Rather than end with the quote of Erica Chan,
I would like to begin:
"I hope that you read this incredibly long essay in
the light that I read yours. With an open mind and a willingness to evaluate
the other's evidence. Changing your assumptions or your view about a state of
society, or even acknowledging that there might be something more, requires a
vast courage that isn't often recognised in today's society. It goes against
our own human cognition that is so willing to seek out only the evidence that
supports our own position...”
Before delving into
my rebuttal I would also like to make note of some key factors that I believe
are essential in attempting to critically understand this topic.
- Unlike most other religions, Islam is not merely
a personal religion, but a complete way of life that beyond the spiritual
aspect, comprises of a legislative system that sets a paradigm for social as
well as personal affairs.
- As for one who follows this way of life (i.e. a
Muslim); it is not necessarily rationale that establishes ones acceptance, but
rather the achievement of complete conviction of belief that all that is
legislated in this ‘way of life’ was essentially ordained by God.
- The final factor is that the definition of what
is ‘right’ is never universal, especially when it is determined by individuals.
So keep in mind that whilst one believes something is normal and logical,
another may disagree.
My statement, "Regarding your mention of specific
verses in the Quran, most of it was quoted out of context" was in response
to
your comment:
“Women suffered from similar limitations in Mediæval Dār
al-Islām (the Muslim World), where the religion of Islām and the subsequent
culture (based ostensibly upon the Qur’ān and the example of the Messenger Muḥammad)
enforced restrictive gender roles and stereotypes. According to the Qur’ān, a
man may marry up to four wives (Sūrah 4:3), and can possess concubines also
(Sūrah 4:3, Sūrah 4:23-24, Sūrah 23:6, Sūrah 70:29-30); menstruation is a
filthy affliction (Sūrah 2:222), and women are mentally inferior to men (Sūrah
2:282); men are superior to women (Sūrah 2:228), and may resort to physical
violence in order to discipline them (Sūrah 4:34); etc.”
Surah 4:3 “A MAN CAN MARRY UP TO FOUR WIVES... AND CAN
POSSESS CONCUBINES ALSO”
In response you provided some of the tafsir of the ayah
(which I appreciate). If it wasn’t true that you had quoted the ayat out of
context, I believe you wouldn’t have had to provide the tafsir which you did. Just
to clarify, considering you didn’t provide at least the translation of the full
verse, I will:
{And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly
with the orphan-girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three,
or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them),
then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess.
That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.} Quran 4:3
Things to note:
- The verse begins in HONOURING the RIGHTS of
orphan GIRLS.
- Provides an alternative and encourages the
marriage of only one (which no other religious scripture explicitly advises) as
a means of establishing the FAIR and JUST treatment of WIVES.
- A concubine is not a “sex-slave”; it is a slave
who becomes similar to a wife in honour of her dignity. Make note of the
context in which such slaves exist (i.e. prisoners of war); rather than going
on raping rampages as many Westerners (who claim to uphold the liberty of
women) do when at war, Islam establishes a just treatment towards female
prisoners of war by giving them similar rights to that of a wife. [Concubinage]
*
Slave Girls (Concubines),
*
Intercourse with female slaves
Surah 2:222 “MENSTRUATION IS A FILTHY AFFLICTION”
{They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha
(a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while
she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go
not unto them till they have purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And
when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah has ordained
for you...} Quran 2:222
- Tafsir for this ayah has nothing to do with the hadith you
quoted nor does it refer to menstruation as a disease. If you read the tafsir I
have linked you to you will see that the prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) conducted
himself with his wives contrary to someone who believes menstruation is a
disease.
- Hence I find no accuracy in your mention of this ayah so
it has definitely been quoted out of context.
Surah 2:282 “WOMEN ARE MENTALLY INFERIOR TO MEN”
{And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are
not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for
witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her.}
Quran 2:282
*As for this ayah, it seems that you are not taking it for
what it is. According to the ayah (with confirmation of the hadith); women are
mentioned as having deficiency regarding memory. I’m not sure what other mental
deficiencies you are trying to ascertain. Also, it is a subject of human
nature, not human rights.
Why Two Women Witnesses
Explanation of the hadith
Surah 2:228 “MEN ARE SUPERIOR TO WOMEN”
{ And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage)
for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what
Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day.
