The Prophet of Mercy Website

10 WAYS THE PROPHET r CONTRIBUTED
TOWARDS
THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN
(Part Two)

5. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

During the Prophet’s time, women used to consult him regarding political, religious, economic, social and personal matters. At times they used to have frank discussions with him; arguing and forcefully putting forth their opinions. The Prophet r never discouraged them and always listened to all their problems peacefully and tried to satisfy them.
During the Caliphate of Umar b. al-Khattāb t, a woman forcefully argued with him in the mosque, in the presence of hundreds of attendees, to the extent that Umar t had to declare infront of the congregation that “the woman is right and Umar is wrong”.

6. MATRIMONIAL RIGHTS

A woman once came to the Prophet r and complained: “My father has forced me to marry my cousin in order to raise his own status”. The Prophet r told her that she was free to dissolve the marriage and choose whoever she wished to marry. She replied: “All right, I concede to my father’s choice, but my aim was to let the people know that fathers have no right to interfere in the marriage.” (Ahmad/an-Nasā’i/ibn Mājah)
As the woman’s right to decide about her marriage is recognised, so also her right to seek an end for an unsuccessful marriage is recognized.

7. RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT

With regards to woman’s right to seek employment it should be stated first that Islam regards her role in society as a mother and a wife as the most sacred and essential one. Such a noble and vital role, which shapes the future of nations cannot be belittled or ridiculed as worthless. However, Islam does not deprive the woman from the right to work, especially in positions which fit her nature and in which society needs her most.

8. PROTECTION OF HONOUR

The Prophet Muhammad r indicated that whosoever honours, respects and deals with women with integrity, possesses an integral, healthy and fully composed personality. On the other hand, a man who mistreats women, falsely accuses them, insults them, beats them or subjects them to unnecessary humiliation is sinful and wicked in the sight of God.
This is why the Prophet r urged kindness towards women with the words, "Be advised to be good to women." (Al-Bukhāri and Muslim)
This involves good treatment, respect for her rights, concern for her feelings and avoidance of any kind of harm.
The Prophet r also taught his companions, "The best of you is the best of you to your wives." (Ahmad and at-Tirmiďhī)

9. RIGHT TO PRIVACY

The Prophet r ordered men to conceal the private affairs of women. He r said:
“Indeed the worst of people on the Day of Resurrection is a man who has sexual intercourse with his wife and then tells others of their private affairs.” (Muslim)
In this prophetic tradition, the Prophet r prohibits men to discuss sexual acts which take place between them and their wives, in addition to other private affairs wives entrust to their husbands.

10. MOTHERHOOD

The Prophet r taught that being good to mothers, pleasing them and taking care of them, especially in old age is a requirement of every believer, irrespective of whether she is a Muslim or not.
Once a man came to Prophet Muhammad r asking:
O Messenger of Allah! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet r said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet r said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet r once again repeated, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet r said, "Your father."
The status of mothers has been greatly emphasized in the Qur’ān. Allah mentions in therein:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you are 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.” (Qur’ān: 17:23)
In conclusion, each of these ten points requires further detail and explanation. What Prophet Muhammad r contributed towards the rights of women is much more than can be mentioned in this brief outline.

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