Answer
Short Answer: Both men and women are honored in Islam. Men and women are similar in terms of duties and responsibilities. Women have to do the acts of worship that men do. The problems that women face today are not because they are physically weak. It is the corruption of ethics in our societies. It does not have to do with women being weak or strong.
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Salam Dear Sister,
Thank you for your question. Thank you for your concern about women-related issues.
First, men and women are honored in Islam. Men and women are similar in terms of duties and responsibilities. Women have to do the acts of worship that men do.
Those who call for giving equal rights to women are wronging women as equality implies that both men and women have the same qualities.
In Islam, men have specific characteristics and women also have their own. Men have a special nature and women also have a different nature. Let’s call for establishing justice between men and women and not equality.
Men are different from women in many ways. The Quran says what means:
{…the male is not like the female} (Quran 3:36)
Men are known for their physical strength, while women are known for their softness and gentleness. This weak nature does not imply any inferiority or deficiency or that Allah does not love women.
Women go through pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. During these periods, women have to be taken care of because their psychology is always down. Therefore, weakness is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Out of Allah’s mercy, women are not asked to offer some acts of worship during their menstrual period in consideration of their psychology.
In Islam, the weak nature of women is a reason for taking care of their affairs because they do not have the ability to carry out certain tasks. Men are always advised by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to treat women gently and wisely.
In fact, weakness is a general characteristic of both men and women. We read in the Quran what gives the meaning of:
{…man was created weak.} (Quran 4:26)
Here the word man refers to both men and women. This part of the verse confirms the fact that Islamic law is the only law that fits human nature with all its physical, psychological, and mental structure. At the end of the day, human nature does only what fits it and leaves things that go beyond its capabilities.
The context of the above part of the verse explains the divine wisdom and the unique nature of the religion of Islam which considers the time and place factors in issues related to legislation. The verses read what can be translated as:
{He wishes to make His laws clear to you and guide you to the righteous ways of those who went before you. He wishes to turn towards you in mercy– He is all knowing, all wise– 27 He wishes to turn towards you, but those who follow their lusts want you to go far astray. 28 God wishes to lighten your burden; man was created weak.} (Quran 4:26-28)
The problems that women face today are not because they are physically weak. It is the corruption of ethics in our societies. It does not have to do with women being weak or strong.
If someone commits rape and escapes the punishment in this world, most assuredly he will be punished in the Hereafter.
We have to bear in mind that no one can prevent the occurrence of rape if Allah willed it even women have enough strength and take necessary precautions.
The society also has a role to play in putting an end to the crime of rape. The society has to apply the punishment set for rape so that no one would think of committing it again.
Many of the things you have mentioned in your question have to do with culture, not religion. Many rape incidents have a political background. According to Women’s Studies professor Shahla Haeri, rape in Pakistan is “often institutionalized and has the tacit and at times the explicit approval of the state” (Haeri, Shahla (2002). No Shame for the Sun: Lives of Professional Pakistani Women (1st ed.). Syracuse University Press. p. 163.)
Rape is not limited to girls in Pakistan. It is reported that street kids (boys and girls) are sexually abused. Most rape incidents are gang rape. What saddens is that many Pakistanis do not think that rape is a crime or it is a bad thing to do.
Everyone in society can help in this regard; the politicians, the police, and conscious citizens. Where are our compassion and care when we are asked for help? Where is our feeling and concern for those “weak” women? Where are the civil communities? Where are the human rights organizations?
If there is a weakness involved, it is the weakness of our faith. Our life is about tests and trials. We have to accept that there is divine wisdom in everything that befalls us whether bad or good.
A woman has the right to defend herself in case she is subject to rape. It is never ok to blame a woman for being raped. It is a heinous crime to be fully blamed upon the perpetrator, the rapist. When rape happens, she is not to be punished and the rapist should receive the severest punishment.
Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/women-ordered-wear-hijab-men-arent/
https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/women-rulers-leaders-islam/
https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/women-ordered-wear-hijab-men-arent/