And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if
they wish for reconciliation. And they (women) have rights (over their husbands
as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as
regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of
responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.} Quran 2:228
- You quoted the tafsir of Ibn Kathir regarding this ayah: “This Ayah indicates that men are in a more advantageous
position than women physically as well as in their mannerism, status, obedience
(of women to them), spending, taking care of the affairs and in general, in
this life and in the Hereafter.” However you failed to complete the tafsir with the ayah Ibn
Kathir makes reference to in explanation to the ayah:
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because
Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to
support them) from their means.” Quran 4:34
- Again this is not an issue of mentality; rather it is a
subject regarding the human nature of each gender. I maintain my stance that
you are quoting these verses out of context; it is evident considering you
insist on establishing that these ayat are referring to the superiority of men
as if it is a form of sexism. It is clear from the tafsir that it is in
relation to the physical nature of men being superior (i.e. stronger); hence
they have a greater responsibility over women.
- Contrary to your claim that you are not distorting anything
here; it is apparent that you are distorting, especially with your method of
throwing ahadith around wherever you desire in an attempt to justify your view.
If such a method is efficient, then why don’t you collect all the ahadith that
prove contrary to your claim of Islam being sexist?
Surah 4:34 “MAY RESORT TO PHYSCAL VIOLENCE...”
{ “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, if it is useful); but if they return to
obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allaah is Ever
Most High, Most Great”} Quran 4:34
- According to you “the Qur'an is condoning the use of
domestic violence”.
- According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition,
domestic violence is: "the inflicting of physical injury by one family or
household member on another; also: a repeated / habitual pattern of such
behavior."
- Definition of ‘violence’ according to World Health Organization: "the
intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against
oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results
in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm,
maldevelopment or deprivation” .
- According to the explanation of this ayah:
[If a woman rebels against her husband and disobeys his
commands, then he should follow this method of admonishing her, forsaking her
in bed and hitting her. Hitting is subject to the condition that it should not
be harsh or cause injury. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: this means that it should not
cause pain.
‘Ata’ said: I said to Ibn ‘Abbaas, what is the kind of
hitting that is not harsh? He said, Hitting with a siwaak and the like. [A
siwaak is a small stick or twig used for cleaning the teeth - Translator]
The purpose behind this is not to hurt or humiliate the
woman, rather it is intended to make her realize that she has transgressed
against her husband’s rights, and that her husband has the right to set her
straight and discipline her.]
- An important factor to note, which I’m sure you would
understand, is how the prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) himself dealt with his wives;
considering he is the explanation of the Quran.
"The Prophet never beat any of his wives or servants;
in fact, he did not strike any living being with his hand except in the cause
of Allah or when the prohibitions of Allah had been violated, and he retaliated
on behalf of Allah." An-Nasaa'i
The Prophet Muhammad said: “The best of you are those who
are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” Narrated by
al-Tirmidhi, 3895; Ibn Maajah, 1977; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh
al-Tirmidhi.
- At the end of the day, anyone who reads the ayah above from
beginning to end and reflects on its meaning will understand that the FINAL
method of hitting would most likely not occur if someone responded to at least
one of the first two methods.
Regarding your rebuttal to my comment:
#1 “Eve was created out of Adam's rib FOR Adam, and women
in general were created for mankind.”
- This is a matter of religious belief regarding the
evolution of mankind. It really has nothing to do with sexism. It is also clear
in the ayah you referred to as to why God speaks of this in the first place:
And among His Signs is this, that He created for you
wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put
between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a
people who reflect.” Quran 30:21
- It is a sign to reflect upon...
- It is also ironic
that you quote an ayah failing to comprehend what it represents. ‘Surah 4:1’ is
the Chapter of The Women in which it states:
“O mankind! Have Taqwa of your Lord, Who created you from a
single person, and from him He created his mate, and from them both He created
many men and women, and have Taqwa of Allah through Whom you demand your mutual
(rights), and revere the wombs. Surely, Allah is always watching over you.”
- The ayah has nothing to do with hierarchy or sexism but
rather it is encouraging God-consciousness and maintaining rights; including
towards the WOMBS (i.e. kinship).
“O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female,
and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily,
the most honourable of you in the Sight of Allah is the believer who has Taqwa
(piety and righteousness). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” Quran 49:13
#2 Women’s right to vote in Islam
As is well known, an Islamic government is not a democratic
system. However I was referring to the act of voting in a general sense. When
voting is required, whether it is in a process of consultation (shura) or under
a democratic system in a non-Muslim state; if required, women are permitted to vote
and express their views and there has NEVER been anything to legislate
otherwise.
