Other than terrorism, sexism or being anti-women is one of the allegations often hurled at Islam and the Muslims. Women’s groups, in particular, are quick to deduce that much of Islamic teachings are sexist and are quick to generalize it. In today’s column, I shall briefly discuss each point they raise one by one as concise as we could.
POLYGAMY
Polygamy is not new. Polygamy has been the practice of the prophets. Prophet Abraham had 2 wives. Jacob had 4. Solomon had hundreds. Allah said in the Quran, “And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of other women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then marry only one.” Quran 4:3
This verse in the Quran denotes approval and not as an order from Allah that Muslim men should have more than one wife. Actually, most Muslim men only have one wife. But looking at the divine wisdom behind the authorization of Allah for such, men generally, Muslims or Non-Muslim are polygamists by nature. Want proof? Look at the statistics of men getting involved in extramarital relationships. Also, music may not be allowed in Islam but we could not help but wonder why there are songs like, ‘Sana Dalawa ang Puso ko” or “Bakit ngayon ka lang” which are in and of itself polygamists. Allah knows this and so instead of endangering families into dissolution, Allah legalized polygamy for men.
Polygamy also solves current social issues such as the rising number of women in relation to men which means that if one man marries one woman only then most of the women would not be able to marry.
DOWRY
Dowry is the cash or things that the groom gives the bride as gifts in their wedding. Sadly, this noble Islamic tradition has been misconstrued as buying the bride. This misconception actually came upon due to the mistake of some Muslim families where the dowry is given to the parents of the bride instead of the bride herself. Added to this is the ridiculously expensive dowries they require. This practice of most Muslim families especially here in the Philippines is wrong. Dowry is given to the bride and not the parents. Dowry is a symbolic gift to the bride and a proof of ability of the groom to provide for the wife.
BEATING OF WIVES
Allah said in the Quran, “As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them first, next, refuse to share their beds, and last beat them lightly if it is useful; but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means of annoyance. Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great” Quran 4:34
Being put into proper context, this does not make beating of the wife obligatory in Islam but is a declaration of authorization from Allah that a man may do something in order to keep his wife in check. Also, this verse rather emphasizes that such beating may be normal, but it should be done kindly and not as molestation.
HIJAB
Muslim women cover themselves from head to toe with only their hands and faces exposed. It is an emulation of the example of Mary the mother of Jesus in her modesty even in the way she dresses. But sadly, Hijab is construed as a form of subjugation of Muslim women and they should be liberated from it. Hijab covers the women in order to protect their chastity from the prying eyes of the public especially those of lascivious men. What the critics of Hijab fail to realize is that a Muslim woman who wears the Hijab does it on purpose and in faith and that women should be free to cover themselves the same way they allow women to go naked.
WOMEN NOT LEADING THE PRAYER
It is a known fact that only men could lead the congregational prayers in a mosque. The answer is simple, the congregational prayer is an act of worship and in Islam, acts of worship should only be done according to how Prophet Muhammad performed it. Never in his life did he allow or order any of the women to lead the congregational prayers. Scholars, however, allowed a woman leading a congregation that is composed solely of women and that she stands in the middle of the row of women unlike being at the front like the male Imam or prayer leader.
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
This is clearly an exaggeration of female circumcision which is not obligatory and if it should be done, Prophet Muhammad said, “Do not go to the extreme in cutting the clitoris; that is better for the woman and more liked by the husband.” Narrated by Abu Dawud. Female circumcision also has its scientific merit. Dr. Haamid Al-Ghawabi said, “The secretions of the labia minora accumulate in uncircumcised women and turn rancid, so they develop an unpleasant odor which may lead to infections of the vagina or urethra. I have seen many cases of sickness caused by the lack of circumcision.” But again, female circumcision is not obligatory in Islam.
FEMALE SEX SLAVES
We will not deny that there are indeed rulings in Islam to that effect but that happens in the context of war. This was also the case in other parts of the world before the establishment of international human rights. But if ever there is such a female that was enslaved during a war, she is to be treated kindly. She should not be pushed into prostitution or forced labor. Her owner may have sexual privileges but it is exclusive to him only and none shall have intercourse with her even her master’s children etc. Islam even enjoins that slaves must be freed. Recent scholars have even suggested that Islam may not have explicitly prohibited slavery but it made the reforms that will lead to better treatment of slaves and the eventual abandonment of slavery by most societies today.
INHERITANCE ISSUES
Allah said in the Quran, “Allah commands you as regards your children’s inheritance, to the male, a portion equal to that of two females” Quran 4:11
This practically meant that the female gets half of the inheritance compared to the son. The reason for this is what Allah said in the Quran, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women.” Quran 4:34. Due to this, men should receive more because men are expected to spend and provide for their families including their own brothers and sisters.
