Staus of Women in Islam

CONTENTS

i. INTRODUCTION ii. RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM iii. SPRITUAL RIGHTS iv. SOCIAL RIGHTS v. EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS vi. ECOMONIC RIGHTS vii. POLITICAL RIGHTS viii. ISLAMIC DREES FOR MEN & WOMEN ix. POLYGAMY x. DIVOCRE IN ISLAM xi. CONCLUSION xii. KEYWORDS

INTRODUCTION
According to Oxford dict. “Women’s rights are the rights to promote a position of social legal equality of men and women”

And according to Webster’s New World College Dictionary “the rights, claimed by and for women, of equal privileges and opportunities with men also”
Now let’s see what Quran says about the rights of the women.
“And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women."Qur 'an 2:228
Over fourteen hundred years ago, Islam gave women rights that women in the West have only recently began to enjoy. In the 1930 's, Annie Besant observed, "It is only in the last twenty years that Christian England has recognized the right of woman to property, while Islam has allowed this right from all times. It is a slander to say that Islam preaches that women have no souls." (The Life and Teachings of Mohammed, 1932).
Men and women all descended from a single person - the Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Islam does not accept for either of them anything but justice and kind treatment. The status of women in society is neither a new issue nor is it a fully settled one. The position of Islam on this issue has been among the subjects presented to the Western reader with the least objectivity. This Seminar is intended to provide a brief and authentic exposition of what Islam stands for in this regard. The teachings of Islam are based essentially on the Quran (God 's revelation) and Hadith (elaboration by Prophet Muhammad). The Quran and the Hadith, properly and unbiasedly understood, provide the basic source of authentication for any position or view which is attributed to Islam. When dealing with the Islamic perspective of any topic, there should be a clear distinction between the normative teachings of Islam and the diverse cultural practices among Muslims, which may or may not be consistent with them. The issue of status of women in Islam, is topic of great misunderstanding and distortion due partly to a lack of understanding, but also partly due to misbehavior of some Muslims which has been taken to represent the teachings of Islam. We speak here about what Islam teaches, and that is that standard according to which Muslims are to be judged.
One of the main rationales behind assuming this topic of seminar was the unjust interpretations of Islamic teachings regarding to Islam by the number of people. As such, my basis and source is the Quran--the words of Allah, books, articles by different authors around the globe and the sayings of the Prophet, his deeds and his confirmation. Islamic laws are derived from these sources. My seminar revolves around the various rights of the women in the Islam. Whether its Social, Economical, Martial, Educational and mother’s rights also I will discuss about marriage, divorce and other aspects related to it.
Now I would like to quote another verse of Quran that clearly shows there is no Gender discrimination in Islam.

"Never will I allow the loss of the work of any worker amongst you, male or female; you are of one another."Qur 'an 3:195
These verses show that reward is dependent upon one 's actions and not one 's gender. Gender does not play any part in how a person is rewarded and judged.

If we compare Islam to other religions, we see that it offers justice between the sexes. For example, Islam dismisses the idea that Eve is more to blame than Adam for eating from the forbidden tree. According to Islam, Adam and Eve both sinned, they both repented and God forgave them both. The status of women in Islam is an issue that is pertinent in present times; both due to the divergence of cultural practices in the Muslim world from the Islamic perspective and the erroneous perception in the West, that Islam subjugates womenfolk. A dispassionate study of the primary sources of Islam, along with an analysis of the position of women in societies where Islam was implemented, actually proves that for women, Islam is a special blessing. “Prior to Islam,” the authors of The Cultural Atlas of Islam, says “a woman was regarded by her parents as a threat to family honor and hence worthy of burial alive at infancy. As an adult, she was a sex object that could be bought, sold and inherited. From this position of inferiority and legal incapacity, Islam raised women to a position of influence and prestige in family and society.”
This difference is understandable because men and women are different, in their physiological and psychological make-up. With this distinction in mind, there is no room for a Muslim to imagine that women are inferior to men. Thus it is perhaps more apt to refer to the Islamic approach on gender relations, as one of “equity” rather than the commonly used word “equality”, which could be misunderstood to mean equality in every minute aspect of life, rather than overall equality.
Equality does not mean Identicality.
Dr. Zakir Naik in his “status of women in Islam” wrote that “slam believes in the equality of men and women, but equality does not mean Identicality in Islam. The role of men and women is complimentary not contradictory so as to arrive for supremacy.”
Where women’s rights in Islam are concerned, I have divided it in to six broad categories.

* Spiritual rights * Economic rights. * Social rights. * Legal rights * And the rights related to marriage and divorce.

RIGHTS OF THE WOMEN IN ISLAM.

SPRITUAL RIGHTS OF THE WOMEN IN ISLAM.

