Do you remember these from last lesson? Multi-faith society Pluralism Religious freedom Interfaith dialogue Religious tolerance Inclusivism Exclusivism

What is the significance of men and women in Islam and in the family Gender and Islam Purpose of lesson What is the significance of men and women in Islam and in the family How various understandings and practices have differences in the different forms of Islam

Woman is responsible for the fall of man! Men and women can never be equal!

Women in ancient society THE LAW No share in the family property Little distinction between female and slave Female infanticide (pre-Islamic Arabia) Humiliation to be the father of a female child Subjugation-Suppression of females by males

Women through the history- in Britain No same rights for female students in Cambridge and Oxford till 1964 Before 1850 women were not counted as citizens in England and they had no personal rights till 1882. 1857- women can get a divorce 1870- in Britain, laws were passed known as "Married Women Property Act.“ 1873- Custody of infants Act; women can have children after divorce 1878- women can separate on grounds of cruelty and have custody of children. ...all real property which a wife held at the time of a marriage became a possession of her husband.

Two main concepts about gender Western Idea of equality of sexes (Unisex society) In Islam, men and women are equal but different (Dual Sex Society) Created differently Abilities differ Roles and duties differ

Men and women can never be fully equal He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and therefrom did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)... (S7:V189) Women have the same rights in relation to their husbands as are expected in all decency of them while men stand a step above them’ (s2 v228) Men are the ones who support women since God has given some persons advantages over others’ (s4:v34)

Men and women can never be fully equal Women can inherit half of what a man inherits A woman’s testimony in the court only counts for half of a man’s The biological function of women is to bear children and the biological function of a man is to provide for the women and children. Why?

Can a woman be an Imam of mosque?

Women should have total equality The Qur’an gives them right to; Own property, Inherit, Earn money, Be educated; ‘The search for knowledge is a duty of every Muslim ,male or female’ (hadith) Become an Islamic scholar ; ‘Nafisa’ a descendant of Ali who was a great authority on hadith, Imam Sahfi’i sat in her circle (Aisha Lemu, ref; Islam, V W Wattonp.62). ‘Aisha’ the wife of Prophet Muhammad was a great scholar of the time. In terms of religious obligations, such as the Daily Prayers, Fasting, Zakat, and Pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. (see: s4:v124)

As a mother - Islam considers kindness to parents next to the worship of God. - "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents…………”. (Quran 31:14) As a wife The Qur'an (in s30:v21) clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society, and that its objectives, besides perpetuating human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases are love and mercy.

Family life in Islam The woman has to ensure halal home regarding food, dress and that children learn about Islam. Husband to provide financially according to means, whisper ‘Shahadah in the baby’s ear, cut hair, do aqiqa and naming ceremony. Both should ensure a good marriage for their children. Children can be adopted but they don’t deserve certain rights which are reserved for natural children do. (Yusuf al Qardawi, Islam, V W Watton p.63) Patrial lineage is followed, so polygamy is justified that if a wife is barren, then she and new wife can share children. Is Polygamy justifiable?

Family life in Islam Marriage: Both parties have to be agreed prior to marriage, there is no concept of force marriage in Islam. Brid’s consent is taken first of all secondly groom accepts her proposal. Divorce: Men can have divorce simply by saying the word ‘talaq’ and women can have Khul (ask for divorce). “Among lawful things divorce is the most hated by Allah”. (hadith) Children remain under the mother’s custody until they reach puberty

Hijaab- The covering Why wearing hijab is an issue? What is Hijab? Hijaab is the modest covering of the head and body of Muslim women. Why Hijab? Allah, commanded in the Qur’an; "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them…...." (s33:v59) Why wearing hijab is an issue? To please Allah, purify her heart and mind and protect her honor Many women who cover are filled with dignity and self- esteem To define her femininity

Discuss in groups Who may feel independent / liberated?

Explore in what ways modern Muslim views changed over the gender role today? [8] Assess the traditional and modern Muslim views on gender role in Islam. [12]

Further research http://www.iisc.ca/learnislam