Q3. Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?

HIJAAB FOR WOMEN

Question:

Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?

Answer:

The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘hijaab’or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated ‘hijaab’, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam

1. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust

The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied basic human dignity:

1. Babylonian Civilization:
The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death.

2. Greek Civilization:
Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations. Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called ‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.

3. Roman Civilization:
When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common amongst the Romans.

4. Egyptian Civilization:
The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.

5. Pre-Islamic Arabia:
Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.

2. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them to maintain their status.

Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.

Hijaab for men

People usually only discuss ‘hijaab’ in the context of women. However, in the GloriousQur’an, Allah (swt) first mentions ‘hijaab’ for men before ‘hijaab’ for the women. The Qur’anmentions in Surah Noor:

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."
[Al-Qur’an 24:30]

The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.

Hijaab for women.

The next verse of Surah Noor, says:

" And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons..."
[Al-Qur’an 24:31]

3. Six criteria for Hijaab.

According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing hijaab:

1. Extent:

The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’.

All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.

2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.

3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.

4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.

5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.

6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.

4. Hijaab includes conduct and behaviour among other things

Complete ‘hijaab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct,behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of ‘hijaab’ of the clothes is observing ‘hijaab’ in a limited sense. ‘Hijaab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘hijaab’ of the eyes, ‘hijaab’ of the heart, ‘hijaab’ of thought and ‘hijaab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc.

5. Hijaab prevents molestation

The reason why Hijaab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:

"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 33:59]

The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested.

6. Example of twin sisters

Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini? Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an rightly says that hijaab prevents women from being molested.

7. Capital punishment for the rapists

Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men.Suppose, God forbid, someone rapes your wife, your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put him to death. But if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double standards?

8. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women

Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour. Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers, hidden behind the colourful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’.

9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape

United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the world. According to a FBI report, in the year 1990, every day on an average 1756 cases of rape were committed in U.S.A alone. Later another report said that on an average everyday 1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The year was not mentioned. May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans got ‘bolder’ in the following years.

Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijaab is followed in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic hijaab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease?

10. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes

Naturally as soon as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results will be inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe easier. Hijaab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity.

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head.

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head.

Assalam Alaykum,

I Hope InshahAllah this note will help sisters to understand the true meaning of “HIJAB“.

Just because some of the sisters have their head covered, they think that the requirement of Hijaab is fulfilled. They don’t realize that wearing a Hijaab requires much more than just covering your head.

Actually, if you think about it, Hijaab is the way you talk…..the way you walk….the very way you carry yourself. In fact, Hijaab is an attitude in itself. Its a whole way of life.

Allaah says:

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty (zeenah) except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you believers, in order that you are successful.” (Surat-un-Nur: 31).

some sister says

Well, my head is covered. What more do you want?

If you look carefully at the ayah, it clearly states that the head covers (khumur) should be drawn over the neck slits (juyoob). Khumur is the plural of the Arabic word “khimar” which means a headcover. Juyoob is the plural of the Arabic word “jaiyb” ,which refers to the neck slit (of the dress).

Yet, some sisters just cover their head with something, and think they are fulfilling the rights of Hijaab, although part of their hair or body is showing, or their whole neck and chest area are exposed. Actually, that was the way of the women of Jahilliyah.

Al-Qurtubi said: “Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar.”

So secure the scarf well around your face, covering your neck/chest area, and keep those half sleeves and capri pants for your Mahrams

Sorry.…tight jeans and short shirt just don’t cut it

You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this is Hijaab. Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it.” (Muslim)

If it is see-through, its NOT Hijaab

You CANNOT use chiffon or other see through material to cover your hair and body. Everything should be covered and the color of the skin underneath should not be visible.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) once received a thick garment as a gift. He gave it to Osamah b. Zayd, who in turn gave it to his wife. When asked by the Prophet why he did not wear it, Osamah indicated that he gave it to his wife. The Prophet then said to Osamah “ask her to use a “gholalah” under it (the garment) for I fear that it (the garment) may describe the size of her bones.” (Ahmad, Abi-Dawood)

(The word gholalah in Arabic means a thick fabric worn under the dress to prevent it from describing the shape of the body).

