Misconceptions about women in Islam

[v9s]

Seeing as there are many threads related to women and islam, i saw it fit to post this article:

Misconceptions about women in Islam

There are widespread erroneous misconception about the status of women in Islam. This misconception was augmented by some newsmedia that made little effort to correct their understanding before broadcasting their views on this matter. Adding to this misconception are the regrettable practices in most so called "Islamic" countries or societies where myths, traditions and innovations have won over the true Islamic (Quranic) teachings and where women are traditionally subdued and oppressed. In this presentation we will try to clarify the position of the true Islam on the status of women. We will list the misconceptions then comment on every issue accordingly.

(1)Muslim women have to wear the veil:

This is a very common misconception, as Quran does not command the veil (Hijab). Wearing the veil is a tradition and is only supported by the man-made books of Hadiths and Sunna. These books do not represent the words of God in the Quran and on many occasions contradict them. Please see: "his is a very common misconception, as Quran does not command the veil (Hijab). Wearing the veil is a tradition and is only supported by the man-made books of Hadiths and Sunna. These books do not represent the words of God in the Quran and on many occasions contradict them. Please see: Women Dress code in Islam

(2) Islam encourages wife beating:

On the contrary, Quran uses the best psychological approach to discourage this widespread abuse that is widespread in both Islamic and non-Islamic societies. Please see: Domestic violence, Wife abuse and beating, a Quranic Perspective

(3) The woman inherits only half what a man can inherit:

This is a common misconception even among the traditional Muslims themselves. Quran gives the parents total freedom to give their children as much as they see fit even if this means giving the females double what the males would get. Quran, however, commands that if a will is NOT left, then the estate is distributed in such a manner that the son gets double what the daughter gets. Generally, the son is responsible for a family, while the daughter is taken care of by a husband or her family. However, the Quran recommends in 2:180

[2:180] It is decreed that when death approaches, you shall write a will for the benefit of the parents and relatives, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.

that a will shall be left to conform with the specific circumstances of the deceased. For example, if the son is rich and the daughter is poor, one may leave a will giving the daughter everything, or twice as much as the son. Please see: Wills & Inheritance

(4)The woman's testimony is equal only to half of the man's testimony:

This is a gross mis-representation. The woman testimony is equal to the man's testimony except in one case only, the financial transactions. This is according to 2:282;

[2:282] O you who believe, when you transact a loan for any period, you shall write it down. An impartial scribe shall do the writing. ........ Two men shall serve as witnesses; if not two men, then a man and two women whose testimony is acceptable to all. Thus, if one woman becomes biased, the other will remind her. It is the obligation of the witnesses to testify when called upon to do so. ......

Financial transactions are the ONLY situations where two women may substitute for one man as witness. This is to guard against the real possibility that one witness may marry the other witness, and thus cause her to be biased. It is a recognized fact that women are more emotionally vulnerable than men. If the woman as a witness was worth half that of a man, the verse would have stated so clearly. But obviously that is not the case. Women's testimony in all other matters are equal to that of a man or even supersedes his testimony as in the case of a wife testifying against her accusation of adultery, 24:6-10. See also, 65:2, 5:106 and 4:6

(5)Muslim woman cannot have jobs outside their homes:

This also is not true. The social structure in the East where Islam (Submission) prevails encourages the woman to make her house her first priority but there is no prohibition whatsoever on women having to work and earn their living. The Muslim (submitter) woman has been given the privilege to earn money, the right to own property, to enter into legal contracts and to manage all of her assets in any way she pleases. She can hold a job or run her own business and no one has any claim on her earnings including her husband. Historically, Muhammed's first wife was a merchant who hired Muhammed to work for her. Muslim women went along with their husbands, fathers and brothers during battles to take care of the wounded and help in the back lines of the troops.

