STATUS OF WOMEN by Sis. Maryam Mphuthi.

This was the Speech delivered by Sis. Maryam Mphuthi of International University of Africa at the Joint Symposium between IMYDP and International Muslim Women Union on the 27th of June, 2008 at Shu’ada Hall of University of Holy Qur’an and Islamic Sciences, Omdurman, Sudan.

All praise be to Allah who decreed and guided and created the pairs man and female from a single drop. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah alone and I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and the messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions, the virtuous and the people of intellect.

My brothers and sisters in Islam, I am very grateful to stand in front of you at this special occasion and deliver the speech entitled “The status of women”.

The women of different nations during the period of ignorance lived oppressed miserable lives. Their spiritual, social, economical and political rights were totally oppressed and their lives were indeed in a very high danger. In some other nations, they were not considered as human beings, while in some other nations were taken as human beings but useless.

For example, women in India lived oppressed lives as well. They had no right over their property, instead, their property was used unfairly by their family members without their consultations. They did not receive the share of inheritance from their family member. They were denied the right of education and left illiterate.

As for women from the Atheist Group were taken as children. Whatever they had from their property was given to the males. When it comes to marriage issues, they were denied the right of choice.

Women during the Roman Empire did not have the right of speech. They could not be taken as witness. They were considered as their husband`s property and were not allowed to work at all.

As regarding the Biblical law, women are generally bl aimed as being the causes of sins. This refers to the Bible where it blames Eve (Hawa) for committing a sin by eating from a forbidden tree. Xstians believe that: that is why women have to suffer when giving birth.
Some baptize their new born children with the intention of removing the sin that was “according to them” caused by a woman.

In some African nations, beating wives by their husbands is a sign of showing love. Women are made to believe that. They do not inherit from their family members and they are having forced marriages.

In Arab society, the birth of girl was unwelcome event, to the point where they used to bury their daughters alive. Others left them to live oppressed and miserable lives.
Allah says: (“And when the news is brought to one of them of (the birth) of a female (child), his face becomes dark and he is filled with inward grief. He hides himself from his people with the shame, because of the bad news he has hear ed? Shall he keep her with dishonor and contempt or bury her in the dust? Certainlyy evil is their decision.”) Suratul-Nahl:58-59

If the girl was spared the fade of being buried alive and was allowed to live, she lived an oppressed live. Only males used to inherit and women did not receive a share of inheritance from their relatives. She was regarded, as well, as her husband`s property and was inherited along with the rest of his wealth upon his death.

In the conference that took place in France in the year 576, there aroused a question: “Is a woman a human being that the soul flows in her, or is she an animal that does not have the soul?” After the discussion regarding the issue, the conclusion was made that: A woman is a human being and not an animal but she is created to serve a man.

When Islam appeared, it removed this oppression of women and returned to them their proper status of mankind. It considered all aspects of live and gave them their full rights.

In spiritual aspect, Allah says: “O mankind. We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily the most Honorable of you with Allah is that who has At-Taqwa. Verily Allah is All-Knowing, Well-Acquainted.” Suratul Huujiraat:13

Allah has stated that the woman is an equal partner of a man in terms of reward and punishment for their actions. Alla
h says: “Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a true believer, to him We shall give a good and pure life and We shall bestow on such their rewards according to the best of their actions.” Suratul Nahl:97

In Social aspect, Islam gives a special treatment for women from their childhood upto their adulthood. Allah decreed it illegal that a woman be treated as part of her husband`s property and part of his inheritance. He said: “O you who believe, you are forbidden to inherit women against their will.” Surat- Nisaa:19
They have been given the right of inheriting their husbands and their near relative`s property. Allah says: ” There is a share fro men and a share fro women from what is left by parents and those nearest related, whether the property be small or large, a determinate share.” Suratul Nisaa:7

Allah made a woman a guardian, one who orders, one who prohibits within the house of her husband and an authority over her children. The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) said: “The woman is a guardian or custodian in the house of her husband, and she is responsible for her flock.”

In economic aspect, Allah made it obligatory upon the husband to provide fro her and cloth her with equity and honor. Islam has given women the right to work and gain their own wealth, and they have the full control and right over their wealth.

I call upon every woman on the surface of the earth, it is time for us to wake up and make a move, fight for our rights and make a change, use our chance and built our future. REMEMBER THAT “A woman is a mother of the nation, whose everybody`s eye is looking upon, let`s make a move and make a change.”

Subhaanakallahumma wa bihamdik was-taghfirullaha wa lakum

Shukran

Compiled and presented by:
Sis. Maryam Mphuthi