The Hijaab shouldn’t attract attention

The dress should not be such that it attracts men’s attention to the woman’s beauty. Allaah clearly states “not to display their beauty (zeenah).” Yet, Subhaan Allaah, some Hijaabi sisters are dressed in such a way that they attract more attention to themselves than they would if they didn’t wear Hijaab!! How could such zeenah be concealed if the dress is designed in a way that it attracts men’s eyes to the woman? It beats the purpose of Hijaab.

Allaah tells us:

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab:32]

What about make-up and perfume???

Wearing make up is also part of the zeenah that Allaah orders us NOT to display. So if your head and body are appropriately covered yet you are wearing bright red lipstick or dark eyeliner such that people confuse between you and a raccoon….uh sorry, that’s not Hijaab. And keep those nice fragrances for the home, between you and your husband. That’s part of Hijaab too, even if you are going to the Masjid.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi: hasan by Albaani)

Tinkling Jewelry and Jingling bracelets

‘Loud’ and tinkling anything, be it jewelry, bracelets, clip-clopping shoes, little bells on clothes, you name it, if it jingles or makes noise, it is against the principles of Hijaab, because it attracts attention to the one wearing it.

That is what is meant when Allaah orders us in the above verse…

“not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments.”

No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams

Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’. Allaah says:

“. . . then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” [al-Ahzaab:32]

So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, yet it is polite but firm.

Staring at the brothers or ‘checking them out’ is NOT Hijaab

Allaah orders us to “lower your gaze” in the above verse. Why? Because a single ‘look’ can say more than a thousand words. So, even if you are properly covered, keep those eyes down, conduct yourself with ‘Hayaa’, and avoid ‘fitnah’

‘Chatting’ on the internet/phone is not part of Hijaab, either

There is no such thing as “we’re just friends”. Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornications, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. That is why in Islam anything that leads to haraam is also haraam. Allaah says:

“Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

Be careful, even in the way you walk

Remember, you are not a runway model displaying the latest fashion. Walk with modesty and hayaa and you will be respected. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“There are two types of the people of Hell that I have not seen yet….women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait…..” (Muslim).

Don’t shake hands with non-Mahrams. Its part of Hijaab

It is not permissible to shake hands with a non-Mahram, because the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” (at-Tabaraani saheeh by al-Albaani).

And no, it is not rude to refuse to shake hands with non-Muslims. Simply politely explain that its part of your religion and they are very understanding.

Stay away from the men’s areas

I see many sisters entering the Masjid from the men’s entrance, or standing idle in the hallways or where there is a chance of unnecessary mixing with the brothers. What for?

Don’t we have a separate entrance for ourselves? Why do you think Allaah ordained the Hijaab in the first place? To avoid fitnah, by reducing temptation and separating the genders.

“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: ‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it.” (Abu Dawood)

Hijaab is also to conceal your sister

Although some sisters wear the Hijaab themselves, they forget that they cannot talk about another sister and her beauty in front of their own husbands, brothers, etc. Remember, part of your Hijaab is to cover your sisters ‘awrah’ as well.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“No woman should mix with a woman and describe her to her husband so that it is as if he can see her.” (Muslim)

May Allah guide sisters,and protect them from all kind of evils.

Ameen.

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What is Your Rate ? Sisters BEWARE :: A serious threat for Girls !

Assalam Alaykum,

May be,you will not like why I posted this Article in Islamic Website ? This Article was Originally published in my old professional blog.I’m Computer Technical Expert,work as a senior programmer/ developer.due to my technical skills,I have seen many secret places on Internet and have seen how the female pictures are misused,and those female don’t know.I heard many cases from News also,about Misuse of Female Pictures,I was not getting any Idea,how to stop this act,Just to inform my female contacts,i written this Article and posted on my old personal blog,and informed my conatcts and many friends.

when i started this Islamic Website and started spreading the links of this website i found that lots of sisters in Islam Uploaded pictures Online,in almost All Social Networking Website like ORKUT, FACEBOOK,My Space etc and other similar service providers,I found that sisters in Islam are showing there pictures in profiles to everyone.as i know the misuse,i real hurt me,I also found no one,not a single organisation/person is careing about this issue.it really made me sad,was not getting any Idea how to Inform them about truth.

then in Nov 2008,in Delhi same misuse of pics happen with a girl,i finally decided to put this Article in website to inform females about this threat,wid a hope that atlst Muslim Females will understand ,and I believed InshahAllah,Allah will help me and will guide sisters,

then i updated this Article with New Incidence and posted in this website.May i will not able to Inform millions of females but if i can inform 100 females and may be from 100 ,10 will understand and will remove there pics,then this will really make me happy.