(6)Polygamy is strongly recommended:

This is one of the most common misconceptions about Islam. Quran strongly discourages polygamy. Polygamy was a way of life until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. It was advocated and practiced by the followers of the previous scriptures. Quran came to put the first scriptural limit on polygamy and discourages it as much as possible. Please see: Polygamy in the Quran

(7)Men status is higher than that of the women:

Again this is not true. Many writers who wrote about women's rights refer to the statement in 4:34 as a sign of the man is above the women in status but it is a misunderstood statement. In 4:34, the expression "..al-rijalu qawwdmuna 'ala al-nisa'i.... " means "The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners." This expression simply means that God is appointing the husband as "captain of the ship." Marriage is like a ship, and the captain runs it after due consultation with his officers. It does not assign inequality but rather assigns duties to avoid conflicts and disputes.

Quran provides every possible proof that women and men are equal in the sight of God and treats both genders in the same way and rewards them in the same way. Please see: Are women and men equal in Islam? and Blame it on Eve!

(8) Muslim Women cannot have education:

This is not true. Qur'an encourages the pursuit of knowledge by all Muslims (Submitters) regardless of their sex. It repeatedly commands all believers to read, to recite, to think, to contemplate, as well as to learn from the signs of God surrounding us in nature. In fact, the very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad was "READ" and the second revelation talked about God who teaches the people by the "PEN". In either case no gender is advocated, the order is for everyone. Islam (Submission) does not put any limit on the kind or field of education a woman may choose. Islamic history still has the mark of few women scholars.

(9)Women cannot share in the political life in their communities:

This also is not true. Women in Islam (Submission) have the right to vote, express their views on any public matter, run for an office and even be the head of a state. Women and Politics in Islam

(10)Women cannot pray, fast, do Hajj or Ummrah during menstruation:

This misconception is even common among women who follow the traditional Islam that derives many of its laws from man-made books. This is totally against the teachings of the Quran. Please see: Religious Duties & Menstruation based on Quran

(11)Women are stoned to death for Adultery:

This is totally false as there is NO death penalty for adultery in Islam (Submission). The penalty of adultery is equal for both men and women, and involves symbolic lashing. Social pressure, i.e., public witnessing of the penalty, is the basic punishment:

[24:2] The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be swayed by pity from carrying out GOD's law, if you truly believe in GOD and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their penalty.

(12)Muslim women cannot marry Jewish or Christian men:

This common misconception is advocated and promoted by men but have no basis in the Quran. Quran gives both men and women the right to marry from the people of the book, i.e. Muslims (Submitters), Jews or Christians. God also reminds us that the marriage to a believer is much better than the marriage to an idolworshiper. See 5:5 and 2:221. See also: Marriage in the Quran

(13)Muslim women do not have the right to divorce their husbands:

This is not true. Divorce laws in the Quran apply to both men and women equally. Women have the right to divorce their husbands as long as they follow the laws set in the Quran. Please see: Divorce according to the Quran

(14)Compensation for the murder of a woman is half the going rate for men:

This is totally false as both men and women are equally treated and compensated according to the Quran. Such laws are found in the fabricated books of Hadiths and Sunna and they are not the laws of God in the Quran. See:

[2:178] O you who believe, equivalence is the law decreed for you when dealing with murder - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. If one is pardoned by the victim's kin, an appreciative response is in order, and an equitable compensation shall be paid. This is an alleviation from your Lord and mercy. Anyone who transgresses beyond this incurs a painful retribution.

(15)For a woman to prove rape, four adult males of "impeccable" character must witness the incident:

This a gross misunderstanding of this law. Like any civil law in the civilized world, Quran urges a proof beyond doubt for such a horrendous crime. Quran accepts a proof of a crime if the proof is beyond doubt, e.g. see 12:75. Therefore although the verses of adultery which is used in cases of rape are applied, a proof beyond doubt, e.g. DNA of the offender should be an acceptable proof instead of four witnesses in these cases. Insisting on four witnesses when the other proof is beyond doubt is NOT Quranic.

