RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM Nature & Needs PROGRESS and evolution of society depends upon two basic factors: proper human relationship and the inter-connection of rights and duties. Oppression, exploitation and injustice are detrimental to a progressive society which then begins to degenerate and tumble headlong towards destruction. In a just and balanced society, it is necessary that both men and women work together for the betterment and upliftment of society; that they work in coherence, completing and complementing each other. It is as much necessary that all members of the society are granted their due share of rights, that their duties too are well defined. In a just society, the weaker sections are looked after properly and compassionately while full care is taken to ensure that they are not deprived of their rights or oppressed in any way. Women have all along belonged to the category of the weaker section of humanity. As such, a society that tries to uplift the status of women and installs them on the pedestal of dignity, looking after their welfare and making provisions for their protection can be considered a just society. Let us examine, in short, whether we have tried to grant women the rights that may lead them to a better future and to a more peaceful, just and dignified coexistence. The modern world may apparently be much concerned about women and make very fair promises to them. It promises them freedom from slavery, from male-domination, even from the established institution of marriage, from the boredom of being a housewife to a much more glamorous world. It promises them freedom from the burden of birth pangs, and the pains of rearing a family. But instead, what does it actually have in store? Nothing but exploitation, injustice, oppression, aggression, harassment and indignity. In the name of emancipation, women today have to bear with rape, mutilation, abuse, inequality, discrimination and harassment. Coming nearer home, we find that the apparent glamour of the feminist movement has overawed us. We have our own roots in the culture In a just and balanced society, it is necessary that both men and women work together for the betterment and upliftment of society; that they work in coherence, completing and complementing each other.