If you think posting this Article in this website is wrong,then pls let me know.I will remove it.All incidence are True,can be verified from CBI Website.

What is your rate ?

How much you will take for Night ?

Unkown Person : Hello,i want to know the rate of your girl for 2 hr ?What’s her age ?

A Father : shocked ! What ?

UnKown Person : What is the rate of your girl for 2 hrs and for night ?

i guess,he will never understand what the hell is going on.Can you imagine the father’s agony?

The father of a South Delhi schoolgirl suffered from the fake profile of his daughter posted on Orkut that not only described the teenager as a ’sex teacher’, but also contained obscene photographs and her contact details.

The teenager’s family had received the first call where the caller wanted to speak to the girl. Similar calls poured in later, the police said, adding all the callers referred to Orkut.

Father of the girl lodged a complaint with the Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences after his family started receiving calls following the appearance of the fake profile.

—————————————-

An air-hostess had moved a court here alleging that someone has opened an account in her name on Orkut wherein she is being described as a “sex struck woman”.

The family had a harrowing time when two strangers knocked at their door a fortnight ago and told them the girl had invited them for sex,they added. Police said a case has been registered and investigations were on.

the airhostes claimed that act has lowered her reputation in the eyes of her family members and neighbors.she also said that she have written to the national commission of the women ministry against her criminal defamation,but no actions have been taken so far. ——————————–

It was one of those normal evenings when Parmeet Kaur (name changed), a software engineer in Chennai, logged on to Orkut to unwind from work and catch up with friends.But one and a half minutes later, the evening turned shocking and miserable for her.

What she saw was a cheeky scrap and forward to a profile that had her semi-nude photo in another girl’s profile, tagged as her sister who flagged joint hints of intimate advances and indecent invites. Parmeet’s photo had been brazenly and easily tampered with.

After many weeks of tension and repeated requests to Orkut, the ID was removed. She vowed never to be vulnerable again.

Victims like Parmeet, are not one-off. They belong to the new breed of cautious Orkuters,Facebook users who either have said goodbye to networking or have got extremely careful with their communities and photographs.” ————————————————————–

FONTANA, California – A group of boys who posed as a 15-year-old girl for an Internet prank ended up police arrest a 48-year-old man who tried to meet the fictitious teenager for sex, authorities said.created a fake profile of a girl on MySpace.com — a social networking Web site — to cheer up a friend who had recently broken up with his girlfriend. ———————————

A bachelor student was arrested for creating a classmate’s profile and messages on an Online Community Called ORKUT.

When Sushma Sharma logged on orkut,she received a scrap(orkut cmnt) saying Hi from the profile that seemed to be her own. This made her wonder since she never wrote it in her own scrapbook. Out of curiousity she clicked on the profile,and to her utter dismay she was flooded with vulgar comments and cheap discriptions about her.

The profile also had her photograph and cell number.after this she started getting vulgar phone calls..then they complained to cyber cell,then the problem was solved.

Abshishek,19 a BMS Student, first denied commiting such crimes but soon accepted.he have been booked under IPC469 publishing offensive messages and sexction 67 of IT Act 2000,He Can be punished with upto 5 Years in JAIL. ——————————————————————-

NEW ISSUE with a Air Hostess

This can happen with you also,Are You ready for this ?

Your friends calls you and ask “you are available for sex as prostitute ?” Imagine your father or brother recieve a call from someone,asking rates for 2 hrs or night . ?

What you will do ? To how many people you will say that its fake Calls.

How many people will believe your words.?

I know your are decent person,not involve in such activities.but others ?

What happened ? Why you are reciving such calls ?

“There has been a spurt in Orkut,Facebook,MySpace-related obscenity cases in various parts of India like Bangalore this year. Cases of misuse on Orkut,Facebook have been reported widely.

In Bangalore, there have been eight to ten Orkut,Facebook,My Space etc -related complaints concerning pictures of young girls that have been posted on communities and groups with lewd allusions and a listing of the victims’ mobile numbers and email ids.”

The phenomenon is not restricted to any geographical regions, it is all over the country.

Who is responsible for this ? :

You and Orkut,Facebook,bigadda,yahoo, myspace, ibibo,Hi5 is responsible for this.