The greatest misconception of many people is that paradise in Islam is meant for male only not for female whether a woman is more religious but all the gifts of god is for men but In the book Islam’s women Jewels of Islam by Abdallah H.AI-Kahtar beautifully quotes following verses of Quran
“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.”(Surha nisa Ch.No.4 verse no. 124)

A similar verse of the chapter no. 16 Verse no. 97 “If any of you performs good deeds, be it a man or woman and is a believer, we shall give you good life and we will reward you for all your good works “is quoted by Dr. Zakir Naik in his book women and Islam. Because in Islam sex is not the criterion to enter in the paradise. In Islam men and women have same spiritual nature.
And holy Quran clearly mentions that “Allah (SWT) has breathed somewhat of his sprit into the human beings”. But it does not mean a sort of incarnation or a pantheistic form. It means that almighty god has given to every human being something of his spiritual nature and the knowledge of god , and coming to closer towards him here refers to both Adam and /eve(peace be upon them.) And again when I read the Holy Quran In Ch.17 Verse no. 70 clearly says “We have honored the children of Adam and bestowed on them Special feature. Now I would like to mention the incidence of Adam and Eve’s mistake and in Bible which puts the blame on Eve for the downfall of the humanity. However in the Bible Genesis Ch.3, which says “only Eve is responsible for the downfall of humanity” but in Quran Ch.7 verse 19-27, Adam and Eve (pbut)
Both disobeyed, both asked for forgiveness both repented and both were forgiven. When I gone further in the bible I found a verse Ch.3 verse no.16 which says “Unto woman you shall bear in conception and in sorrow shall you give birth and your desire shall be your husband and he shall rule over you” this means pregnancy and child birth has been said in bible to degrade the women and the labor pain is sort of punishment. And in fact if you read Quran Pregnancy and child birth uplifted the women in Quran Ch.4 verse no.1 “says “Respect womb that bore you” it clearly says that to be kind to your other because she bears the pain to bring you in this world.

Men and women are of the same family, and as such have similar rights and duties, and their Lord promises them in the Glorious Qur’an:

“Never will I waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other.” [Al-Qur’an 3:195]

Thus, in the Islamic tradition, a woman has an independent identity. She is a responsible being in her own right and carries the burden of her moral and spiritual obligations.

SOCIAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN

Now I would like to discuss about the social rights of women in Islam. Broadly it can be categorized into sub headings such as social rights of daughters, wife, mother, and sister.

