Episode 8: Women as viewed by Islam (1/3)

    The Arabic peninsula was mostly under a condition of overwhelming darkness. They had false beliefs and despicable practices. Women suffered more than men under these conditions, because of the low status paganism had given them with its laws and perceptions. And while this was the situation, Islam came to be the everlasting message; removing these delusions with its justice, while its sun radiates its light upon the darkness of paganism and its oppression, changing it to justice and light. Establishing for the woman her place in the universe, and returning her rights that were brutally taken away from her, and lost, under the gloomy situation. This is made clear through the follow points:
    1-Islam had recognized for the woman her right as a human being. Whether it was the Arabs or other than them, all had stripped her of this right regarding her otherwise, or that she was a lowly animal created only to serve and be used. This was removed by the divine and heavenly proclamation, which brought equality between men and women in origin, and that they’re both from one father and one mother. Therefore, He said: “O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; reverence Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah ever watches over you." [Surah An-Nisa’, 1].
    2-Then emerged, this proclamation of equality in responsibility with regard to commands and prohibitions, without prejudice between men and women:

    “If any do deeds of righteousness- be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.” [Surah An-Nisa’, 124]
    Rather, divine proclamation in some verses, came to address women specifically: "O Prophet! When believing women come to you to take the oath of fealty to you, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey you in any just matter,- then do you receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "[Surah Al-Mumtahinah, 12]
    In these verses, an affirmation of her religious competence and responsibility, too, as opposed to what existed during the pagan era, which doubted and speculated over this kind of competence in women.

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