Islam

2 Pages 478 Words

Islam is the religion of mercy. Islam was very clear concerning women; it gave them their full rights and never considered them as inferior to men. According to Smock and Youssef, “The introduction of Islam…undoubtedly compromises the single most important determinant molding the character of Egyptian culture and as such had a profound effect on the status of women”(quote taken from Smock 35). Although Egypt and the whole Arab world are Islamic countries, Arab women are still denied some of their rights, and are still treated as the ‘weak sex’ that needs to be supported and guided by men.
In ancient civilizations, such as Roman women were mistreated A woman didn’t have any rights, her approval in marriage wasn’t necessary, and she was treated like the property of her parents or husband (Badawi 7) Islam honors women and places them highly. Smock and Youssef state, “Islam, as an integral religion, formulates a total pattern for living rather than focusing primarily on theology. Hence Mohammed was concerned with the role of women” (Smock 37). Islam gives women specific rights, as well as duties and responsibilities. It doesn’t differentiate between man and woman; all people are equal and are judged according to their actions and deeds, not according to their sex. God says in the Holy Qur’an, “Whoso acts righteously, whether male or female and is a believer, We will surely grant him a pure life (4:123; also 16:19)” (quote taken from Agbetola 134). Islam has defended women starting their early childhood; it forbade infanticide, and also required parents to treat their daughters kindly and fairly. Prophet Muhammad stated “Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise” (quote taken from Badawi 15).
As adults, Islam has also ensured that women would lead an honorable and dignified life. In the Qur’an it is cl...