(16)The legal age for girls to marry tends to be very young:

his is not an Islamic law but local tribal or cultural tradition. In reality Islam (Submission) expects marriage to be established on mutual understanding, acceptance and approval. Such requirements cannot be achieved in the very young girls (or boys). Maturity, mentally, emotionally and physically is the rule in Islam (Submission) before marriage. The story of prophet Muhammed marrying his wife Aysha when she was only six is a gross lie that can be found in the Hadiths books that are full of many other similar lies that do not represent Islam.

(17)Female circumcision, also called female genital mutilation:

Quran does not mention nor advocates female circumcision and all the rituals that go with it. This is NOT an Islamic practice by all means. This practice predates Muhammad.

(18) Muslim women are not allowed to drive:

Again this is not Islamic law but rather a local tradition in some of these so called "Islamic" countries. Quran has no restriction on the women moving freely in the society, whether this includes riding a horse, driving a car or flying an aeroplane. Local laws that require the women to be accompanied by a male relative whenever they travel are traditional laws that have NO basis in the Quran.

(19) Typically, fathers win custody of boys over the age of six and girls after the onset of puberty:

This is only a local law that is not supported by the Quran. Cases of custody are to be decided on a case by case basis with the interest of the children being the priority in any judgment. God puts a great emphasis on protecting the right of the weak and unprotected kids, please see; 6:151-152, 17:31, 17:34, 2:233, 6:140, 60:12, 4:127, 4:2, 4:10, 33:5, 93:9, 2:215

(20) Women must be segregated form men in public, work and places of worship:

This is a common misconception even among some Muslims but has NO basis in the Quran. On the contrary, God meant for the women and men to be together with NO segregation whether in public, work or worship places. Hajj (pilgrimage) is a vivid example of how women and men are not segregated and worship in the same place, then go ahead with their lives and practice commerce after Hajj with no limits.

(21) "honor killings" of women:

Murders by husbands or male relatives of women suspected of disobedience, usually a sexual indiscretion or marriage against the family's wishes. These are tribal laws, not Islamic laws. There is no such thing as HONOR killing in Islam (Submission.) All killings are condemned in the Quran. in the strongest language possible. Please see; 5:32, 6:151 and 17:33. Punishment for these killers will follow the same general rules in the Quran and would not get a lighter sentence for his claims even if they were true. After all, these killers violated the sacred laws of God in the Quran. The punishment in the Quran is based always on an attempt to save lives not to waste lives. Please see: Capital Punishment in Islam

(22) "Morality Police" keeps control on the behaviour of women:

Islam does not assign police for morality as such character is not created by force but rather by understanding of God's laws in the Quran. The practice of the so called "Morality Police" is a total innovation of some of these so called "Islamic" countries but has nothing to do with Islam.

(23) Women cannot travel freely except in the company of a male relative, "mahram":

This is a man made fabrication that has no support in the Quran. According to the Quran, women have no limitations on their moves, travels or activities. Men who hire themsleves guards on the women's moves do this out of their own wishes not beause of any religious law in the Quran.

 

[BelligerentPacifist]

Even though you forgot to put a link on it, this article has evidently been written by someone who is sorry they're branded a Muslim.

Also, the author seems to have no scientific instruction or initiation to principles of fiqh. No references quotes. Other cornerstones of fiqh/jurisprudence completely ignored.

These days anybody who can type a few words is issuing their opinion as a legal opinion/fatwaa.

 

[BelligerentPacifist]

I thought I'd give you a taste of how you write if you're Muslim and proud to be:

(1)Muslim women have to wear the veil:
No, but they do they're going an extra mile. We won't stop them for earning supplementary units of thawwab!

(2) Islam encourages wife beating:
Actually, discourages. But in a husband-wife relationship, the husband is the 'parent' if you will, and will eventually chastise his family. Rules are laid down so this chastisement never exceeds a threshold, otherwise law could be solicited.

(3) The woman inherits only half what a man can inherit:
Depends on the relation she has with the deceased. But it is universally a smaller percentage than an equivalent male relation. She has no financial responsibilities, not of her own, not of her kids, nor siblings or parents. What she gets goes into her saving account. What a man gets, gets channeled down to relatives.

