Women in the Qur'an

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Women in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, are important characters and subjects of discussion in the stories and morals taught by the scripture.

Contents

[edit] Nature of women

Regarding the nature of women, the Quran states:

"O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered (like seeds) countless men and women." 4:1

The scripture also considers the love between men and women to be a Sign of God:

"And among His signs is this, that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them; and He has put love and mercy between you. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect." 30:21

In a marriage, the Quran considers the husband and wife to be as close to each other as garments:

"They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them." 2:187

[edit] Female figures

Many female characters appear in the Quran. Some of them are portrayed in a positive light, while others are condemned for their actions. Most of them are represented as either the mothers or wives of certain leaders and prophets.

[edit] Eve

God (Arabic:Allah) created both Adam and Eve and had them live in Paradise. The first human sin was by Adam and Eve who both ate fruit forbidden by God:

   
“
 But Satan whispered evil to him: he said, "O Adam! shall I lead thee to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?" In the result, they both ate of the tree, and so their nakedness appeared to them: they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden: thus did Adam disobey his Lord, and allow himself to be seduced. 20:120-121
   
”

[edit] Mother of Mary

She is the wife of Imran and the mother of Mary:

"Behold! a wife of Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate into Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things." "When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!"- and Allah knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan, the Rejected." 3:35-36

[edit] Mary

A key female character in the Quran is Mary, the mother of Jesus and surah 19 is named after her:

   
“
 When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!" - and God knew best what she brought forth - "And not wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected." 3:34-35
   
”

God sent Gabriel to Mary to give her tidings of a son:

'Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to God;"' 3:45

The scripture also states that the conception of Jesus by Mary was miraculous:

'She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: God createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!"' 3:47

"Mary the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants)." 66:12

Mary is especially revered by many Muslims, and she is praised much by the Quran:

"Behold! the angels said: 'O Mary! God hath chosen thee and purified thee - chosen thee above the women of all nations.'" 3:42

[edit] Mother and sister of Moses

'And We revealed to Musa's mothers, saying: "Give him suck, then when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve; surely We will bring him back to you and make him one of the apostles." And the heart of Musa's mother was empty she would have almost disclosed it had We not strengthened her heart so that she might be of the believers. And she said to his sister: "Follow him up. So she watched him from a distance while they did not perceive."' 28:7-10-11

[edit] Wife of the Pharaoh

The wife of the Pharaoh, known in some traditions as Asiyah, is mentioned in the scripture:

'And God sets forth, as an example to those who believe the wife of Pharaoh: Behold she said: "O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong."' 66:12

[edit] Wives of Noah and Lot

The Quran speaks of the wives of Noah (Arabic:Nuh) and Lot (Arabic:Lut) in contempt:

"God sets forth an example to those who disbelieve: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot, they were both under two of Our righteous servants, but they acted treacherously towards them so they availed them naught against God, and it was said: Enter both the fire with those who enter." 66:10

[edit] The Queen of Sheba

The scripture speaks of the Queen of Sheba, also know as Balqees:

'Surely I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given abundance and she has a mighty throne ... It was said to her: "Enter the palace; but when she saw it she deemed it to be a great expanse of water, and bared her legs." He said: "Surely it is a palace made smooth with glass." She said: "My Lord! surely I have been unjust to myself, and I submit with Sulaiman to Allah, the Lord of the worlds."' 27:23-44

[edit] The woman who complained to Muhammad

The Quran speaks of her in the Surah "The Pleeding one" المجادلة. Her name is Khoulah bint Thalabah. خولة بنت ثعلبة

"Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah: and Allah (always) hears the arguments between both of you: for Allah hears and sees (all things)." 58:1

The verses that follow are to restore her rights (as well as those of any other woman in her position), when the husband does a specific pre-Islamic tradition.

[edit] Spirituality

In Islam, there is no difference between men and women as far as their relationship to God is concerned, as both are promised the same reward for good conduct and the same punishment for evil conduct.

The Quran says:

"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise, for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward." 33:35

At another point the scripture also states that:

"Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life." 16:97

"Their Lord responds to them: "I will not let the deeds of any doer among you go to waste, male or female - you are both the same in that respect ..." 3:195

Both men and women are promised the chance of entering Paradise:

"Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight." 43:70

[edit] Rights of women

[edit] History

It must be noted, that although the Quran does not grant men and women the same rights in regards to certain issues, some Muslims believe that the scripture nevertheless alleviated the position of women on a social and economic basis, in comparison to the treatment of women within various pre-Islamic faiths (that arose before the 7th century CE). [1]

The Quran accords both sexes with different rights, as it argues that women are distinct from men and vice versa. Thus the Quran says:

"And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them." 2:228

[edit] Right of honour

The Quran condemns (female) infanticide: [2]

"[W]hen the girl-child that was buried alive is asked for what sin she was slain ..." 81:8-9

"Slay not your children, fearing a fall to poverty, We shall provide for them and for you. Lo! the slaying of them is great sin." 17:31

The scripture strongly disapproves of parents who feel ashamed over the birth of a daughter instead of a son: [3]

"When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil (choice) they decide on?" 16:58-59

The Quran mandates, that the will of the woman be honoured in marriage:

"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will." 4:19

In regards to the chastity of women, the scripture lays down severe punishments towards those who make false allegations about women:

"And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations), - flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors." 24:4

The Quran also directs men to honor their mothers:

"Revere God and the wombs (that bore you)." 4:1

[edit] Financial rights

The Quran instructs men to cover the financial expenses of women:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because God has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (towards God's teachings and/or to their husbands), [citation needed] and guard in the husband's absence what God orders them to guard (which can be interpreted as their chastity and/or their husband's property)." [citation needed] 4:34

But at the same time, the scripture does allow women to have occupations and earn money as well: [4]

"Unto men a fortune from that which they have earned, and unto women a fortune from that which they have earned." 4:32

Regarding inheritance the Quran says:

"From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large, - a determinate share." 4:7

Other verses grant women a lesser share than men:

"God chargeth you concerning (the provision for) your children: to the male the equivalent of the portion of two females, and if there be women more than two, then theirs is two-thirds of the inheritance, and if there be one (only) then the half" 4:11

"They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: God directs (thus) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If (such a deceased was) a woman, who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): if there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth God make clear to you (His law), lest ye err. And God hath knowledge of all things." 4:176

In response, orthodox Muslims contend that men are expected to meet their responsibility to fulfill the financial needs of their female relatives. Women, however, are under no such obligation.

When a woman is to be married, the Quran makes it obligatory on a man to provide Mahr for her:

"Wed them with permission of their folk, and give them Mahr according what is reasonable ..." 4:25

The Quran makes it obligatory for men to provide for their ex-wives:

"For divorced women Maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous." 2:241

If the woman gains custody of a child then the man must provide for his offspring as well:

"And the mothers may nurse their children for two whole years, if they wish to complete the period of nursing; and it is incumbent upon him who has begotten the child to provide in a fair manner for their sustenance and clothing." 2:233

A man is also ordered to make arrangements for his widow:

"Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year's maintenance and residence ..." 2:240

[edit] Right to bear witness

Critics believe that the Quran values the testimony of a female witness as half that of a male's:

"O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing ... And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember." 2:282

In response, certain Muslims argue that the former statement is not completely correct, since it only applies while dealing with financial transactions. [5] Some of them justify the male-female numerical imbalance, in terms of "protection" and "encouragement" for the female witnesses. [6] They also argue that in other situations, the scripture accepts the testimony of a woman as equal to that of a man's and that her testimony can even invalidate his, such as when a man accuses his wife of unchastity: [7]

"As for those who accuse their wives but have no witnesses except themselves, let the testimony of one of them be four testimones, (swearing) by God that he is of those who speak the truth; And yet a fifth, invoking the curse of God on him if he is of those who lie. And it shall avert the punishment from her if she bear witness before God four times that the thing he saith is indeed false, And a fifth (time) that the wrath of God be upon her if he speaketh truth." 24:6-9

[edit] Right to divorce

Marriage in Islam is perceived by some as a sanctified bond that should not be broken except for compelling reasons and/or as a last resort. Couples are instructed to pursue all possible remedies whenever their marriages are in danger. [8]

"And if ye fear a breach between them twain (the man and wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment God will make them of one mind. Lo! God is ever Knower, Aware." 4:35

Although, the Quran does give the husband the primary right to dissolve his marriage over a four-month delay period 2:226, during a time in which his wife may become pregnant and/or there may be a possible reconciliation between the couple 2:228.

But at the same time, the scripture also allows the wife to end her marital union through a Muslim court under certain circumstances, such as when she's faced with: cruelty, desertion without a reason and/or the unfulfillment of conjugal responsibilities etc. on the part of her husband: [9]

"If a woman feareth ill treatment from her husband, or desertion, it is no sin for them twain if they make terms of peace between themselves. Peace is better. But greed hath been made present in the minds (of men)." 4:128

Some also interpret the following verse, as to allowing a woman to end her marriage (through Khula), by returning the wedding dower that was given to her by her husband. [10] This in compensation for choosing to leave a man who has not created any offenses within the marriage: [11]

"It is not lawful for you (Men) to take back any of your gifts except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by God. There is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by God so do not transgress them." 2:229

Either way, the husband is not allowed to keep his wife in a marriage against her will: [12]

"When ye have divorced women, and they have reached their term, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so that ye transgress (the limits). He who doeth that hath wronged his soul. Make not the revelations of God a laughing-stock (by your behaviour)." 2:231

[edit] Right to remarry

The Quran allows divorced women to remarry:

"And when ye have divorced women and they reach their term, place not difficulties in the way of their marrying their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness." 2:232

[edit] Right to safety?

According to critics, 4:34 encourages men to be physically violent towards their wives (the first part of this verse can be found in the Financial rights section):

"Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great." (Shakir)

Other translations/interpretations of the Quran (from Arabic), are a little different wording wise and aren't as severe in regards to the same verse:

"Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great". (Pickthall)

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part you see ill ­conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, God is Ever Most High, Most Great." (Yusuf Ali)

Some believe that the latter version of 4:34 has exactly the reverse functionality, since domestic violence is usually the result of "temporary" anger. They argue that men are asked to first admonish their wives and refuse to share their beds with them, before going about the last act. According to this view, the intermediate steps provide the necessary time for both parties to cool off and reason. (Light) beating is only prescribed as a last resort. [13]

It has also been argued that the verse could be translated to imply a disowning of unfaithful women, as the same word, coming from the root meaning hit or strike (Arabic: ضرب), is used to suggest travel in another verse, similar to the English idiom "hit the road". [14]

"... He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling (Arabic: يضربون) throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of God ..." 73:20

Some contend that the Quran actually instructs husbands to be kind to their wives instead:

"On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike a thing and God brings about through it a great deal of good." 4:19

See Domestic behaviour in Islam for more.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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