Realistically idealistic daydreamer, seasoned procrastinator, atheist and monarchist with a secret agenda and a slight inclination towards voodoo practices.
One of my favourite bloggers, Marjorie, posted the article distributed by Qatar Guest Centre. One question I would like to ask after reading all this: What year are we living in, again?
Women's Rights
The following are some of what Islam requires of the individual and society concerning the rights of women.
Have you ever seen a jewel? Why is it that people love it while it is simply a piece of stone? The reason for this is that it is not easy to see or touch without first paying an exorbitant price. Similar is the case of the woman: to retain her honor and purity, Islam does not allow any man who is not a near relative (MAHRAM) to see her or touch her. She is like an untouched, delicate jewel that needs protection and care.
Have you ever seen how a rose wilts, withers, and loses its luster and beauty if it is touched too much? Likewise, a woman is not allowed to be touched except by one in a lawful relationship of marriage. And whoever attempts to touch her unlawfully will earn a severe punishment or death.
Do you know the punishment for one who violates the marriage trust and cheats on his wife? The penalty is death, since he has failed to preserve the jewel that is in his possession in addition to encroaching on the rights of others.
Have you ever seen a jewel searching for someone to possess it? The same is the case of a woman. Like a precious jewel, she is the one who is sought out. Therefore, it is always a man who seeks her hand. And if she agrees to marry him, he will have to give her a marriage dowry and some portion of his wealth.
It is obligatory upon a man to spend his wealth for the maintenance (accommodation, food, clothing and general care) of those under his care, including his mother, wife or daughter, even if he does not desire to do so.
Consider a ruler or head of state. If everyone were able to speak to him directly and sit in his presence, he would not be held in awe, nor would he possess the same prestige and status amongst people around him. Similarly, a woman is like a noble queen. It is not the right of every man to speak to her directly or sit in her presence; this is allowed only to a select few, namely her near relatives with whom it is unlawful to marry (i.e. MAHRAM)
The Supreme Being created men and provided them with strong bodies so that they may go out and earn their livelihood even in difficult circumstances in order to maintain their wives and children. Women, on the other hand, were created gentle, soft and sensitive in order to educate the future generations and bring them up in the best possible manner. Men go out and work with the world outside, while women deal with human beings (i.e. raising children).
What do you think would happen if a lion and gazelle were kept together in th same place? Would it be possible for them to co-exist? Obviously not! Likewise, it is only in the interest of a woman to be in the company of a man who is not [sic] a MAHRAM. She is beautiful, attractive and delicate. Hence, an immoral man will certainly try to overcome her, oppress her and even violate her chastity even if she were not willing.
A woman who performs work equal to the work of a man is entitled to the same salary as a man.
A woman is allowed to engage in any occupation she is capable of as long as it suits the nature of her physique.
Just like men, women are required to perform certain religious obligations for which both will be equally rewarded.
Women are exempt from certain religious obligations during their post-child birth and menstrual periods, since these conditions cause them a great deal of weakness, and in some cases depression, and hence they need rest and relaxation.
If a woman dies while giving birth to a child, she will be rewarded with the highest station in paradise.
The person who is killed while defending his mother, wife, daughter or sister will be rewarded with the highest station in paradise.
It is permissible for a woman to seek a separation from her husband if he fails to fulfill her marital rights.
Is there anything more valuable to the human being than his life? Well, the honor and dignity of women is more valuable and important to a Muslim than his own life.
It is permissible for a woman to remarry whomever she desires if she is divorced from her husband or is widowed.
If a woman possesses wealth, she is free to dispose of it in any lawful way she likes without permission of anyone, be he the father, husband or any other person.
Women have a right to the inheritance of her relative -- at the time of his/her death -- even if he/she does not desire that she receive it.
A mother has been given preference three times over a father as to their right to kindness and benevolence from their children.
Whoever truly desires Paradise, know that paradise lies at the feet of the mother, for the one who pleases her.
Whoever has daughters and treats them well will be screened from Hell-fire as a result on the day of Judgment.
If a man kills a woman intentionally, he -- under Islamic law -- incurs the death penalty, even if the victim was his wife.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) advised us concerning women: "Treat women well." He also said, "The best of you are those who are the best in the treatment of their wives." He also said, "No one honors the woman except an honorable man, and no one humiliates her or holds her in contempt except one who is evil, wicked and depraved."
I am a jewel. A rose. A gazelle. Hands off, dammit!
Yes , yes... The best way to assure women's rights is to talk down to them and use awfully "pretty" metaphors like roses and gazelles to get your point across.You know, being the fragile, delicate' breakable creatures that they are.*HeadDesk*
you can totally tell that whoever wrote this is trying to make herself feel better about her nonexistent social life. She probably looks nothing like a jewel either. ouch, was that mean? sorry- but it was irresistable.
point being, this qatar guest place is not in anyway to acquaint newbies to qatar, its a dawah center in disguise.. genius, really.
but hey, cat, you're allowed to spent your own money! frreeeedddooomm!
Indeed. I dunno, maybe it does appeal to some women. However, the person who wrote that it is not easy to see or touch a jewel without first paying an "exorbitant price" has obviously never been to a jewellery shop. And for the right "buyer" the girls from poorer Arabic countries are dime a dozen.
Chica,
Call it whatever, it is still a government sanctioned affair. And Qatar is not alone in this. Looks like the "loud minority" is not a minority at all. It's the moderates who are a minority. A quiet one.
*shrug* Just goes to show that you can present ANY circumstance in at least two distinctly different lights.
I think there is a lot of truth in these statements... as much truth as their is to the opposing view point of Islam being oppressive and degrading to women.
When explained with these pretty words it almost makes Islam appealing. :)
I dunno about you, but I didn't find being described as "jewel in a man's possession" particularly appealing. And everything in these statements is true, especially the "honor and dignity of women is more valuable and important to a Muslim than his own life" - his own, or hers? Many women die because their owners' honour and dignity is more important than the life of the roses in their possession.
Yes , yes...
The best way to assure women's rights is to talk down to them and use awfully "pretty" metaphors like roses and gazelles to get your point across.You know, being the fragile, delicate' breakable creatures that they are.*HeadDesk*