(4)The woman's testimony is equal only to half of the man's testimony:
Not sure.

(5)Muslim woman cannot have jobs outside their homes:
They can. But unfortunately simply being women gives them the right that they should be earned for, and sit pretty themselves.

(6)Polygamy is strongly recommended:
Being in a nikaaH (you could loosely translate it to a marriage) is highly recommended. But if there are women in the society that need help, being old or bearing responsibilities, then it is recommended that someone take them into his hikaah rather than that they live off the State.

(7)Men status is higher than that of the women:
As a human, no. In a husband-wife relation, yes. Interestingly, in a mother-son relation, not at all, but no Islam-basher goes there.

(8) Muslim Women cannot have education:
Men and women are obligated to seek knowledge. In fact, the only acceptable among worldly things is the giving and taking of knowledge.

(9)Women cannot share in the political life in their communities:
As a sweeping statement, this is obviously false. But I'm unsure of exact details.

(10)Women cannot pray, fast, do Hajj or Ummrah during menstruation:
Daily worship and fasting are relaxed during menstruation, and you don't have to make it up later. If you're there for Haj or 3umra, obviously you can't come back, but you're allowed to sit out of some parts, but in a Haj at least this sitting-out doesn't do, there's alternative worship, paying of an amount as alms if you forego any obligatory act of the Haj. So yes, the rules of worship are relaxed during these times, and the point isn't untrue.

(11)Women are stoned to death for Adultery:
Men and women that are in a nikaaH relation (men and women married to some other people) are supposed to be cleaned of their sin through this excercise. Unmarried ones could be lashed (funnily this isn't the same as the general concept of lashing) or exiled for a year to show them that life isn't a free lunch.

(12)Muslim women cannot marry Jewish or Christian men:
They can't, as far as I know. Not sure of details.

(13)Muslim women do not have the right to divorce their husbands:
They do, but through legal intervention, not verbally as the husband probably has.

(14)Compensation for the murder of a woman is half the going rate for men:
No idea.

(15)For a woman to prove rape, four adult males of "impeccable" character must witness the incident:
AFAIK true. Obviously this applies to a public rape. I believe the issue here is the difficullty to legally allege something on someone. The law works very heavily on the principle of giving the benefit of doubt to the defendant, and keeps on doing it until a crime is significantly established through ample witnesses.
I'll put a 'am ignorant' tag on this one.

(16)The legal age for girls to marry tends to be very young:
The legal age depends on the person. Once you're mature you have a right to nikaaH.

(17)Female circumcision, also called female genital mutilation:
Cultural practice from Eastern Africa.

(18) Muslim women are not allowed to drive:
I'm ignorant to legislation for the modern life. One country has this law, and they apparently have their social reasons. So I guess you can't generalize it to Islam.

(19) Typically, fathers win custody of boys over the age of six and girls after the onset of puberty:
Any law that puts numbers on ages isn't classical Islamic law. The above might be a law in some Muslim community/country according to their needs.

Children can live with their mother all their life if they wish to, but uptil maturity (later too?) their financial and other responsibilities rests with their father.

(20) Women must be segregated form men in public, work and places of worship:
Cannot be totally segregated, so the question of 'must' doesn't arise. But as much as possible. Or that they keep a harsh demeanor so the men fear them.

(21) "honor killings" of women:
Only the State can kill or authorise killing sans that it be called murder. This is murder. Again, this is a cultural practice prevelant in Aryan lands outside of Europe i.e. South & Central Asia, and somewhat in the Arab world too.

(22) "Morality Police" keeps control on the behaviour of women:
There's no morality police department. Again, one country has this, but its their country and their law.

(23) Women cannot travel freely except in the company of a male relative, "mahram":
Not sure, but from a Hadiith we know that women would travel alone. However, a woman cannot stay on her own over a long perion in a far-away place, say a foreign country. But for the vast majority of cases, she doesn't need to go far away if she's the queen of her hearth.