* Rights of daughter in Islam

Several scholars (Dr. Zakir Naik, Sardar Anees Ahmad, Peter Snyder, Grant Borgen et al., 2005) Reported that Islam prohibits female foeticide and infanticide- killing of female gender is forbidden in Islam it is mentioned in Surah Takveer ch.18 verse no.8 and 9 “ When the female child is buried alive and when she questions you, for what crime was she killed.”
Not only the female foeticide and infanticide is prohibited in Islam but also all sorts of infanticide and foeticide is prohibited be it a male child or female child. In pre Islamic times in Arabia where female child was buried alive then after the spread of Islam this evil practice has discontinued. But it is still continues in our country. According to the BBC report in the program assignment the title was “Let her die”, there was a British reporter Emily Becken, give the statistics of the female infanticide. He said that “I have found that every day more than 3,000 foetouses are being aborted after identifying that they are female. Dr. Yusuf Estes (2007) in his book Daughters are the jewels said that Islam tells you that you should not kill any child whether it is male and female. Further he says Islam not only prohibits killing infants it also prohibits and rebukes you on rejoicing on the birth of a male child and getting saddened on the news of a female child. Even I found some verses of Quran Ch.16 n no.58& 59 which says “When news brought to one of them about the birth of a female child his face darkens and is filled with grief. He hides himself in shame from his people because of the news he has received. Should he let her live in suffering or bury her in dust – Ah what an evil (choice) they have!”
In Islam daughters should be brought up correctly. And according to a Hadith in Ahmed “the prophet (S.W.A)said Anyone who brings up two daughters properly, will be like this to me on the day of judgment.”
And there is another Hadith which says “Anyone who up-brings two daughters properly and takes good care and brings them up with love and affection will enter in the paradise.”
Islam prohibits partiality in upbringing the daughters and sons. There should be no partiality in upbringing of the daughters and the sons. According to a Hadith of our beloved Prophet (S.W.A) “In the presence of the prophet once a man kissed his son and placed him on his lap but did not do the same to his daughter prophet immediately objected and said you are unjust. You should have kissed your daughter and placed her too on the lap.” Prophet (S.W.A) did not only speak about the justice but he practiced it too. As daughters, women have a right to just and equitable treatment from their parents. The Prophet (p) gave glad tidings to those who did not insult their daughters or favored sons over daughters. * Rights of wife in Islam
Let’s analyze the rights of a wife in Islam. The holy Quran refers the woman as “Muhsanat” in Arabic which means woman a fortress against the devil. And if a woman is good and marries a man she prevents him from going on the wrong path. In Islam nobody can force his daughter to marry against her wishes. Allah (S.W.T) says in holy Quran “We have put love into the hearts of husband and wife.” Nikha is the sacred agreement between a man and a woman and almighty Allah Says in Quran Ch.4 verse no.19: “you ate prohibited to inherit women against her will.”-Means to marry, the permission of both man and woman –both the parties are required. It is compulsory that both should agree to marry. No one not even the parents can force their daughter to marry against her wishes. There is a Hadith in Sahi Bukhari Vol.7 ch.43 Hadith no.69 says “that a lady was forced be her father to marry against her wish and she went to prophet (S.W.A) who invalidated the marriage” another Hadith says that “a daughter was forced by her father t get married and when she approached to the prophet (S.W.A), the prophet said you can either continue or if you wish you can invalidate the marriage.” This means that the consent of both the man and woman is required for the marriage. In Islam the woman is considered as home maker if she is not doing any job but no considered as house wife because housewife means that a lady is married to the house this is the wrong terminology which is always used by many of us. Ed Bremberger and Molly Beebe in 2001 in their research on the women’s status in Islam found that there are many Quranic verses and Hadith which clearly says that woman is not married to a master that she should be treated like a slave; but she married to him who is equal in status. And in one Hadith no.736and 73 which says “The most perfect believers are those who are best in character and behavior, and those who are best to their families and their wives.”
MARRIAGE CONDITIONS IN ISLAM
There are basic requirements for marriage in Islam. First, a couple must mutually consent to the marriage. This requires both a clear proposal and acceptance. A woman also must have a wali or legal guardian present during the process. If a wali is not present a woman must be past puberty and competent to make the decision to marry. There are no requirements regarding who can propose marriage. One historical event in the Prophet Muhammad’s life reflecting this principle is the proposal of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad Khadija was the Prophet Muhammad’s employer, and through working with him she grew to respect his honesty and integrity and proposed marriage to him. Khadija was 25 years older than the Prophet Muhammad and in a much better financial position at the time of the proposal. He accepted her proposal and their marriage is known for the love and compassion they had for one another.
This proposal illustrates the ability of Muslim men and women to marry whomever they choose, and highlights the fact that marriages arranged without the consent or involvement of Muslim women is completely contrary to the Islamic tradition. There is a documented decision by the Prophet Muhammad where a girl approached him stating her father forced her into marriage. The Prophet Muhammad gave her the choice to either accept the marriage or invalidate it immediately due to the duress involved. Although Islam provides many rights to women regarding marital issues, cultural traditions can greatly influence the proposal and acceptance process beyond the Islam requirements and, in some cases, directly contradict Islamic practices.
Once a couple decides they want to marry and an official proposal is accepted in writing or orally, the next required step is to agree on the terms of a marriage contract. The marriage contract in its most basic form reflects the couple’s consent to the union without duress and is signed in the presence of competent witnesses. The couple is free to make their marriage agreement as detailed as they like. The contract allows couples to discuss major aspects of their marriage before they become husband and wife and make binding agreements. For example, contracts can include an agreed upon place to live or decisions regarding careers and children. Islamic marriage contracts are very practical tools that allow couples to engage in negotiations to ensure their major goals and philosophies are in line.
A woman can add various clauses in the contract so that a husband cannot marry again. A wife can add clause in the marriage contract that is “Nikah Nama” that her husband cannot marry again and if he does then this can be a ground for divorce. Wife can ask for divorce from the husband.

Even after marriage, maintaining the maiden name is recommended in Islam
When a lady marries, she normally adopts the name of her husband. In Islam, she option of either keeping her husband’s name i.e. ether adopting the name of her husband, or maintaining her maiden name. We find is several Muslim societies that woman, even after they got married maintain their maiden name, because according to the Islamic Law men and women are equal. Will you call these Islamic rights modern or outdated?

