instance, when a woman brought up Quran 4:20, which highlights the right to keep gifts given to wives, during a sermon, Caliph Umar acknowledged her knowledge and changed his mind, allowing for larger dowries. This illustrates the significance of women’s voices and expertise in Islamic jurisprudence. Thus, the historical background of the role of women in Islamic civilization indicates their significant participation in the early Islamic era.
- ✓ In the economic domain
Furthermore, women have traditionally had noteworthy rights and achievements in the financial sphere of Islamic culture throughout Islamic history. In the 17th century, Islam advanced significantly by implementing policies that allowed women to own property, engage in commerce, and manage their finances independently. For instance, during the caliphate of Umar ibn Khitaab (R.A), supervision needed to be provided in the marketplace. He appointed Al-Shifa as the market controller in Madinah. In Islamic history, women have actively participated in various activities. For instance, this economic empowerment was demonstrated by notable individuals like Khadijah, the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, a wealthy entrepreneur who was instrumental in sustaining the early Muslim society. Thus, the historical involvement of women in the Islamic economy demonstrates the significant impact of the role of women on the financial environment.
- ✓ In the social domain
Moving down the ladder, Islam emphasized the need for education for both genders and increased social knowledge and involvement. Islamic civilizations assign women several social duties, such as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. For instance, Women like the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Hazrat Aisha, were significant contributors to the early Muslim society and were particularly important in developing hadith and Islamic knowledge. Women have had a variety of social responsibilities throughout history, such as providing care, teaching like Hazrat Ayesha, and organizing society. They are frequently the foundation of families and social systems. The Prophet (PBUH) says: ‘Women are the (equal) sisters of men’. Women make up half of society and are responsible for nurturing, guiding, and reforming the subsequent generations of men and women. Many women participated in humanitarian endeavours that promoted the well-being of their communities, and they were crucial in disseminating cultural and religious values.
Role of Women in modern society
- ✓ Breaking barriers at the political level
Moreover, in contemporary culture, women actively participate in management positions to guarantee that a range of viewpoints are reflected in the process of making decisions and that they break down barriers at the political level. Notwithstanding obstacles, including abuse, customs of society, and systemic patriarchy, women are organizing using networks of support, restriction on gender, and campaigning to increase their political engagement. For instance, the most well-known and significant Muslim women leaders include former Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Çiller (1993–1996), Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri (2001–2004), and former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto (1988–1990 and 1993–1996). Their leadership encourages subsequent generations of women to seek legislative careers, promoting more diverse and equitable democracies. It also results in more equal policies prioritising social needs like healthcare and education.
- ✓ Economic Empowerment of Women
Moving ahead, to promote inclusive economic growth and attain gender equality, economic empowerment for women is essential. It gives women more access to opportunities, resources, and authority to make decisions, which may boost social and political engagement, lower income disparity, and increase economic output. In addition to helping women personally, investing in them advances society since empowered women may spur innovation, provide employment, and improve their communities, all of which eventually result in sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. For instance, Muhammad Yunus’s Grameen Bank model in Bangladesh, which primarily lends microloans to women, is an excellent example of women’s empowerment in practice. The bank has dramatically raised home earnings and enhanced family health and education by empowering women to launch small enterprises. Thus, In addition to promoting equitable growth in the economy, reducing impoverishment, and achieving gender equality, all of which will eventually help society as a whole, supporting women’s financial independence is essential for their development as individuals.
- ✓ Advocating the challenges in the modern era
Furthermore, in today’s world, women are essential in promoting issues such as reproductive liberty, gender equality, job discrimination, and violence against women. They initiate campaigns for social change and raise public consciousness by using their voices to push for modifications to legislation that would address systemic inequalities. More and more women are taking up leadership positions in organizations and initiatives, leading the charge on inclusiveness and equity initiatives. Notwithstanding their attempts, there are still numerous substantial barriers, such as the wage disparity between men and women, political prejudice, and limited access to healthcare and education. For instance, Shahnaz Laghari, The first Pakistani woman to fly a plane while wearing a hijab and the first veiled pilot in the world and Sister Safia, A pilot who wears a Noor Abaya, says the abaya is comfortable and practical. By participating in international discussions and charitable endeavours, women raise awareness of problems and provide solutions to make society more equitable and just.
- ✓ Social proficiency and progress
Moving down the ladder, women actively participate in various professions, such as politics, education, healthcare, and community development, which are crucial to attaining social proficiency and development in modern society. Their involvement encourages various innovative solutions and perspectives to societal issues, enhancing the welfare of the community and hastening social development. Furthermore, women’s contribution to community-based endeavours and political campaigns has been crucial in addressing issues including assault on women, having access to healthcare and education and prejudice. For instance, the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) is an association in Pakistan that advocates for gradual change in Islamic culture and family laws. Thus, women’s involvement in social proficiency and progress is crucial to building accessible, varied societies with equal opportunities and rights.
- ✓ Skill development through education and intellect
Today, to promote economic and social development, it is crucial for women to develop intellect and abilities via education. If women have access to education, they are more likely to acquire the knowledge and skills that increase their capability for employment and enable them to participate in working life actively. Women improve their lives and serve as role models for others, increasing the community’s capacity and understanding by encouraging a culture of learning and academic achievement. Thus, women’s involvement in developing skills and training is essential for an equitable future.
Critical analysis
An intricate combination of advantages, social accords, and financial variables explains the role of women in Islam and modern society. Islam always provides remarkable rights to women, including their dispensation to acquire knowledge and possessions, but with an overwhelming population in many countries of Muslims, these freedoms are regularly restricted by current understandings and social customs, economic, leading to disparities in obtaining political and educational opportunities. Conversely, modern society has made great strides toward equality between men and women. Despite these advancements, women still face challenges, including prejudice and violence due to their gender and many other sorts of injustice. These circumstances highlight the need for ongoing efforts to defend women’s rights with modern principles to advance a more equitable and just society.
Conclusion
In summary, complicated cooperation between social compact, current obstacles, and historical rights is demonstrated by exploring women’s role in Islam and contemporary society. International campaigns for equal opportunities for women and increased representation in all sectors have led to remarkable advancements in women’s rights in modern society. This ultimately illustrates the importance of ongoing initiatives to support the freedoms of women, empower them, and build a more just and fair society for everyone by aligning religious creeds with modern ideals.
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