What are Muslim women not allowed to do?

Question

I work
I go to school
I volunteer
I play with my children at the park
I swim (yes in a public pool with an Islamic bathing suit)
I go shopping, buying whatever it is that I want to wear
I drive
I go out with friends till 2 in the morning

And I do all these things without my husband. So I would like to know how I am oppressed.

My husband:
Gives me flowers every time he is paid.
Hands me money when ever I ask, and does not say but you have a job too.
Pays all the bills
Gives me everything I want and more, my car is even better than his.

So please tell me why I as a Muslim woman am I seen as oppressed. Why do some people look at me in pity? Why would someone think that I do not have a voice and would not be able to think for myself?

Answer 1

I live in an Islamic country, I work , + have a small business, drive a fast sports car, shop chronically, buy whatever I please. I am university educated, mastered 3 languages working on a 4th. My husband buys me pretty much what I want, spoils me. The last thing I feel I am is oppressed, I have a much higher education then my husband.

I live in Malaysia

Answer 2

You say that you are familiar with Christianity. If so then you know that not all Christians are the same. There are different denominations with different practices and beliefs. Why then do you assume that all Muslims are the same? I've met a great many Muslim women in Muslim countries and seen many more walking down the street. Most don't wear the full covering you are referring to. Actually, the way you describe her dress is similar to what Hasidic Jewish women wear, only I'm pretty sure they aren't allowed to wear jeans. BTW, guys often wear long pants in the summer and we survive. Also, the material of the shirt makes a big difference. She may not be as uncomfortable as you think.

Answer 3

I'm a converted Muslim. Live in an Arabic country since many years. My late husband was an Arab. Live in a country where woman have the choice to cover up or be westernized. But let us not forget that in some countries the Muslim woman has no rights and the more remote and tribal the area, the less rights the woman has. Islam has been wrongly interpreted by the western world and they talk about things which are to their advantage. Lila, I'm proud of you to come froward.

Answer 4

Alhamdulallah,
Allah has set you and your husband through true trust. I am muslim and so are my parents.(they have the same bond as you and your husband do) I don't think that has to do with your religion. It's more of a trust. I believe they aren't looking at you in pity, it's just jealousy. I really dont like to say this but sometimes us muslims are very serious and can't take a break and enjoy life without worries. It's sad how media, war, politics, and more have taken over our minds. Can't we all just stop for a moment and freaking think?!
(I wonder about this everyday)
Salam and have a nice day, sister :)

Answer 5

Perhaps you dress up to deliberately to appear oppressed. If you dress as the world vision of oppressed women people will see you that way.
Perhaps it's that you don't really like to communicate so people think she is afraid to speak her mind. She must be oppressed because Christian women have that right and sure love to exercise it.
Perhaps they see that you are MuslI'm and as Christians cry for your lost soul.
Perhaps they see you as a normal women with an intelligent mind and wonder why does she hate me so much. How can she follow a religion (dirty word )that thrills it's self with beheading anyone who disagrees with them. Who at it's best says take the injured infidel into your home . Feed him. Tend him. Give him the Koran and kick im out with the dogs and it is lawful to kill this man.
Perhaps they see a follower of the anti-Christ and tell me who is more anti-christian than a Muslim.
Perhaps your question is really self indulgent?
Perhaps it's not pity.
If I were in your shoes I'd have more relevant questions. Like why can't a Shite and Sunni women walk down the streets of Baghdad in friendship?
I'll offer you my friendship and will listen to your point of view but my intent will always be to help you find the salvation of God through his son Jesus If you refuse that you aren't worthy of pity.

Answer 6

Because you are lucky enough to live in a democratic country. Check out some of the Muslim women in the Amnesty International and Human Rights web pages. Hopefully you may use some of your freedom to help them.

Answer 7

there are many ignorant anti muslim propaganda esp online.
they think all muslim women are slaves based on some hollywood movie written by those who never even met or sat down with muslims. the only reason they would say what they say is because they don't know, or have heard of some domestic abuse that occured in one of the places they visited or based on what they knew about an isolated third world village which regardless of religion would prevent women from any education or any other rights.
much of the opression is due to customs , not religion. and customs differ from country to country. you don't have to live a western way to be happy. many ppl choose to live the way they do. it all depends on where you live and how you were brought up. in most muslim countries the worse a woman would get for reblelling is gossip or less/no support from family for some time .
don't let their ignorance offend you sweetie.

Answer 8

Where do you live? Medias of the world report atrocities against M. women.Recently an 18 yr. old girl was punished (hanging) for a relationship with a 50 plus man.Time magazine reported over 200 young women setting themselves on fire in Muslim countries. Reason; to gain attention of abuse by husband and his family. Please thank Ali for your husband, I don't think he's the norm.

Answer 9

You are lucky to have such a good husband. However, many other Muslim women in the world do not have what you have. They are controlled and suffer spousal abuse. However, the misconception that ALL Islamic women have to go through all that is a bit sad especially when they live in countries like Canada or the U.S.A.

Also, note that under Islamic law, a man is allowed up to four wives.

Answer 10

I am a practising Christian. My wife who I married 27 years ago is a practising muslem. I dearly love my wife and she can do everything she wants to do if it is legal.
Many people claim to be Christians and in their ignorance do harm to other people who are not like them.
Jesus said; they that take up the sword shall perish by the sword.Love your enemies.If your enemy is hungry feed him.Do good to them that despitefully use you.