“...Their
(Muslim's) affairs are decided through consultation among them.” Quran 42: 38
Women and Voting Rights
#3 Women in Islam are ‘slaves’ or are “confined to
domesticity”
Keep in mind that my initial comment in refutation to you
was in relation to the topic of women in Medieval Europe and Christianity. As
you know, women in Medieval Europe were treated as nothing more than an item
that was exchanged for more assets. A woman hardly had the right to her own
body, being bound to the duties of her house and in full obedience to all her
close male family members; all along without any form of right to uphold her
dignity as a human.
You attempted to point out a similitude between Medieval
Europe and Dar-ul-Islam in the same era (which is hardly referred to as ‘medieval
Middle East’ but as ‘The Islamic Golden Age) regarding the treatment of women.
You quoted Ibn Rushd:
“Our society allows no scope for the development of women’s
talents. They seem to be destined exclusively to childbirth and the care of
children, and this state of servility has destroyed their capacity for larger
matters. It is thus we see no women endowed with moral virtues; they live their
lives like vegetables, devoting themselves to their husbands.”
In response to this I stated that Islam doesn’t demand women
to be slaves to their homes and families – meaning contrary to the depiction by
Ibn Rushd. I understand the point you are now trying to make regarding
gender roles however I’m sure the definition of a slave is different from that
of a guardian. If I am to use your rationale regarding my statement and the
ahadith you quoted, can I also conclude that a man is a slave to his family?
There is a great difference between responsibilities and
being ordered to particular tasks. I cannot deny the woman’s role primarily
being a guardian over her home and family in regards to maintenance as I can’t
for the man’s role to primarily take responsibility for providing and
maintaining the good for his family. However for women, according to scholars by
the likes of Ibn Taymiyyah, the standard of their roles vary depending on circumstances
and time.
So in conclusion to this point, according to the Islamic
perspective, I maintain that women in Islam are not and never were slaves to
their homes in contrast to women in Medieval Europe and Christianity. I also
still maintain that whilst the role of women in Islam is defined according to
their homes and families, it is and never has been something that restricts and
limits women from contributing to society... How can that be when she is the
foundation of society?
*In regards to your inclusion of Ibn Taymiyyah’s statement; I
consider it to be irrelevant to this particular point, hence there is no
contradiction. His analogy is in reference to women leaving the house, not to
their role in society.
#4 Scholarly women in Islam
As for that which you claim I mentioned in the tutorial; I
can’t remember how I apparently debunked myself. Nevertheless, I maintain my
view that scholarly women contributed and still contribute to the Islamic
society.
Also, it should be understood that what defines a scholar in
Islamic terms is far greater to that of the secular perception.
"Seeking knowledge is compulsory for each and every Muslim (i.e. both male and female)."
[Ibn Majah #224 al-Baihaqi and verified]
#5 Men and women are equal in the sight of God
- Your statement regarding the ayah (Quran 33:35): “In no way
does this indicate equality between the sexes. The Qur'an simply states that
good men and good women will be rewarded in the Afterlife. It doesn't say that
men and women will receive the same reward - it simply states that both will be
rewarded.”
- I think here you have debunked yourself. You have
acknowledged that ‘good men and good women’ will be rewarded. Isn’t that
equality? As to the level of reward, that depends on the level of deeds. Is
that the equality you’re looking for? Or better yet, the justice?
- I don’t consider my use of this ayah as a distortion of the
meaning. The ayah is clear that whether male of female; in the sight of God the
reward is dependent on deeds, not gender.
#6 Gender roles are complementary to human nature
Before I move on to the point regarding gender roles
being complementary, I want to apologise for offending you. I had no intention
to offend you. However, as I pointed out before commencing my rebuttal; what
some find reasonable and right, others may not.
- It may sound “monstrous” and “nauseating” to hear that there
are people in the world who consider gender roles complementary to human
nature; however there are others who consider the act of demanding women to
fulfil the same duties and abilities as men monstrous.
- It is undeniably scientific that men and women are different;
so I guess you will only ever understand this difference after you try
conceiving a baby, or maybe after experiencing menstruation.
Emotional
Wiring Different in Men and Women
Women
more prone to emotional stress than men
Men and Women
Really Do Think Differently
- Dr. Alex Liberelle, a Nobel Prize winner, says while
illustrating the natural organic differences between man and woman:
"Matters that differentiate between man and woman are
not limited to sexual organs, the presence of the womb and pregnancy. These
matters are also not limited to the difference of teaching methods of man and
woman. In fact, these differences are of basic nature. The tissues of the body
in both male and female are different. The chemistry of the bodies is also
different in both. Certain glands excrete certain secretions that are only
suitable for a specific gender. The woman is completely different from man in
terms of the chemical material secreted from the ovary inside the woman's
body."
