20,000 HITS 2 DAYS! Women in Islam Treatment

Dear Debbi, thank you for your question. It shows you are in need a clear view of the teachings of Islam.

When someone has a jewel or any precious item one always treats it with great respect and protects it against any loss. One may even build a special place to keep it or place it in a vault for security. Perhaps one may even hire a guard to insure that it will not be stolen. These things are most obvious to all of us and nothing here seems strange at all.

By the way, some people ask us:
"Why do Muslims compare women to 'Jewels & Peals? - Sounds like you are describing ladies like objects or possessions?"

In reply to that, I would ask them :
What is wrong with associating our beloved sisters with things people value very much?
Comparing women to jewels and pearls doesn't mean that women are mere objects or worldly possessions. The intended item or object here is what the woman possesses, as mentioned by Allah in His Book.

* Allah commands us to tell believing woman to lower her gaze and to protect her, guard her private parts and protect her chastity. She is being well advised by her father, brother, husband, son and all of us, to cover herself.

* Amazing how people think the more women exhibit their beauty, especially their bodies in front of strangers is something to be admired and it's even encouraged.

* Many large corporations protect their shareholders from losses, but at the same time produce cosmetics, jewelry & clothing that do exactly the opposite for our ladies.

Money, lust & vain desires are the primary reasons for this exploitation today.

Now please consider my questions -

1. Let's ask: 'Why are women exposed in public so men see them in ways they would not see them even in the privacy of their own homes?"

2. Another question, ‘Why is modern society so far away from basic concepts of moral and correct behavior that was originally ordered by the Almighty Lord of the Universe. As each year passes, we see more and more deviation away from the high standards once considered normal for proper attire and public behavior?"

3. And this question, “Why do women tolerate the fashion designers, cosmetic companies and women's magazines - making huge fortunes by convincing poor beguiled women of an unrealistic idea about needing to show themselves off like they were to be displayed in a market, or cattle auction? Just so men can look them over and then decide how they ‘rate’ them?”

So actually, Islam preserves the correct, proper dress code, not just for ladies, but for men as well.

Additionally, defining the proper attire for the sexes, Islam also carefully instructs both men and women on how to behave toward each other. For instance, the Qur’an tells us in surah An-Nur in verses 30 and 31 exactly how to act in the presence of the opposite sex:

“Tell the believing men to LOWER THEIR GAZE…” And then “Tell the believing women to LOWER THEIR GAZE….”

So, immediately we understand that it is more than just the clothing that is desired. It is the proper respect and behavior of the two sexes toward each other at all times.

QUESTION: Why does Islam say to treat women in the way Quran says?

Because THEY DESERVE IT!

Here's my statement on the way we Muslim men are to treat women:

"Our women deserve respect, honor, dignity, compassion, consideration, care, gentle and kind treatment - because they are gems, jewels, precious and most of all, they are Muslimahs (Muslim ladies who love Almighty God, and God loves them).

And because they are obedient to Almighty God, worshipping Him, alone without partners, and living as true servants of the Lord - we men must serve them, care for them and love them, because it is our duty as true Muslim men."

Please check my new website for ISLAMS WOMEN .com

Thanks for your good question and may Allah guide us all to the truth, Ameen.

Salam alaykum,
Yusuf Estes

Original answer by Yusuf Estes for IslamOnline.org 2002

Don't think of Islam as just another religion. Islam (Means = Surrender, Submission, Obedience, Sincerity & Peace) is for all people, in all places & in all times.