* Right of Mother in Islam

Let’s analyze the rights of mother in Islam. “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a work of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.” “And lower unto them the wings of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.”
The Holy Qur 'an, Chapter 17, Verse 23-24 another verse of Quran from ch.4 verse.1 says “Respect the womb that bore you.” Paradise lies beneath the Mothers feet
According to Hadith by Ahmed as well as Ibn-e- Majha famous scholars have also found this while researching the rights of women in Islam that “paradise lies beneath the feet of the mother.” But that doesn’t mean that if you mother is walking on the road and if she steps on the muck and filth-that thing becomes paradise. It means that if you are kind to your mother, if u respect your mother, and if you fulfill your basic duties and if you honor your mother, you will inshallah enter the paradise. Another book which confirms this is Sahih Bukhari, vol.8 ch.2, "I asked, 'Messenger of Allah, to whom should I be dutiful? ' 'Your mother, ' he replied. I asked, 'Then whom? ' 'Your mother, ' he replied. I asked, 'Then whom? ' 'Your mother, ' he replied. I asked, 'Then to whom should I be dutiful?” Your father, ' he replied, 'and then the next closest relative and then the next. '"
It means that 75% of the love and respect goes to mother and 25% goes to the father. In short the gold medal goes to the mother and silver medal goes to the father, maybe he gets the consolation prize. * Educational rights of women in Islam.
Now I would like to discuss the educational rights of women which are often neglected by our Muslims who think that giving education to a girl is not in our religion it is a taboo. Because today even the Muslims are unaware about their religion. And Islam says in holy Quran that “Read in the name of thy lord who has created you from a congealed clot of blood, a leech like substance. Read thy lord is most bountiful, who has taught the use of the pen, who has taught the human beings that which he knew not”.
Dr. Zakir Naik in his book status of women in Islam said that “the prophet (S.W.A) ordained parents – the father and the mother, to see to it that they gave education to their daughters and if they get married then it the duty of her husband to provide her education. If he couldn’t do it himself and if she wanted he should allow her to go somewhere else to acquire education. Imagine 1400 years ago when the women ill- treated and were only used as chattels – leave aside being educated Islam asked the women to be educated. Islam had women scholars at the time when the women were ill-literate, at the time when the woman were buried alive at the time of birth and they were the scholars in the field of medicine, science and in the field of religion also. * Economic rights of women in Islam.
The economic rights of women in Islam deal with each and every aspect of the woman’s life whether it is related to property or many other aspects. Islam gave economic rights to women 1,300 years before the western countries. An adult Muslim woman can own, dispose or disown any of her property without consulting to anyone, irrespective of whether she is married or not.
Women in Islam are allowed to work and do business within the purview of Islamic Sahriah that if a woman in Islam wishes to work, she can work there is no text in holy Quran or the authentic Hadith which prevents or make it prohibited for a woman to do any work which is unlawful in Islam. Some of the professions in the Islam are prohibited for the woman as well as for man also for example serving liquor, working in gambling dens etc. a true Islamic society requires woman to take up professions such as doctors, teachers professors, nurses and many more.
A Woman in Islam has no financial obligations, but she has the option to work subjects to certain conditions.
However a woman in Islam has got no financial obligations. The financial obligations laid on the shoulders of the man in the family. Therefore she need not work for her livelihood. But in the genuine case, where there are financial crises in which both ends do not meet, she can work. She works out for her own absolute free will. It’s totally up to the girl whether she wants to do job or not. Besides the professions I mentioned above she can work in house, she can do tailoring, pottery etc. also she can do work in factories, companies etc. She can also do business and the best example I can give here is Hazrat Khadija-0 (PBUH) she was the most successful business woman and the wife of our Beloved prophet (S.W.A). As I mentioned earlier that the financial obligations is not put on woman’s shoulders it is put on the shoulder of man in the family. It is the duty of the father, brother and husband after the marriage to look after her lodging, food, clothing and financial aspects. But it does not mean that if it’s the duty of husband then woman cannot work she can whenever she wishes to and it’s her choice whether she want give her earning, salary in the family or not. Or she wants to save whole money for herself it is totally depends on her decision. * What is Meher?
A woman receives a gift- a dower or a martial gift, which is called “Meher”. And it is mentioned in the Holy Qu’an in Surah Nisa, Ch. 4, and Verse No. 4 which says: “Gives to the women in dower a marital gift.”For a marriage to solemnize in Islam, ‘Meher’ is compulsory. But unfortunately in our Muslim society here, we just keep a nominal ‘Mehar’ to satisfy the Holy Qu’an, say 151 Rupees, or some people give 786 Rupees while they spends lakhs and lakhs of rupees on the reception, on the dinner parties etc. In Islam, there is no lower-limit, nor is there an upper-limit for ‘Meher’, but when a person can spend lakhs of rupees on reception, surely, the ‘Meher’ should be much more.
There are various cultures which have crept into the Muslim societies, especially in the Indo-Pak region, where they give a small amount of ‘Meher’ and expect the wife to get a fridge, a T.V set and so on; they expect the wife to give a flat, a car etc., and large sum of dowry, depending upon the status of the husband. If he is a graduate, they (the groom’s family) may expect 1 lakhs Rupees. If he is an engineer, they may expect 3 lakhs Rupees. If he is a doctor, they may expect 5 lakhs.
Demanding dowry from bride/wife in any form is prohibited in Islam
Demanding dowry (a groom/husband) from the wife, directly or indirectly is prohibited in Islam. If the parents give their daughter something out of their own free will, it is accepted, but demanding or forcing directly or indirectly is prohibited in Islam. If a women works, which she does not have to- whatever earning she gets, is absolutely her property. She need not spend a single pai (paisa) on the household, and if she want to spend, it is her free will, irrespective of how rich the wife is, it is the duty of the husband to provide lodging, food, and clothing and look after the financial aspects of his wife.
In case of divorce or if a wife gets widowed, she is given financial support for the periods of ‘Iddah’- and if she has children, she is also give child support.
Islam gave the inheritance rights to women centuries ago. * Islam gave the right to the women to inherit, centuries ago.
Islam gave the right to the women to inherit, centuries ago. If you read the holy Quran, in several verses in Surah Nisa and also many other surahs it is mentioned that a woman irrespective of whether she is a wife or a mother or a sister or a daughter, she has the right to inherit and it has been fixed by almighty god (SWT) in the holy Quran. Islam has given women a share of inheritance. Before Islam, women were not only deprived of that share, but were themselves considered as property to be inherited by men. Out of that transferable property Islam made an heir, acknowledging the inherent individuality of women. Whether the woman is a wife or mother, a sister or daughter, she receives a certain share of the deceased kin’s property, a share that depends on her degree of relationship to the deceased and the number of heirs. This share is hers, and no one can take it away or disinherit her. Even if the deceased wishes to deprive her by making a will to other relations or in favor of any other cause, the Law will not allow him to do so. It is thus clear that the status of women in Islam is very high. Islam has granted them rights that match beautifully with their duties. What Islam has established for women is that which suits their nature, gives them full security and protects them against disgraceful circumstances and uncertain channels of life. * Law of inheritance in Islam.
Islam brought about a revolution in the domain of human thought and outlook towards women and established the right of women to inherit and has distributed the inheritance in a very upright way. This determined share is calculated by Allah Himself and can 't be changed.
Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children 's (inheritance) to the male, a portion equal to that of two females, if only daughter, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance, if only one her share is a half." (Surah Nisa: 11)
Actually this is due to the variant financial responsibilities of the male toward family and relatives. Thus one can see that men need extra share to discharge the family responsibility, social responsibility etc. incumbent upon him. Herein I would like to take the privilege quoting some other Qur 'anic verses regarding the share of women in inheritance.
In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, you get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what you leave, their (wives ') share is a fourth, if you leave no child; if you leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts...." (Surah Nisa-12)

POLITICAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
Let’s analyses the political rights. According to Surah Taubah, Ch. 9, Verse No. 71, which quoted earlier, say: “The men and the women are supporters of each other”. Supporters here means not only socially, but even politically. Men and women should support each other.
Islam provides a woman with:
Right to vote
Participation in political affairs
Women can be in leadership positions
Participation in public affairs - During the Caliphate of Omar Ibn al-Khattab, a woman argued with him in the mosque, proved her point, and caused him to declare in the presence of people: “The woman is right and Omar is wrong.”
Islam gives women the right to vote.
If you read Surah Al-Mmtahina, Ch. 60, Verse No. 12, it says: “O Prophet when the believing women come to thee with an oath of fealty…” Here, the Arabic word is ‘Bay’ah’- And ‘Bay’ah’ means much more than our modern, present day elections, because Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) was not only the Messenger of Allah, but he was also the Head of the State. Women came to the Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) and agreed with him as being the Head of the State. Thus, Islam gives the women even the right to vote.

ISLAMIC DRESS FOR MEN & WOMEN

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (24:30, 31).

* In reference to women, the Quran and the Hadith have mandated various rules in regards to behavior and appearance * This was not to restrict women, but to provide a virtuous society where sexual attraction is not the main obsession * The Muslim woman is not forced to display herself to be accepted in the society. * She does not lower herself into competition with other women, using her body as a lure. * She is not a slave to the societal trends * It is not only a mandate for women but for the men also to lower their gaze and to cover their body.

WHAT IS HIJAAB?

* The word itself comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to conceal or hide from view. * Hijaab is the modest covering of the head and body of Muslim women. * Clothing is only one facet of hijab. It is also behavior, manner, and speech. Women who wear the hijab do not find it inhibiting, impractical, or interfering.

WHY WEAR HIJAAB?

* Because Allah, Their creator ordered them to "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed..." (Qur 'an 33:59)
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (24:30,31).
HIJAB IS FOR MEN
Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.
Hijab for men
People usually only discuss ‘hijab’ in the context of women. However, in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah first mentions ‘hijab’ for men before ‘hijab’ for the women. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Noor:
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."
[Al-Qur’an 24:30]
The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
Let 's face it – if it wasn 't for those skin-tight t-shirts, many brothers would not spend hours working the dumbbells every day. Yet although it may not be obligatory on men to completely conceal our bodies like it is for women, the issue of modesty and humility cannot be neglected. Pride and boastfulness are among the greatest sins in Islam, and attempting to impress others (both males and females) using our physique and attracting attention to ourselves in such a manner certainly falls into this category.
Again, the Golden Rule comes into play here: next time you go out in public wearing clothes that reveal your chest and biceps so that girls can check you out, imagine how you would feel if your own sister or wife was checking out other men who were dressed in a similar manner. The answer should be obvious.
HJAB FOR WOMEN
The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands up to the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’.
All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women. * The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure. * The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them. * The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex. * The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex. * The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.
POLYGAMY IN ISLAM.

Polygamy is often a misunderstood concept in Islam. The Quran allows polygamy in the following verse:
If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one spouse. Polygamy can be two types: - one is polygamy where a man marries more than one woman and the other is polyandry is permitted; whereas polyandry is completely prohibited.
Now coming to the original question, why is man allowed have more than one wife?
The Qur’an is the only religious script in the world that say, “Marry only one”.
The Qur’an is to face of the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scripture, whether it be Veda, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does find the restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wish. It was only later that the Hindu priest and the Christian church restricted the number of wives to one said Dr .Zakir Naik in his book “Common questions about Islam.
"Polygamy" While an image of Islam often appears, what do other faiths say? Hinduism has long permitted Niyoga -- that is, allowing a woman to copulate with up to eleven men to bear a child if her husband was sterile or passed without offspring. Indian law allowed polygamy until passage of the 1954 Hindu Marriage Act. A 1975 committee reported that in India 5% of Hindu marriages were polygamous, compared with 4% of Muslim marriages. Buddhism considers marriage a secular institution, and is consequently mute regarding polygamy. Hence, Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhists commonly have a consort in addition to their spouse. Sikhism allows polygamy, as four of ten Sikh gurus were polygamists.

