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What Is the Status of Women in Islam?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an
individual with her own rights, with the right to own and
dispose of her property and earnings without any guardianship
over her (whether that be her father, husband, or anyone
else).
She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts and charity,
and may spend her money as she pleases. The groom gives
a marriage dowry to the bride for her own personal use,
and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her
husband’s.
Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife well,
as the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: “ The
best among you are those who are the best to their wives.
“
(Ibn Majah, H.N: 1978, and Al-Tirmizi, H.N: 3895)
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF PARENTS IN ISLAM?
Mothers and Fathers in Islam are highly honored. Islam
recommends treating them in the best way.
Allah the most High said: “ Your Lord has decreed that
you worship none but Him, and that you show kidness to your
parents”.
A man came to the Prophet Muhammad and said, “O messenger
of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good
companionship? The Prophet said: “Your Mother. “ The man
said, “Then who”? asked “Then who?” The Prophet said “Then
your mother. “The man asked again, “Then who?” The
prophet said: “ Then your father” (Sah. Musl.,H.N: 2548,
Sah. Al-Bukh., H.N: 5971.)
The Family in Islam:
The family, which is the basic unit of civilization,
is now disintegrating.
Islam’s family system brings rights of the husband, wife
children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium. It nourishes
unselfish behavior, generosity, and love in the framework
of a well-organized family system.
The peace and security offered by a stable family unit
is greatly valued, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual
growth of its members.
A harmonies social order is created by the existence
of extended families and by treasuring children.
How
do Muslims treat the Elderly?
In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s
homes.”
The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult
time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing
and an opportunity for great spiritual growth.
In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our
parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering
that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to
themselves. Mothers are particularly honored.
When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully,
with kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer,
and it is their right to except it.
It is considered despicable to express any irritation
when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.
God has said: “ Your Lord has commanded that you worship
none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents.
If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do
not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but
say a generous word to them.
And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have
mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.”
(Qur’an, 17: 23-24)
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