How they are doing this :

You created your profile on Orkut,Facebook or other community friendship website.you uploaded your real picture in profile,Albums.may be you want to show you are very friendly or just want to share your pictures with family relatives. but this was your mistake.biggest mistake.

Who is doing all this ?

Someone who knows you very well,other workers in ur office,Family enemy, AnyOne.

Just to haras you,to distroy your image or for own benefit.

Mostly Pimps,other prostitute and adult website webmasters copied your picture and using for thier bussiness to promote their bussiness and get new customers.below is the picture of advertisement where they do !

Adult Site WebMasters : Mostly the webmasters of SexSearch and AdultFriendFinders are using girls Real Name and profile picture for advertisement.

In above picture its showing that these girls are avialable for sex in NewDelhi,which is totally fake.These girls are not available,its an advertisement way to attract customers.the girl pics are collected from such websites.

Pimps or prostitutes :

They create new profile in Orkut,facebook or other websites providieng similar service.by useing ur picture with your name or different name they create profile,the profile will state that this girl is available for Sex.

Because the profile use real pictures of Girls,so customers all automatically attracted to New Profiles of Girls.

they will place your mobileno and photo on internet ,so you are reciving such calls from customers who need service.

but this action may hurt you,because may be your brother,your father,your relatives,your friends anyone can see,which will effect on ur status.because they don’t know the truth.

Mostly they use Indian and Pakistani Girls Pictures ! so,BEWARE sisters !

How to Prevent this ?

below are the few methods,regular practise of using below methods will help u to face such situations.

• Never Upload your real picture in ORKUT,FACEBOOK similar service websites,if you want to share with anyone,send them via email.

• If you access Orkut from any Internet cafe, log out properly, and then close all browser windows.

• If you find your privacy compromised in any way, don’t panic. Change your Google password as the first step.

• Use the features such as ‘Ignore User’ and ‘Report abuse’ if you ever get unsolicited invites or messages.

• Never download your picture in Cyber Cafe computer system if you are accesing from cafe,if you want to do,then after use,don’t forget to delete file(empty recyclebin after deleteing file) frm where u saved.
• If you work,then Never share your pictures with office staffs.No matter how much good friends you have .

• if you are leaving that job then make sure any staff don’t have your picture.Never download your picture in Office Computers.

LAST POINT IS VERY IMPORTANT ! GENERALLY GIRLS FORGET TO DO THIS ! I PERSONALLY HAVE SEEN IN CYBERCAFE !

KEEP THESE POINTS IN YOUR MIND,ELSE MAY BE YOU ARE THE NEXT TARGET !

I’m just trying to warn sisters in Islam about this threat,as i found lots of sisters are don’t have any Idea.so i decided to post with the latest crime this.no matter where ever you are in world,it can happen,

Will you be happy to see your pictures online as prostitute online ?

Is Honor Killing a part of Islam?

Is Honor Killing a part of Islam?

As-Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh

Now days Islam is under attack on all fronts, not only are our lands occupied by non-Muslims, our beliefs are under attack and lies are spread against Islam, unfortunately ignorant Muslims are not helping Islam by committing ignorant acts in the name of Islam, which are in fact very un-Islamic.

Honor killing is a disease that has spread amongst Muslims unfortunately, what is honor killing and why is it forbidden?

Causes for Honor Killing:

Usually it is a girl from a family who has done something that the family deems indecent, such as not wearing Hijab or intermingling with the opposite sex and with these actions she has brought great shame upon her family in her community.

Who commits the Honor Killing:

It seems like it is always the close male relatives who take this “mission” upon them in order to save the honor of their family.

Why is Honor Killing Haraam:

Allah Most High says:

“If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (for ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.”[1]

Going to the Sahih Hadith collections we find this Hadith:

“Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported saying that Nabi Muhammad sallallahu aleyhi wa sallam said: ‘The blood of a Muslim may not be legally spilt other than in one of three instances: The married person who commits adultery, a life for a life and who forsakes his religion and abandons the community.’”[2]

Now this verse from the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith clearly states that a Muslims life is not to be taken because of a light cause, then we can ask ourselves: Are the reasons for Honor killings not serious enough?

No, they are not. In Sharia[3] there is a death penalty only in some cases, not wearing Hijab and intermingling with the opposite sex do not belong to the category, for my knowledge there is not even a light Hadd[4] punishment for it, yes indeed they are sins and not to be taken lightly, but there are no punishments in the Dunya[5] for it.

