WOMEN IN ISLAM

‘ladies first’ in modern times had already been established in Islam at the very outset. The Succour of God In the sixth year of Hijrah, a 10-year peace treaty was concluded at al-Hudaybiyyah, one article of which specified that anyone emigrating to Muhammad’s camp without the permission of his guardian would have to be returned to Makkah. In contrast, any Muslim emigrating from Muhammad’s camp to Makkah would not have to be returned. (Ibn Kathir, As-Sirah an-Nabawiyah, 3/321) This was adhered to in the case of men; one notable instance was that of Suhayl ibn ‘Amr’s son, Abu Jandal, who, despite having walked 13 miles from Makkah to al-Hudaybiyyah, in a badly injured condition with his feet in shackles, was promptly returned to his persecutors. Similarly, other Muslims, having managed to free themselves from Quraysh, were returned one after another. (Ibn Kathir, As-Sirah an-Nabawiyah, Vol. 3, pp. 321-335) This pact, however, was not regarded as covering the case of Muslim women. This verse of the Quran was revealed on this occasion: “Believers! When believing women come to you as refugees, submit them to a test. Their faith is best known to God. Then, if you find them to be true believers, do not send them back to those who deny the truth.” (60:10) Many incidents have been recorded of women managing to