Hebrew Scriptures document approximately forty polygamists, particularly Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. In fact, Jewish law allowed polygamy up to the 11th century when Rabi Gurdshom Benjahuda passed a Signord. Even so, Septranic Jews practiced polygamy in Muslim countries until outlawed by Israeli chief Rabainite in 1950. Regarding the New Testament, Jesus Christ declared that he came to fulfill and not to abrogate even a lot of Jewish Law. During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther permitted Philip I of Hesse to practice polygamy, later declaring he could not outlaw polygamy, as "it does not contradict Scripture." In fact, the Church only recently outlawed polygamy. Indeed, the Holy Qur 'an is the only religion text restricting polygamy. Islam greatly reduced the permissible number, as Arabs had hundreds of wives. Furthermore, Islam never mandated polygamy. Polygamy is only allowed when certain circumstances arise, particularly relating to orphans, and demonstrating Islam 's primary concern with that much-neglected societal section. Yet Islam prohibits polygamy to men who cannot fairly deal with an additional wife.
Polygamy preserves morality during wartime, when the male population considerably diminishes, leaving scores of women as widows. If not re-married, promiscuity and prostitution result (as occurred after the World Wars). In 1650, the Nurnberg parliament decreed every man could marry up to ten women as many men perished during the Thirty Years ' War. In such circumstances, polygamy would ultimately increase the diminished male population. Quran is the only religious book on the face of earth that says that “marry only one”. The context of this is the following verse from Surah Nisa Of the glorious Quran
“Marry women of your choice two or three or four, but If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
Islam gives a man permission to marry three or four women, only on the deals with the condition that he deals justly with them. Therefore polygamy is not an exception. Many people are under the misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife but polygamy is permissible not compulsory. Indeed, the Holy Qur 'an is the only religion text restricting polygamy. Islam greatly reduced the permissible number, as Arabs had hundreds of wives. Furthermore, Islam never mandated polygamy. Polygamy is only allowed when certain circumstances arise, particularly relating to orphans, and demonstrating Islam 's primary concern with that much-neglected societal section. Yet Islam prohibits polygamy to men who cannot fairly deal with an additional wife. Polygamy preserves morality during wartime, when the male population considerably diminishes, leaving scores of women as widows. If not re-married, promiscuity and prostitution result (as occurred after the World Wars). In 1650, the Nürnberg parliament decreed every man could marry up to ten women as many men perished during the Thirty Years ' War. In such circumstances, polygamy would ultimately increase the diminished male population. The passages above reflect a strict requirement that a man who has multiple wives must treat each wife equally. This equality is expected in regards to finances, emotions, and even sexual relationships The Quran unequivocally states that if a man is unable to do this and treat his wives justly he should not marry more than one wife.

This view was also supported by modern scholars, such as Sayyid Ahmad Khan, who wrote during the nineteenth century. He argued against the right of men to have multiple wives because, he believed that being “just” required the husband to simultaneously be in love with multiple women. He thought this was impossible, and therefore rejected the practice. Khan also believed that Islamic law allows many more rights to women than other religious or secular laws. He alleged that there was not an advanced country in the world where women were given the same significance and equality as they are in Islamic law (Moaddel 115-116). Another way in which scholars have approached the issue of Polygamy is by looking at the specific circumstances from which the Prophet was speaking. The main Quranic verse on Polygamy was revealed just after the battle of Uhud, in which many Muslim men died. Their deaths created a large number of widows and orphans in the society. Mashhour concludes that this verse was intended to protect these specific widows and orphans financially and physically .Indeed, Jawad describes four instances of “exceptional circumstances” that allow Polygamy. Firstly, one such instance is when a man discovers that his first wife is unable to give him children, and therefore he is unable to produce heirs. According to Jawad, Polygamy is preferable in this situation because the only other option Jawad sees for the man is to divorce his first wife for another. In taking another wife, the first wife can continue to be a part of a kin group that provides for her and protects her. Yet, this situation is also advantageous for the husband. Indeed, Jawad states: “It is also not expected that a man should be deprived of his right to father children”

Secondly, Polygamy is permitted by the Quran, according to Jawad, if the husband’s first wife becomes seriously ill. If the wife becomes unable to “fulfill her duties as a wife,” Jawad believes that Islam allows a man to take a second wife. Again, Polygamy is seen as a preferable option to divorce. It is also better than the husband having an extra-marital affair, which is prohibited by Islam. Jawad states: “The man should also not be expected to be celibate for the rest of his life”. However if the husband is seriously ill and not able to perform his duties well and the family have no source of income then Islam have a provision of Zakat for these people and if still wife is not satisfied with the husband then she can do “Khula” that is resolving of marriage when the wife wants divorce. In next topic I will discuss in detail about types of divorce and the role of women in it.

