Women, as half of the human society, have played a decisive role in its formation alongside men. In the previous part of the article, we discussed the presence of women in the political sector. In this part, we will examine the position and contributions of Muslim women in other areas during the Prophetic era, demonstrating that women during the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, took every opportunity to engage and influence society according to Quranic teachings and prophetic education. They preserved chastity within Islamic society. Not only was this encouraged by the Holy Law, but the humane and logical approaches of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, paved the way for their active participation.
The presence of women in social life:
Our understanding of social rights includes activities, jobs, and skills that contribute positively to different societies in both material and spiritual dimensions. Considering the necessity of women’s adherence to Islamic rules and customs, we find that Allah does not create significant distinctions between men and women regarding the opportunities available for their beneficial contributions to society. It is evident that the time of the companions of the Messenger of Allah, especially when he was among them, serves as a legal criterion for evaluating the correctness of our statements.
In social life, women participated in promoting good alongside men. As Allah Almighty says: «وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ» “Believing men and women, some are friends and companions of others. They call each other to do good deeds and prevent them from doing bad deeds.”
One woman protested to Umar bin Khattab regarding the issue of dowry during his era. Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, acknowledged her argument and stated: «أصابت المرأة وأخطأ عمر»; “The woman was right, and Umar was wrong.” During his caliphate, Hazrat Umar Ibn Khattab (RA) appointed Shafaa, the daughter of Hazrat Abdullah Adavi (RA), as a supervisor and inspector over market affairs.
Women’s participation in events, ceremonies, and wedding celebrations:
Many who are familiar with the Islamic customs prescribed for women, such as hijab, maintaining separation, and respecting privacy with non-related individuals, might believe that during the Prophet’s mission, women lived in seclusion at home, while public gatherings and events were exclusively for men. However, during the Prophet’s era, women not only adhered to Islamic ethics but also participated with men in societies, circles, and occasions, while contributing through legitimate services and beneficial activities. Even if those occasions involved nothing more than lawful enjoyment and entertainment, women shared in them without committing any wrongdoing.
Imam Bukhari and Muslim narrate from Sahl bin Saad Saedi, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “When Abu Asaid Saedi celebrated a wedding, he invited the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his companions. The only person who cooked for them and served them was Ms. Asid, Abu Asid’s wife (who was the bride that day). At night, Ms. Asid put some date seeds in a container and soaked them with water. When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, desired food, she boiled the dates and presented them to him as a gift, so that he could enjoy their juice. Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, mentioned this hadith in a chapter titled “The Service of Women in Front of Men at Wedding Ceremonies.” It is understood that this service was rendered in an environment free from temptation and corruption, while adhering to duty, dignity, and decorum, and maintaining hijab.
Furthermore, Imam Bukhari and Muslim narrate from Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, came to her while two maids of the Ansar were playing a tambourine and singing a song that the Ansar used to sing together on the day of Baath. Hazrat Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, asked, “Do you play the devil’s reed in the house of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him?” This occurred on the day of Eid. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “O Abu Bakr! Every nation has an Eid, and today is also our Eid.”
