The status of the Muslim woman in Islaam is a
very noble and lofty one, and her effect is very great in the
life of every Muslim. Indeed, the Muslim woman is the initial
teacher in the building of a righteous society, providing she
follows the guidance from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah
of His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Since
adherence to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah distances every Muslim - male or female - from
being misguided in any matter...
The secret of her importance lies in the tremendous
burden and responsibility that is placed upon her, and the difficulties that she
has to shoulder - responsibilities and difficulties some of which not even a man
bears. This is why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show
gratitude to the mother, and kindness and good companionship with her. And in
this matter, she is to be given precedence over and above the father...
A man came to Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu
‘alayhi wa sallam and said: O Messenger of Allaah! Who
from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? He
replied: "Your mother." The man asked: Then who?
So he replied: "Your mother." The man then
asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: "Your
mother." The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: "Then
your father." [Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.5971) and
Muslim (7/2), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu]. So this necessitates that the mother is given three times the
like of kindness and good treatment than the father.
As regards the wife, then her status and her
effect in making the soul tranquil and serene, has been clearly
shown in the noble aayah (verse), in His - the Most High’s -
saying:
"And from amongst His Signs is this:
That He created for you wives from amongst yourselves, so that
you may find serenity and tranquility in them. And He has put
between you love and compassion. Indeed, in this are signs for
those who reflect." [Soorah
Room 30:21].
...And do not forget about ‘Aaishah - radiallaahu
‘anhaa - and her great effect. Since even the great Sahaabah
(Companions) used to take knowledge of Hadeeth from her, and many
of the Sahaabiyaat (female Companions) learn the various rulings pertaining to
women’s issues from her...
And I have no doubt that my mother - may Allaah shower
His mercy upon her - had a tremendous effect upon me, in encouraging me to
study; and she assisted me in it. May Allaah greatly increase her reward and
reward her with the best of rewards for what she did for me.
And there is no doubt also, that the house in
which there is kindness, gentleness, love and care, along with
the correct Islaamic tarbiyah (education and cultivation) will greatly affect
the man. So he will become - if Allaah wills - successful in his affairs and in
any matter - whether it be seeking knowledge, trading, earning a living, or
other than this. So it is Allaah alone that I ask to grant success and to guide
us all to that which He loves and is pleased with. And may the prayers and peace
of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions and
his followers.
The Status of Women in Islaam