describe muslim teachings regarding the role of women in muslim society?

Answer 1

Let us give some examples from the holy Quran.

"Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them." (4:34)

Women's testimony is equal to half that of a man:
"Get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her." (2:282)

Polygyny, and sex with slave and captive women:
"If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable." (4:3)

Answer 2

Razi is terribly incorrect about how the Egyptians treated women. I'm not studied in the other cultures much, but I know that what he is saying about Egypt is fictitious. The Koran does say that women are property of their husband, and it does condone "light" whippings, if you wish to call it that. Don't blame people for what the Koran says.

The bible does state that man is the head of the household and Muslims believe the same thing. I have never seen a woman clergy-person in Islam. So why is the bible faulted for saying a woman should not teach in the church or have a position of authority over men when Muslims don't allow it either? Women are allowed to teach other women in both religions. Plus, you see women pastors everywhere in Christianity (over man and women) but you never see that in Islam. So it's foolish to try and degrade one to elevate the other, regarding women's roles.

You say there is no compulsion in religion. Then why are women forced to dress a certain way, under penalty of law in most Islamic countries, if there is no compulsion? Female equality is a vain word in Islam. To be equal is to have the same ability and authority in all aspects of life, which is not the case.

Answer 3

Muslims believe that Jesus' mother Mary is the greatest woman in the world. This is mentioned in the Muslim's holy book, the Koran. So following Mary's mother is very recommended. From the early days of Islam Muslims played a prime role. The 1st person who converted to Islam was a woman. So is the 1st martyr in Islam. Islam values education & there had been very famous female Muslim scholars like Um Salamah & Aisha. Muhammad's 1st wife & the only mother of his children was a merchant. Overall Muslim women have many options to play in life. The problem is that many people mix Islam with 3rd world cultures & lable the whole thing Islam.

Answer 4

Women in Muslim societies have varying roles, rights and obligations depending on the particular society they live in. In many Muslim countries women have fewer rights than men with regard to marriage, divorce, civil rights, legal status, dress code, professional lives and education.

Some Muslims feel that these restrictions are mandated by the Qur'an and sunnah, as explicated by sharia, or Islamic law. They argue that these laws are based on the divine understanding of the differences between the nature of men and women, and as such are immutable, perfect, and just.

Other Muslims say that these restrictions sometimes go beyond what is mandated by sharia, and are motivated by culture, not religion. However, they feel that the rules of sharia, liberally interpreted, should still apply.

Yet other Muslims feel that sharia, as developed by medieval scholars, is outdated and must be reinterpreted to fit the circumstances of modern life. They argue that these laws were intended to apply in the specific circumstances of the time of the prophet Muhammad, and that their intent can be defined by their contrast with the restrictions imposed on women in pre-Islamic Arabia. Muhammad set a process of liberation in motion which should be continued rather than frozen in its 7th century state. They argue that numerous verses from the Qur'an imply that men and women are equal as believers, and that these passages have precedence over more restrictive passages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Muslim_society

Answer 5

Im an american convert to Islam and most of these answers are a little bit true and a whole lot false. Yes...Alllah gave muslim women all those rights 1400 years ago. Muslim women were over the moon with joy...muslim men were angry and upset that their "property" suddenly had rights of their own. Our prophet had a very hard time convincing his sahaba that God was correct and they were wrong regarding this issue. History has shown that even though God Almighty himself gave muslim women these rights...muslim men feel they know better and have taken much of those rights and ignored them completely or interpreted them in ways to suit their own male ignorance and egos. Most of what you see in the world today concerning how Islam is practiced and what the status of women has come down to is what many of us muslims refer to as Hislam and not Islam as God gave us.

My advice to anyone that wants to truly learn about the role of women in Islam...ask God...its written in the Quran plain as day. Most of muslim practice regarding women is derived from custom and culture and definitely not from the Quran.

God is Good!
Islam is Beautiful!
Muslim mostly suck at being muslim!

Answer 6

Women are less regarded in all aspects of life than men. But there are Muslim women now who are manifesting women empowerment. This does not mean that they want to be above the men but they just want to be equal with men.... "to stand side by side with men".

Answer 7

Very well said Ahsan. You explained it best. Women are highly regarded in Islam. Proper Muslim men respect all of the women in their lives and place the needs of these women first and foremost.

Answer 8

Mohammed owned and traded slaves. He commanded that women and children be taken as slaves in battle, and allowed them to be raped after capture. His followers continued the practice for centuries until it was forced to an end in most regions by European armies.

Answer 9

Are you talking about teachings of the Qua'ran or just fanatics here?

Answer 10

muslim women dont hv any freedom ....
they are like punshing bags for their partners.
i dont know if Quran teaches that i hv never read that book.
but those men who beat their wives or partners are animals
not humans.. shame on u guys who ever does that..
but i know alot of muslim women get beat up by their pshyco
partner.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!