 

[brain_dead]

what a stupid thread.
irony is , anyone commenting against the claims of this thread will be banned rightaway.

 

[v9s]

Even though you forgot to put a link on it, this article has evidently been written by someone who is sorry they're branded a Muslim.

Also, the author seems to have no scientific instruction or initiation to principles of fiqh. No references quotes. Other cornerstones of fiqh/jurisprudence completely ignored.

These days anybody who can type a few words is issuing their opinion as a legal opinion/fatwaa.

The Quran is self-explanatory, it doesn't need any interpretation from so-called islamic "scholars". Tell me, where exactly in the Quran does it say "the quran is complicated and you need a someone to interpret it".

This is the exact reason why traditional muslims are so backward. They give excuses like " ooh my religion is too complicated for me to understand....i must go to some scholar to do the thinking for me"

 

[Aeon]

The Quran is self-explanatory, it doesn't need any interpretation from so-called islamic "scholars". Tell me, where exactly in the Quran does it say "the quran is complicated and you need a someone to interpret it".

This is the exact reason why traditional muslims are so backward. They give excuses like " ooh my religion is too complicated for me to understand....i must go to some scholar to do the thinking for me"

Is there any wonder why there are such few quantity of high caliber scientists and research work being produced from all over the "Muslim world" compared to the West or the Far East?

 

[v9s]

I thought I'd give you a taste of how you write if you're Muslim and proud to be:

Jeez, don't tell me stuff what you've been told by islamic "scholars," go read the quran and judge for yourself.


Choosing the teachings of the scholars above the words of God reflects a disbelief in God's word, the Quran:

"They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords; instead of God....." 9:31

Just goes to show how even educated muslims like you know so little about something as important as their faith.

 

[GoogleIndia]

only by writing you can't change the real situation of real Muslim woman,if u want real revolution we need to apply it in real world....

 

[DaRk WaVe]

I hope my response won't hurt people because i know there are people who are not expecting any one to challenge it

(7)Men status is higher than that of the women:

Again this is not true. Many writers who wrote about women's rights refer to the statement in 4:34 as a sign of the man is above the women in status but it is a misunderstood statement. In 4:34, the expression "..al-rijalu qawwdmuna 'ala al-nisa'i.... " means "The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners." This expression simply means that God is appointing the husband as "captain of the ship." Marriage is like a ship, and the captain runs it after due consultation with his officers. It does not assign inequality but rather assigns duties to avoid conflicts and disputes.

Quran provides every possible proof that women and men are equal in the sight of God and treats both genders in the same way and rewards them in the same way. Please see: Are women and men equal in Islam? and Blame it on Eve!

Quran 4:34 Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the man to excel the woman.

Quran 2:28 And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree of advantage over them.

Sahi Bukhari 6:301 Muhammad said "I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you (women). A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you."

(3) The woman inherits only half what a man can inherit:

Quran 4:11 Allah directs you as regards Inheritance: to the male, a portion equal to that of two females. These are settled portions ordained by Allah.

(9)Women cannot share in the political life in their communities:

Sahi Bukhari 88:219 Muhammad said "Never will succeed such a nation which makes a woman their ruler"

The woman's testimony is equal only to half of the man's testimony:

Quran 2:282 Call in two male witnesses from among you, but if two men cannot be found, then one man and two women whom you judge fit to act as witnesses.

SB 6:301 Muhammad said "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man? This is the deficiency in her intelligence."

Women are stoned to death for Adultery:

Sahih Muslim 17:4206 A woman came to the prophet and admitted she was pregnant. He told her to wait until she had given birth. Muhammad handed the child over to the community. She was put in a hole up to her breast, he ordered the people to stone her. Khalid came forward with a stone which he threw at her head, and when the blood spurted on her face he cursed her.

