by Dr. Ali Shehata
The Right to Life and Dignity in that Life
From the beginning, a woman’s life and purpose in Islam was presented as equal in value to that of men. In fact, the heartless crime of burying female children alive would have never stopped in Arabia had it not been for the strong condemnation and absolute prohibition of this heinous practice in the Quran:
And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin. {17:31}
He hides himself from the people because of the evil of which he has been informed [the birth of a girl]. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision [burying his daughter alive]. {16:59}
In the Quran, the birth of either a boy or a girl is viewed as a gift and a blessing from God. In fact, the Quran even mentions the gift of the female birth first:
To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills, and bestows male children to whomever He wills. {42:49}
Furthermore, the Prophet greatly impressed upon his followers the importance of treating their daughters as equals with their sons, not favoring one over the other. In return for this love, kindness and equal attention, the father would then be rewarded by God with Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught:
He who is involved in bringing up daughters, and treats them with kindness, they will be a protection for him against the Hell-Fire. [Bukhari and Muslim]
Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Judgment like this; and he joined his fingers. [Muslim]
Anyone who has three daughters and provides for them, clothes them and shows mercy to them will definitely enter Paradise. A man then asked, "What about two daughters, Messenger of God?" He replied, "Even if just two." [Adab Mufrad]
A'isha said, "A poor woman came carrying two of her daughters and I gave her three dates. She gave each of the girls a date and lifted the other date to her mouth to eat it, but before she could, her daughters asked to eat it. So she divided between them the date which she was going to eat. I was astonished at what she did and I mentioned her deed to the Messenger of God. He said, 'God has made this woman’s entry into Paradise mandatory because of this act.'" [Muslim]
Motherhood in Islam: More than “Just a Housewife”
One of the most unfortunate developments of the modern age is the condescending and demeaning attitude shown to those women who devote themselves to the raising of their children and the creation of a home. Too often has a woman gone out to a social function where others boast about their careers, whereas all she can say, often with great dishonor, is that she is “just a housewife”. Since when has the preparation of the next generation and the dedication to their upbringing become a matter of shame and embarrassment? It is this very sad reality that has led to so many of the children of today being raised by strangers like overworked day-care workers, nannies, and babysitters while parents chase their corporate or academic ambitions. Is then the decaying state of the family structure or the increase in teenage pregnancy (indicative of the far greater prominence of sexual promiscuity among our youth) any wonder? Truly, we have neglected the critical significance of the mother in today’s material society.
One of the causes of this neglect today is the lack of honor and importance attached to motherhood. Although among the Ten Commandments, little else can specifically be seen about the importance of the mother in most scriptures. Yet in Islam, the dignity, respect, and esteem attached to motherhood are entirely unparalleled. The Quran views the obligation and significance of treating one’s parents with love and kindness as second only to the worship of God:
And your Lord has commanded that you worship none other than Him. And that you honor your parents. If one, or both, of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor raise your voice at them, but speak to them with honor and respect. And in mercy be submissive and humble with them, and pray, "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did raise me when I was small." {17:23-24}
This distinction and dignity was also often mentioned by the Messenger of God when he spoke to his Companions and followers. In one hadith, the Prophet was asked about the most pleasing deeds to God that a person should strive to do. He told him that the best deed was to make your prayers on time, indicating the importance of taking worship seriously. The same person then asked him what deed came next in importance. The Prophet replied, “To honor your parents.” [Bukhari]
In another hadith, the Prophet favors honoring and serving the mother over even the importance of supporting other Muslims in warfare.
A man came to the Prophet and said, “O Messenger of God! I intend to go on a voluntary expedition, but I have come to ask your advice.” The Prophet asked him, "Is your mother alive?” He said, "Yes." The Prophet then replied, “Then stay with her, for Paradise is under her feet.” [Nasaa’i, Ibn Majah]
Contrary to the Judeo-Christian texts, the Quran puts special emphasis on the mother's great role in giving birth to her children and nursing them:
And We have commanded man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and hardship upon hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Show gratitude and thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto God is the final destination. {31:14}
The very special position that women in Islam hold has been beautifully stated by the Prophet Muhammad pbuh when a man came to him and asked him, “O Messenger of God! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best treatment and companionship by me?” The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked, "Who next?" The Prophet repeated, "Your mother." The man again asked, "Who next?" The Prophet again replied, "Your mother." The man then asked for the fourth time, "Who next?" Upon this the Prophet said, "Then your father." [Bukhari]
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad pbuh would even shorten the obligatory prayer when he prayed with his followers out of respect for the mothers in the congregation who had children to tend to, saying:
When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it, but on hearing the cries of a child, I make it short, as I dislike causing anxiety to the child's mother. [Bukhari]
Consequently, dishonoring the parents ranks as one of the major sins in Islam. In the matter of this sin, the mother has even been specified to further demonstrate her paramount importance and position. The Prophet Muhammad pbuh taught:
God has forbidden to you:
1. to be undutiful to your mother
2. to bury your daughters alive
3. not to fulfill the rights of others
4. to beg of others (when it can be avoided)
[Bukhari]
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