1 – Islam and Women
In Islam, women have significant social responsibilities beyond managing the household and raising children, which are among their primary duties. They actively participate alongside men in various social responsibilities, which, whether willingly or unwillingly, draw them from the confines of the home to societal spheres. This transition not only aligns with the preservation of modesty and chastity, among other obligations, but also assists women in fulfilling their social responsibilities and maintaining their psychological well-being. Islam does not impose strict constraints in any area and considers the interests of both the individual and society in all circumstances.
“Allah wants ease for you, not hardship.”
In the Quran, concerning the quality of women’s presence among non-mahram (non-related) individuals and in society, it is stated: “And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent.”
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), when women requested allegiance, they were advised to return and safeguard what was obligatory upon them, cover their hands, and then present themselves for allegiance.
2 – Women’s Presence in Society
Following the departure of her revered father (peace be upon him), Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (peace be upon her) carried a heavy responsibility. She could not sit silently amidst the innovations and societal changes of that era. Instead, she accompanied her husband in defending Islam against the migrants and helpers in Medina. To secure her rights, she attended the mosque with complete modesty and veiling and spoke publicly. She personally appeared in mosques and public places among the female helpers and migrants, providing arguments and seeking their support.
Despite all this, they considered housekeeping and performing household duties as a great happiness. When their noble father (peace be upon him) divided the work between her and Ali (peace be upon him) at the beginning of their married life, Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (peace be upon her) said: “Only Allah knows how happy I am, for the Prophet made the work between me and Ali free and easy, but whenever it was the divine duty for them to be present in society, they entered society with full modesty and complete veiling.”
For instance, during Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) time, their mosque and Imam Ali’s mosque were distinct and separate. They would preach and discuss religious matters, and even women would pray separately in that mosque over the bodies.
3 – Women’s Responsibility in Society
Women are obligated to confront social evils and have many duties, not only to observe the positive and negative actions of their peers carefully but also to engage in self-improvement and societal purification. “You are all responsible for your wards.”
Therefore, by enjoining good and forbidding evil among women, women can create a healthy and spiritual social environment.
Considering the delicacy inherent in women’s nature, they cannot bear the professional responsibilities and burdens as men do because they are sensitive beings.
Hazrat Ali (peace be upon him) said: “Woman is a flower from the garden of life, not a hero.”
4 – Women and Sufficiency Obligations
Islamic teachings have never prohibited women from participating in social professions and economic occupations because the survival of the social system requires individuals to engage in various occupations and meet the needs of society.
“Some professions are obligatory sufficiency, and it is necessary and obligatory for women to engage in them to suffice for society’s needs. If a woman has the ability, she cannot refer to a man based on Islamic orders.”
Therefore, Islam has allowed women to engage in legitimate and reasonable businesses that are compatible with her dignity and honor within the spiritual and human life system. Allah says in the Quran: “And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them.”
In Islam, acquiring knowledge is obligatory for both men and women. If a husband cannot teach her, he has no right to prevent her from going out to gain knowledge. However, she must pursue education while observing Islamic principles and attire.
5 – A Historical Look at Women’s Activities in Society
Women with faith and devotion during the time of the Prophet and our Imams also had various social activities.
There were women who traveled long distances to inquire about religious beliefs to serve the Messenger of God and present their issues. They taught and spoke about religious matters in mosques and public places.
They also engaged in medical activities (including nursing) for women and the wives of the Prophet and other Imams. They participated in wars alongside the Prophet (peace be upon him) and provided services in defense of religion, including nursing, medicine, and water supply. These individuals were counted among the purest Shia by Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
However, all these activities were within the framework of complete covering and Islamic modesty and were essential. Therefore, women can now enter society with the preservation of modesty and, if necessary, within reasonable limits.
Allah states about women’s covering in society: “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed.”
6 – Women’s Social Activity and Its Criterion
In conversation with men, women must observe decorum and avoid tempting others with provocative voices and also be mindful of their own gaze, as the source of sins is the eyes. Just as the eyes are among the greatest blessings, “We make him (the child) see.”
7 – Final Word
Although the role of women in the family and their presence therein are influential and of special importance, their presence in society, to the extent necessary and in meeting the community’s needs to a sufficient degree (medical care, teaching, etc.), is permissible without issue regarding modesty.
“O jewel of creation! Know what a good position you have, as Fatimah has manifested from His horizon, and Mary has shone from His sky, and Asiyah and Khadijah have emerged from His existence. So adorn yourself as the shell that needs Him and preserve it, as this is the most fundamental and greatest manifestation of beauty for a woman in her life and society.”
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
yes please