What if your family member would actually commit a crime that has a Hadd[4] punishment? Are you allowed to punish them yourself?

Shaykh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, states:

“There is no such concept in Islam that is called honor killing. Islam holds every soul in high esteem and does not allow any transgressions upon it.

It does not allow people to take the law in their own hands and administer justice, because doing so will be leading to chaos and lawlessness. Therefore, based on this, Islam does not permit such killings.

First of all, in order to sanction killing, it must be through a binding verdict issued by an authoritative law court. Individuals themselves have no authority either to judge causes or pass judgments. Therefore, a Muslim should not sanction killing because doing so will be leading to the rule of the law of the jungle. A civilized society cannot be run by such laws.”

And this is what Islam, when followed properly gives us, a civilized society.

Shaykh Muhammad Al-Hanooti, member of the North American Fiqh Council, adds:

“In Islam there is no place for unjustifiable killing. Even in the case of capital punishment, only the government can apply the law through the judicial procedures. No one has the authority to execute the law other than the officers who are in charge.”

No matter what has happened a Muslim is always to follow the law and take his matter to a court.

The people who commit Honor Killing to save their family’s reputation is doing nothing but following their Nafs [6] and have nothing to do with Islam, they might think that their action is according to the rules of Islam but they are gravely mistaken.

It’s time for people to go to Islamic sources and hear what the ‘Ulama have to say about matters, not blindly follow their culture and think that their culture equals Islam.

If your daughter doesn’t wear Hijab or intermingles with the opposite sex then guide her, if you kill her you will not let her to have the chance to repent for her sins and you will have committed the sin or murder which according to Sharia[3] the punishment is death, and if you do not take the punishment in the dunya [5] and repent, verily you will answer to your Creator on the Day of Judgment.

“In that is a Sign for those who fear the penalty of the Hereafter: that is a Day for which mankind will be gathered together: that will be a Day of Testimony. Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed.”[7]

[1] Qur’an 4:93

[2] Al-Bukhari and Muslim

[3] Islamic law

[4] Physical punishment according to Sharia[3]

[5] This life

[6] Personal desire

[7] Qur’an 11:103-104

Rights of Women in Islam: part two

Thirdly, when a boy is born in the family, everyone’s face is filled with smile and their hearts with joy. What about when a girl is born in the family? Everyone is depressed, thinking how she will turn out to be, and who is going to take responsibility of getting her married. Well! First thing first! If you give any child right “tarbiyat” (teach them about Deen and Islam) they will know what is right and wrong. Hopefully! Inshallah they will follow the right path once they know the differences. If they continued following shaytan, even if they know the truth Well what can I say it is their choice, the only thing we can do is to make dua (pray) for them so that Allah (swt) can give them “Taufiq” and “Hidayat” (guide them to the right path). However, you can’t blame it all on the kids; it is their parents who raise them in such a manner. Secondly, when Allah (swt) has sent that child in our family, don’t you think that He had already thought about his parents’ and family future? Furthermore, one should be kind to his/her parents’. When they are old speak to them with patience and kindness as mentioned in surah Luqman chapter 31 verse 14. “And We have enjoined on man (To be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), “Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.

Fourthly, when Jibrail (AS) came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the first guidance given to Him (PBUH) by Allah (swt) was to READ! Since Islam gives much more importance to education and knowledge, one shouldn’t stop others from educating themselves. Usually in Indian and Pakistani cultures women are left behind in studies because their elders think that what is she going to do by studying? She has to cook, clean and take care of her family anyway. However, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in war his people captured prisoners, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to those prisoners if they teach his Umah (followers of deen) how to read and write, He (PBUH) will release them and that’s how his people became more knowledgeable. Parents’ are supposed to raise their child with good education, when a girl is married her husband has to take the responsibility of educating her further. If he is not able to do it himself, he should permit her to go someplace else to get the education.

