For too many years a corrupt understanding of Islam from patriarchal acolytes has dominated the Muslim world with its primary victim being Islam's most necessary component; her woman. Atrocities against Muslim women are far too much of a commonality among Muslims in Islamic lands.
No Authority for Unwarranted Violence
In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban have stoned and beaten women for no more than not wearing a hair covering and other minor “offences.” Yet the Quran states, “Let there be no compulsion in Islam.” his means that a person’s belief and religious practice is between that person and God.
For certain legal offences, the Quran allows some physical punishment for men and woman; laws not unlike those found on the books in the west among civil and military authorities some 50-200 years ago (i.e. the whipping of offenders).
However, in enclaves under Taliban rule and with the brutal attack of the protesters in Iraq, God’s leniency, as found in the pages of the Quran, is more often than not ignored in favor of hard-nosed civil terrorism and compulsion.
Respect and Love for Woman in the Quran
Most would agree that no one has the right to mutilate women and kill them in the streets for protesting or minor “infringements.” Protesting, and choosing ones attire for that matter, is the right of every Muslim woman.
Every Muslim woman who feels the iron hand of a dictator can challenge that dictator for change. Just as a woman in a democratic society has the right to challenge the appropriateness of the actions of her leaders.
Thus, The Quran asked man to think about the woman in his life, "That He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect" 30:21
Nowhere in the Quran does it state that Muslim men are to place women in a state of oppression to be a thing seen and not heard. Muslim men are taught by the Quran and by the actions of Prophet Muhammad to soften their hearts to the needs of the women. One should be willing and ready to make the changes needed to provide a loving and caring family, community, and country free of oppression in all its forms.
Women are Not Property to be Treated Harshly
Women have a different perspective on life. They are the best judges as to whether their treatment is fair. If they are demonstrating in the streets, it implies there is something very wrong with the society in which they live.
O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness ... on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. (Quran 4:19)
One good quality in Muslim women is to check the error in the acts and dealings of men. They stand on an equal footing with rights given to them by God; rights that give them a voice that should be heard and attended to with the utmost care and respect.
Return to Prophet Muhammad’s Example
Now the world observes the harsh crackdown on the demonstrators in Iran. Such demonstrators are led by Muslim women who seek a lifting of harsh oppressive ideologies. They seek relief from the political self righteous motives of men. They seek a return to a time when Prophet Muhammad protected every woman as if they were his own sisters.
The world will continue to watch and bear witness to the atrocities committed by men in the name of religion, and pray that no more are injured and killed for expressing their God given right to voice their concerns.
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