The third circumstance in which Jawad believes the Quran allows Polygamy is when it is a “social necessity” as a result of war. In battle, men have historically been the ones who disproportionately lose their lives. Thus, after the war, there are many more women of childbearing age than men, creating an imbalance. Jawad believes Polygamy is acceptable to protect women who have become widows as a result of war, as well as women who cannot find an unmarried man to wed as a result of high mortality during war. This allows women to be protected and cared for, as well as providing them with a kin group.

Finally Fourth, Jawad sees Polygamy as allowable in certain economic situations. When families are impoverished, children are often seen as a source of labor. This is especially true when the area in which they live has a high prevalence of poverty. Thus, the more children a family is able to produce, the more economically viable they will be. Jawad believes that Polygamy is acceptable in this situation because having more wives allows a man to have more children, thus increasing the economic stability and productivity of their family.

Why polygamy not polyandry allowed in Islam?
With only 13% of Muslim marriages polygamous today, the rate is far less than the number of Western extramarital affairs. How then can the West point any accusatory finger at an Islamic injunction designed to preserve chastity while preventing immorality?

Still, one may ask why a woman cannot marry more than one husband. In fact, if the philosophy of polygamy were understood, one would prohibit polyandry. If a man marries more than one woman, children will be born from each marriage. However, a woman marrying even a billion men will be impregnated only once. The lineage of the child will be suspect, and which husband will rear the child?
Polyandry, or marrying more than one husband, is not permitted to maintain the children’s lineage for purposes of inheritance and protect children’s rights as heirs. Monogamy is the normal practice in the majority of Muslim communities due to the financial and emotional burden it carries. It is far more common for American lawyers to see issues involving monogamous marriage and divorce rather than disputes involving polygamy.
DIVORCE IN ISLAM.
“Marriage in Islam is a sanctified bond that should not be broken except for compelling reasons. Couples are instructed to pursue all possible remedies whenever their marriages are in danger. Divorce is not to be resorted to except when there is no other way out. In a nutshell, Islam recognizes divorce, yet it discourages it by all means. Islam does recognize the right of both partners to end their matrimonial relationship. Islam gives the husband the right for divorce. Moreover, Islam grants the wife the right to dissolve the marriage.”
ISLAM DISCOURAGES DIVORCE
“The Prophet of Islam told the believers that: "Among all the permitted acts, divorce is the most hateful to God". A Muslim man should not divorce his wife just because he dislikes her. The Quran instructs Muslim men to be kind to their wives even in cases of lukewarm emotions or feelings of dislike: "Live with them (your wives) on a footing of kindness and equity. If you dislike them it may be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a great deal of good" (Quran 4:19)
Prophet Muhammad gave a similar instruction: "A believing man must not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes one of her traits he will be pleased with another". The Prophet has also emphasized that the best Muslims are those who are best to their wives: "The believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best character and the best of you are those who are best to their wives"
THE PROCEDURE OF DIVORCE IN ISLAM
“The procedure of divorce in Islam is such as to encourage reconciliation where possible. After divorce the woman should wait three monthly cycles during which her husband remains responsible for her welfare and maintenance. He is not permitted to drive her out of the house during this period. She has been advised not to leave the house of the divorcing husband, in order to enhance the chances of reconciliation, as well as to protect her right of sustenance during the three months waiting period. The main purpose of this waiting period is to clarify whether the divorced wife is or is not expecting a child. Its second use is as a cooling-off period during which the relatives and other members of the family or of the community may try to help towards reconciliation and better understanding between the partners. The Qur 'an says:
"If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, God will cause their reconciliation: For God hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things." (Quran 4:35)
If they are reconciled they may resume the marriage relations at any time within the waiting period, whereupon the divorce is automatically revoked. If further trouble arises and divorce is pronounced a second time, the same procedure is followed. Only if the matter reaches a third divorce does it become irrevocable. The wife is then to leave the house and is free after three monthly cycles to marry another man if she wishes. The first husband is not then permitted to remarry her unless she has in the meantime married another man and been divorced in usual legal manner.
And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (Al-Baqara-228)
The law of Islam does not therefore compel unhappy couples to stay together, but its procedures help them to find a basis on which they can be reconciled with each other. If reconciliation is impossible the law does not impose any unnecessary delay or obstacle in the way of either partner 's remarriage.”
Divorce in Islam is not that if a wife more salt in the food and in anger if husband says “TALQ” three times consecutively and the wife is divorced, no these are all the myths that we have in our minds.
THERE ARE FIVE TYPE OF DIVORCE IN ISLAM. * The first type is by unilateral- by unilateral agreement between the husband and wife- both my say, ‘okay’, we are not compatible… let us apart. * The second type is the unilateral will of the husband which is called a ‘TALAQ’ in which he has to forgo his ‘Maher’. If he has not paid it, he to pay it to her including the gifts, he has to give to her. * Third type is by the unilateral will of the wife, if she mention it in her marriage contact. If it in her Nikah Nama… in her marriage contract that she has the right to give unilateral divorce, she can give it- It called as ‘Isma’ I have never heard of anyone speaking of an ‘Isma’- even a women can give divorce, ‘Isma’. Third type of divorce, if the husband ill-treats her or does not give her equal right to go a Qazi and nullify the marriage- It is called ‘Nikah-e-Faskh’. In this, according to the Qazi, he may ask the husband to give the full ‘Meher’ or part of the ‘Meher’, depending upon the Qazi. * And the last type ‘Khula’- that even though the husband may be a very good husband but for personal reasons, she does not like the husband- then she can request the husband to divorce her- and that is called as ‘Khula’. But very few people talks about women giving divorce to the men. Some of the Ulamas have categories, but broadly there are five types of divorce in Islam.