*This list goes on and I’m sure you don’t require my assistance
in recognising that men are inherently different from women.
#7 Liberation or oppression
In affirmation to my statement: “what one may think is
'liberating' another may consider being oppression”, I would like to illustrate
why some women oppose this ‘modern liberation’ of women.
Reasons might include:
- The exploitation of women’s bodies being used for
marketing
- The degradation of women and their nature of
being mothers as something inferior and unworthy
- The disregard for women’s dignity and honour
-
The lack of value for women and their innate
role in the subsistence of society
Such statistics as:
- 1.3 women being raped every minute in the U.S
- Nearly 13% of the women surveyed reported being
the victim of date rape, and 35% reported being the victim of attempted rape
while on a date.
- 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 4 boys are victims of sexual
abuse
- Paedophilia is regarded as an incurable
condition
- The majority of sex offences reported to
Queensland police between 1996 and 1998 were committed against children younger
than 16 yrs of age (58%) Most of the offenders were male (71%)
- 52% of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are
younger than 25: Women aged 20-24 obtain 32% of all abortions; Teenagers obtain
20% and girls under 15 account for 1.2%.
Issued by the Dean of Women's
office at Queen's University:
- In Canada, a woman is sexually assaulted every
6 minutes,
- 1 in 3 women in Canada will be sexually
assaulted at some time in their lives,
- 1 in 4 women are at the risk of rape or
attempted rape in her lifetime,
- 1 in 8 women will be sexually assaulted while
attending college or university, and
- A study found 60% of Canadian university-aged
males said they would commit sexual assault if they were certain they
wouldn't get caught.
To be honest I am just throwing statistics around
to make a point which I hope you were able to comprehend. These statistics
which one might consider “monstrous” and “nauseating” are generally alien to
most Muslim nations.
Now are these statistics the consequences of women's
'liberation' or the achievements?
#8 Lastly
You stated: "...
through simple textual analysis, logic, hadiths and tafsirs, I have shown that
my initial appraisal of the Qur'an was accurate and correct, and that said
document is extremely hostile to the rights of women."
I would like to know how you make sense of the following
ahadith in relation to your assumption of Islam being hostile to the rights of
women:
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah
(may Allaah be pleased with him) said: A man came to the Messenger of Allaah
SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of
Allaah, who among people is most deserving of my good company?” He said,
“Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then
who?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Then your
father.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5626; Muslim, 2548)
It was narrated from Abu
Sa’eed al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever has three daughters or three sisters, or
two daughters or two sisters, and takes good care of them and fears Allaah
with regard to them, will enter Paradise.”
(Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh, 2/190)
It was narrated that
‘Aa’ishah said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives,
and I am the best of you to my wives.”
(Narrated and classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi, 3895).
The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Women are the twin
halves of men.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood in his Sunan, 236, from the
hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi
Dawood, 216).
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: “I urge you to treat women well.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 331;
Muslim, 1468.)
“Whoever has three daughters and is
patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink and clothes them
from his riches, they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of
Resurrection.”
(Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.)
“The whole world is pleasure, and the best pleasure of the world is the righteous woman.”
(Sahih Muslim)
And of such ayat as:
“and live with them honourably”
[al-Nisa’ 4:19]
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him.
And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them
attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout
at them but address them in terms of honour.
24. And lower unto them the wing of submission and
humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they
did bring me up when I was young’”
[al-Isra’ 17:23, 24]
“And
We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother
bears him with hardship. And she brings him forth with hardship…”
[al-Ahqaaf 46:15]
Do the above ayat suggest to you that men are inferior to their parents and are bound to being dutiful and obedient to their parents? Is this a form of oppression according to you?
CONCLUSION
I apologise for the lengthy reading and do
appreciate the effort you yourself took in preparing and providing your
response. As Erica Chan mentioned, "I hope that you read this incredibly
long essay in the light that I read yours."
I hope you understand that my refutation of your
comments are not merely for the sake of debating and disproving, but
essentially to establish the truth against the misconceptions propagated
against my religion Islam. As for your reasons, I am uncertain. What I
conclude with is that the evidences are clear, however the perceptions and attitudes
towards these evidences vary according to individuals, their discourses and
their mindset.
I did find much value in your response; much of
which might be contrary to what you anticipated. Nevertheless I thank you for
that, and I hope you are able to attain the same from my response.
~Thank you~
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ أَشْهَدُ
أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ
***************************************************
Here are some short videos I thought were relevant to your
views.
