The Place of Women in Our Society
Women before Islam
Societies in the past were male dominated in nature. Women were not given their rights. They were treated like slaves. The cruel tradition of killing baby girls was common among the Arabs before Islam. It was Islam that raised the status of women in the society.
Women in Islam
Women in Islam stand shoulder to shoulder with men. This status of women is unprecedented in the known history of human mind. This raised position of women in Islam is very well defined. Islam grants women the right of ownership and right to inheritance. They can engage in trade and have their own property.
Islam realized the importance of woman. That is why Islam gives equality between men and women. As a mother, her position is unique. She brings up the children with extreme care and the first school of child is the lap of his/her mother. The right of women to seek knowledge is not different from that of men. Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (Man and Woman) " [Al-Bayhaqi].
He(ﷺ) does not differentiate here between man and woman. It is quite true that great (good) men have great (good) mothers. If the mothers are educated, the whole society will prosper.
"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (Man and Woman) " [Al-Bayhaqi].
He(ﷺ) does not differentiate here between man and woman. It is quite true that great (good) men have great (good) mothers. If the mothers are educated, the whole society will prosper.
Napoleon rightly said, "Give me good mothers; I will give you a great nation".
Despite Islam's emphasis on the equal role of women, the attitude of Society towards women was hostile. Their utility was to be house wives. The rural women worked in the field with their male members from dawn to dusk. But despite their best efforts to help their men folk, their role remained inferior. This one-sided policy kept the doors of progress closed for women. They remained unable to show their real potential. Such an attitude caused depression and a sense of helplessness and deprivation.
However, for the past three decades the role of women in our society has changed significantly. Women are being considered equally important members of society. Now they have many more opportunities. They have got access to every educational institution they want to join. They are also taking part in the progress of the country.
Women in Pakistan
Women in Pakistan play a very important role in every walk of life. In order to grow as a nation, we need their active involvement in all fields as educationists, political leaders, doctors, business women, bankers, managers, engineers, lawyers, diplomats, ambassadors, artists, teachers, writers, poets, workers, farmers, and the list goes on and on. Gradually things are improving for women. This success is due to their tremendous determination and courage and their struggle to achieve equal rights.
The women of today are not waiting for someone to 'help' them. They do not demand any special treatment. Nor are they waiting for assistance. They are ready, even eager, to overcome whatever hurdles come in their way. They just Want to cross the road on their own. They are equally ready to face the challenges as men.