Last but not the least, as we know men and women are equal. The life and property of both men and women is been protected by Šarī ‘ah law (Islamic religious law). Doesn’t matter if a man murders a woman, or a woman murders a man, they will get a capital punishment as said in Surah Baqarah chapter 2 verses 178 to 179. [178] “O ye who believe! The law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude. This is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this, whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty. [179] In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) Life to you, O ye men of understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.” In addition, In Islam women are permitted to give witness as mentioned in Surah Noor chapter 24 verse 4. “And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, (to support their allegations), flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors”. Subsequently, blaming a woman in Islam is the biggest crime; therefore, one should have four witnesses before he points a finger at Muslim women. Additionally, when a woman is married, she has the right to keep her maiden name or if she wants she can adopt her husband’s name.

Finally, In Islam women have the right to vote. It is nice to know that women in Islam can take part in law conferences and in battlegrounds. Surah At-Touba chapter 9 verse 71 “The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise”.

Hijab - Muslim Point Of View

Hijab: A Lesson To Be Learned

I probably do not fit into the preconceived notion of a "rebel." I have no visible tattoos and minimal piercings. I do not possess a leather jacket. In fact, when most people look at me, their first thought usually is something along the lines of "oppressed female."

The brave individuals who have mustered the courage to ask me about the way I dress usually have questions like: "Do your parents make you wear that?" or "Don't you find that really unfair?"

A while back, a couple of girls in Montreal were kicked out of school for dressing like I do. It seems strange that a little piece of cloth would make for such controversy. Perhaps the fear is that I am harbouring an Uzi underneath it. You never can tell with those Muslim fundamentalists.

Of course, the issue at hand is more than a mere piece of cloth. I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab. There are many different ways to wear it, but in essence, what we do is cover our entire bodies except for our hands and faces. If you're the kind of person who has watched a lot of popular movies, you'd probably think of harem girls and belly-dancers, women who are kept in seclusion except for the private pleasure of their male masters. In the true Islamic faith, nothing could be further from the truth. And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment. When I cover myself, I make it virtually impossible for people to judge me according to the way I look. I cannot be categorized because of my attractiveness or lack thereof. Compare this to life in today's society: We are constantly sizing one another up on the basis of our clothing, jewelry, hair and makeup. What kind of depth can there be in a world like this?

Yes, I have a body, a physical manifestation upon this Earth. But it is the vessel of an intelligent mind and a strong spirit. It is not for the beholder to leer at or to use in advertisements to sell everything from beer to cars. Because of the superficiality of the world in which we live, external appearances are so stressed that the value of the individual counts for almost nothing. It is a myth that women in today's society are liberated. What kind of freedom can there be when a woman cannot walk down the street without every aspect of her physical self being "checked out"? When I wear the hijab I feel safe from all of this. I can rest assured that no one is looking at me and making assumptions about my character from the length of my skirt. There is a barrier between me and those who would exploit me. I am first and foremost a human being, equal to any man, and not vulnerable because of my sexuality. One of the saddest truths of our time is the question of the beauty myth and female self-image. Reading popular teenage magazines, you can instantly find out what kind of body image is "in" or "out." And if you have the "wrong" body type, well, then, you're just going to have to change it, aren't you? After all, there is no way that you can be overweight and still be beautiful.

Look at any advertisement. Is a woman being used to sell the product? How old is she? How attractive is she? What is she wearing? More often than not, that woman will be no older than her early 20s, taller, slimmer and more attractive than average, dressed in skimpy clothing. Why do we allow ourselves to be manipulated like this? Whether the '90s woman wishes to believe it or not, she is being forced into a mold. She is being coerced into selling herself, into compromising herself. This is why we have 13-year-old girls sticking their fingers down their throats and overweight adolescents hanging themselves. When people ask me if I feel oppressed, I can honestly say no. I made this decision out of my own free will. I like the fact that I am taking control of the way other people perceive me. I enjoy the fact that I don't give anyone anything to look at and that I have released myself from the bondage of the swinging pendulum of the fashion industry and other institutions that exploit females. My body is my own business. Nobody can tell me how I should look or whether or not I am beautiful. I know that there is more to me than that. I am also able to say no comfortably when people ask me if I feel as though my sexuality is being repressed. I have taken control of my sexuality.

I am thankful I will never have to suffer the fate of trying to lose/gain weight or trying to find the exact lipstick shade that will go with my skin colour. I have made choices about what my priorities are and these are not among them.

So next time you see me, don't look at me sympathetically. I am not under duress or a male-worshipping female captive from those barbarous Arabic deserts. I've been liberated.

By: Sultana Yusuf Ali - Toronto Star Young People's Press