Author: Abdul Hameed Nowrozi
Islamic Hijab and Women in Pre-Islamic and Islamic Societies (Part Two)
The Philosophy of Creation of Women
Today, as a result of the invasion of Western ideas, the narrative that Islam has locked women in a veil and suffocated them, imprisoning them within four walls, can be heard everywhere. However, these propagandistic claims stem from a lack of understanding regarding the purpose and destination of the creation of women, as well as an overly worldly perspective. If these individuals had full faith and belief that the creator of all universes, including men and women, is Allah Almighty, they would ask themselves: for what purpose were men and women created? In other words, what is the main purpose underlying the creation of both man and woman? If they don’t believe in this, Allah forbid, discussing these matters with them is pointless.
It is critical for them to reflect on reforming their faith and beliefs. Yet, such individuals are oblivious to the fact that if men and women were created for the same purpose, there would be no need for their physical differences. A man’s physical structure is distinct from a woman’s; a man’s temperament differs from a woman’s; the roles and authority of men do not mirror those of women.
Allah created both genders with fundamental differences in their nature and roles; thus, asserting that there is no difference between men and women contradicts natural law. Modern civilization has overlooked this basic and natural distinction and has sought to undermine it, to the extent that men and women now imitate one another in haircuts, clothing, and many other aspects of life.
In the Holy Qur’an, two significant philosophies regarding the creation of women are mentioned, each of which we will examine briefly below.
The First Philosophy: Peace and Tranquility of Man
Allah, (S.W.T), states one of the philosophies of the creation of women as follows: «وَمِنْ آیاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَیهَا وَجَعَلَ بَینَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً إِنَّ فِی ذَالِكَ لَآیاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ یتَفَكَّرُون» Translation: “And one of the signs (indications of the power and greatness) of Allah is that He created for you wives from your own kind so that you may find rest in them, and He placed between you love and mercy. Surely, in this, there are signs for a people who reflect.”
It should be known that a woman is a source of peace for a man, and a man is a source of peace for a woman. A man’s heart finds tranquility with a righteous wife, just as a woman’s heart finds solace in a good and virtuous husband. If the essence of both genders is understood, anxiety should not arise.
The Qur’an summarizes the human need for a spouse in one sentence: «لتسکنوا الیها» — “To find peace with her.” This verse clearly indicates that the philosophy of the creation of woman is to provide peace and comfort. A family that benefits from this divine blessing will find success in married life; conversely, a family deprived of this blessing, even with worldly riches, will remain dissatisfied. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “The world is a commodity, and the best commodity in the world is a righteous woman.”
The Second Philosophy: The Survival of the Generation
Allah (S.W.T) expresses another of His rewards and the purpose of the creation of women as follows: «وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَزْوَاجِكُم بَنِینَ وَحَفَدَةً وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ الطَّیبَاتِ ۚ أَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ یؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَتِ اللَّهِ هُمْ یكْفُرُونَ» Translation: “Allah created for you wives from your own kind and gave you sons and descendants from your wives and provided you with good things. Will they then believe in what is false and deny the blessings of Allah?”
It is narrated from Hazrat Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, encouraged the establishment of families, advocating for marriage, and strictly forbade celibacy, saying: “Marry women who are very fertile and loving, for I will take pride in your abundance among other nations on the Day of Judgment.”
Thus, the primary purposes of the creation of a woman are twofold: 1. For a man to find peace of mind with her; 2. For the continuation of human generation.
It can be concluded that a woman serves as a significant human-making entity. Just as a factory produces quality goods when organized and well-managed, a woman who fulfills her duties diligently contributes to society by raising righteous and distinguished individuals.
With the arrival of Islam and the life-giving teachings brought by the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, women were liberated from the darkness of ignorance and guided toward knowledge and perfection. The true dignity and rights of women were restored, enabling them to participate actively in the various aspects of life. What follows is a brief discussion on the status of women during two periods: the modern era of ignorance and the glorious civilization of Islam.
Continues…
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