– Razia Masood, Bhopal
The army of Satan has been using women as a pawn since times immemorial. Earlier they were locked behind the bars of patriarchy and chauvinism. Today, they are like puppets tied with the invisible strings of feminism. The members of secret societies pull the strings and women are forced to act on their commands.
The new trends originating from the west are labelled as “Freedom” whereas they truly should be termed as “enslavement”. Enslavement by the worldly materialistic desires or even worse, enslavement by the Satan. Now the main question would be if the trends of the west are enslavement then what is Freedom? True Freedom is found in achieving happiness and fulfilment within the framework of morality and it is through this freedom that a woman’s dignity is truly upheld and honoured.
Now modern feminism has drifted from its original focus, which was about recognising the actual value of women for who they are rather than encouraging women to act like men. Real feminism is not about making women and men the same but about appreciating the unique qualities of women and treating them with equal respect. Men and women are biologically different, and those differences should not be used to measure them against the same standards.
True feminism values women as they are, and it calls for a society that understands and supports the realities women face. For example, the experiences of pregnancy, menstruation, and motherhood are things men do not go through, and women should not be expected to handle them in the same way as men. Feminism advocates that society, especially the male-dominated parts of it, should show understanding and compassion for these experiences. Instead of seeing pregnancy or childbirth as a career setback, it should be recognised as a time when a woman is embracing an essential part of her life.
A shared moral foundation is established through a framework of rules and laws despite individual differences that provide a foundation for living a morally guided life. Islam offers such a framework through the Quran and Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These divine guidelines help create a cohesive and consistent moral compass, ensuring that individuals can lead lives that align with ethical principles and foster mutual respect and understanding. For women, this moral framework is not restrictive but liberating, as it offers protection, respect and a defined role within the family and society.
CLOTHING – An expression of modesty
In the context of Islamic teachings, clothing is deeply intertwined with the concept of modesty. The Quran instructs both men and women to dress modestly and behave with dignity. “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [ordinarily] appears thereof. And to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, their slaves, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or the young children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women.” (24:30-31)
Clothing is a powerful symbol of modesty. Modest clothing liberates individuals from societal pressures that often emphasise superficial beauty. By choosing to dress modestly, women assert their identity beyond physical appearance, prioritising their character and intellect. By promoting a dress code that prioritises modesty, social interactions can become more focused on meaningful relationships and interactions rather than superficial judgments.
It is to be noted that the Quran’s guidance on modesty is not limited to one gender. Both men and women are commanded to exhibit modesty in their behaviour and dress. Men are instructed to lower their gaze and dress modestly, while women are instructed to dress in a manner that covers their adornments and maintain their modesty.
HARAM RELATIONSHIP: The Harms
And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and an evil way. The Quran explicitly prohibits haram relationships and this prohibition is intended to protect individuals from the harmful consequences of such relations. Unlike lawful marriages, which provide stability and security, haram relationships lack commitment for emotional and financial stability. Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of the family unit as the cornerstone of a stable society. Haram relationships often disrupt the traditional family structure, leading to conflicts and social instability. Unlawful sexual intercourse can pose significant health risks, including sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). The lack of commitment and protection in such relationships can exacerbate these risks. Engaging in haram relationships can impact an individual’s ability to form stable and trusting relationships in the future.
LAWFUL MARRIAGE: A source of Love
“And of his signs is that he created for you from yourselves mates, that you may find tranquillity in them, and he placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (30:21)
Islam provides a lawful and fulfilling alternative for haram relationships through marriage. Spouses are seen as sources of mutual support, love and stability. Modesty, adhering to Quranic principles, opens the doors to genuine freedom and happiness. By following the divine guidance, one can find true contentment in life and hereafter.
“And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (29:69)
