Analysis of Feminist Discussions; Arguments and Conclusions in (Urdu) Books of Sirah

Abstract

Prior to Islam, woman was regarded as a source of evil, impiety and sin. The Christians particularly believed that “It was only as a result of sin that human beings are divided into males and female. Woman embodies man’s sensuous and fallen nature”. Even in the pre Christian era, the Jews held the identical view as inscribed in a Jewish Book called Ecclesiastics which reads “Daughters are great source of anxiety, apparently in the writer’s day they were much addicted to immorality”. From these authentic references it transpires that these two great religions never regards ‘woman’ as a human being but something inferior to man. Islam does not uphold such a viewpoint. It recognizes the importance of both the sexes and gives them equal rights in all fields of life. With the advent of Islam in the sixth century of Christian era, women got emancipation from the ancient, inhuman and unjust nations and degrading humiliating treatment. Islam does not take them as slaves or subjugated lot. The aims and objectives of a Muslim Woman’s life are identical to those stipulated for men. In practice, we find that Muslim women had enjoyed and are still enjoying more respect, honor, and dignity within their small domestic units. This role contributes highly in shaping the collective destiny of the Muslim community. Our Muslim mothers have reared many magnificent pillars of Islam that Muslim history will ever shine with their glorious performance of brave deeds in the cultural intellectual and philosophical, religious and moral spheres of life. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) has exalted the Muslim women in one Hadith saying “Verily, the Paradise lies under the feet of mother”. Yet the segregation of sexes is maintained in the Islamic community. Free mixing of men and women at the public places and gatherings is disallowed in Islam. For the sake of piety, chastity and purity of Muslim race such measure is highly essential. But it does not hinder any Muslim woman to participate in the creative activities of national life.