"Morality Police" keeps control on the behaviour of women:

Islam does not assign police for morality as such character is not created by force but rather by understanding of God's laws in the Quran. The practice of the so called "Morality Police" is a total innovation of some of these so called "Islamic" countries but has nothing to do with Islam.

yeah, Saudis know nothing about Islam thats why they have a moral police,pathetic attempt

 

[Dr.Evil]

This thread is potential mine field specially for Non-Muslims and Indians in particular.

Whatever postion ( Right / Wrong ) you take someone or the other will fell offended.

Mods better close this Religious thread.

 

[apophenia]

I hope my response won't hurt people because i know there are people who are not expecting any one to challenge it



Quran 4:34 Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the man to excel the woman.

Quran 2:28 And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree of advantage over them.

Sahi Bukhari 6:301 Muhammad said "I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you (women). A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you."



Quran 4:11 Allah directs you as regards Inheritance: to the male, a portion equal to that of two females. These are settled portions ordained by Allah.




Sahi Bukhari 88:219 Muhammad said "Never will succeed such a nation which makes a woman their ruler"

Sahi Muslim 8:3240 Muhammad said "The woman advances and retires in the shape of a devil."



Quran 2:282 Call in two male witnesses from among you, but if two men cannot be found, then one man and two women whom you judge fit to act as witnesses.

SB 6:301 Muhammad said "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man? This is the deficiency in her intelligence."



Sahih Muslim 17:4206 A woman came to the prophet and admitted she was pregnant. He told her to wait until she had given birth. Muhammad handed the child over to the community. She was put in a hole up to her breast, he ordered the people to stone her. Khalid came forward with a stone which he threw at her head, and when the blood spurted on her face he cursed her.

I am quite sure that poster was basing his piece on the koran in terms of his focal point not the tradition. You used traditions to initiate a debate which for me is inherently wrong.I know most moslims rely heavily on tradition to explain the islam/koran. their argument, without the traditions we are almost lost. but they don’t realize the problem with traditions is that they are not chronological. we have no idea of the substance or context. as child I was told tradition have to be used with Koran. traditions contradicting the koran cannot be accurate .abrogation plays a major role in islamic life and most of the time it’s just too messed up to be rationalized.

 

[DaRk WaVe]

I am quite sure that poster was basing his piece on the koran in terms of his focal point not the tradition. You used traditions to initiate a debate which for me is inherently wrong.I know most moslims rely heavily on tradition to explain the islam/koran. their argument, without the traditions we are almost lost. but they don’t realize the problem with traditions is that they are not chronological. we have no idea of the substance or context. as child I was told tradition have to be used with Koran. traditions contradicting the koran cannot be accurate .abrogation plays a major role in islamic life and most of the time it’s just too messed up to be rationalized.

Tradition?

where's tradition? I quoted the Hadith & Quran, you can always check them if you want to, There's not even a hint of 'tradition' in this all, Life of Prophet is example for Muslims & they ought to following it, what are you trying to say, I don't know what will be acceptable to apologists here

 

[v9s]

Tradition?

where's tradition? I quoted the Hadith & Quran, you can always check them if you want to, There's not even a hint of 'tradition' in this all, Life of Prophet is example for Muslims & they ought to following it, what are you trying to say, I don't know what will be acceptable to apologists here

Jeez...tradition means hadith and sunnah.

It's pretty clear you don't know much about how corrupted these are. Brush up your knowledge here: Hadith: A critical Evaluation

 

[apophenia]

Tradition?

where's tradition? I quoted the Hadith & Quran, you can always check them if you want to, There's not even a hint of 'tradition' in this all, Life of Prophet is example for Muslims & they ought to following it

Kido...tradition = Ahadith/Sunnah. Your references are all correct but we cannot base our verdict on them . What we can base them on is the only source that allah has promised to protect, Koran.

 

[DaRk WaVe]

So now suddenly from no where Hadith have become absurd

funny how you people can twist it all, When its required you people don't hesitate to use haidth but suddenly everything is out of context & absurd, but if anyone challenges any haidth you people label is at Islam Bashing & start crying Anti-Islam & blah blah funny huh! You people just screwed the concept of Quran & Haidth to simply Hadith only