CONCLUSION
I would like to conclude by stating that 1400 years ago, the Muslim woman was given a role, duties, and rights that most women do not enjoy today, even in the west. Yet, the religion which revolutionized the status of women is being portrayed as repressive to women. As mentioned earlier, this myth is perpetuated by the media; in addition, in the case of the Taliban and other examples from my own country and elsewhere, women 's inherent Islamic rights have been abrogated.

One issue surrounded by a great deal of misunderstanding is the custom of wearing hijab. The Qur 'an enjoins modest dress for both men and women, and in a Muslim society, the men as well as the women typically dress conservatively. Some Muslim women interpret the Qur 'an and Hadith as guiding them to dress modestly and cover their hair in all public situations, others insist that their whole body including hands and face are to be covered, yet others understand the guidance to mean a more general attitude of modesty both in dress and attitude. Many Muslim women freely choose to dress modestly in order to avoid the public scrutiny, judgments, and social dynamics associated with physical appearance. By dressing in ways that do not draw attention to ourselves, we affirm the Qur 'anic teachings both of modesty and gender equality. Or as one Canadian Muslima, Naheed Mustafa has written: "...that men and women are equal, and that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege"

No scholarly or informed Muslim can condone women being forced to remove themselves from public life altogether, anymore than we can condone violence against women, the denial of women 's right to work and own property, or the refusal to allow women a voice in government. Where such treatment takes place in the Muslim world, people of other faiths ought to realize that there are in certain places and circumstances a significant disparity between beliefs and practices in Islam as well as their own faiths; and the simple fact that the actions of certain individuals who claim Islam do not truthfully or accurately represent Islam.
Nor are Muslim women unique in their issues; Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sikh women in various parts of the world as well as certain sects of Judaism and
Christianity share the same problems. To label the status of women in the Muslim world today as "Islamic" is as far from the truth as labeling the position of women in the West today as "totally liberated and equal". Inshallah, with this understanding in mind, Muslims and non-Muslims - men and women- could start a process of communication and dialogue in order to remove misconceptions, suspicions, and fears. So as you can see there are many challenges for today 's Muslim woman whether in the westernized world or in traditional societies. Through internal and external dialogue I am confident we will find the ways to remain true to the Shariah and Sunnah and contribute to the world today.

I am very grateful for this opportunity and I thank you for your patience. Please forgive me for any errors I may have made

KEYWORDS:-

Keywords and some Definitions of some basic vocabulary related to Islam and Muslims are needed to fully understand the content in this article. Please take note of the following terms:
Islam- the actual religion; Arabic word that means peace through submission to God (Allah).
Muslim(s)- the followers of Islam; an Arabic word that means one who submits to God.
Allah- the Arabic word for God; Islam is a monotheistic religion that teaches that God has no partners, children, or associated entities.
Quran- the Holy Book of Muslims; Arabic word that literally means the recitation. This is the primary source for the teachings of the Islamic faith.
Muhammad- the last and most important Prophet in Islam, he was the first leader of the Islamic state and the prime example of how a Muslim should live his or her life.
Hadith – statements of the Prophet Muhammad that have been written down and compiled. Used as a supplement to the Quran as a secondary source. There is a science used to authenticate and verify authentic hadiths. Hadiths are referred to as “strong” or “weak” based on their chain of transmission and whether they can strongly be linked to the Prophet Muhammad. This article will cite Hadith as support for the principles described.
Sunna – Actions of the Prophet Muhammad also used to supplement the Quran as a secondary source.

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Bibliography: Ashley Moore. (2001). American Muslim Minorities: The New Human Rights Struggle. Journal of human rights and welfare, 2, 92-99 Imani,JM .,& Charlie Lehmann.(2011).Women’s Rights in Islam Regarding Marriage and Divorce Sardar.A. A.(2007). Faith and Logic: Polygamy in Islam.Journal of Ahmadiyya Times,29, 149-159. M i r z a,T.,A& Wajid,A.(1985). The True Islamic Concept of Jihad.Journal of Islamic research,8,1-25. Rachel,J.(2006).Polygamy in Islam.Macalester Islam Journal.1,11,61-77. Nate,O.(2009) Med,Leila.(1992),women and Gender in Islam,Hisrtorical roots of a Modern Debate. Newyork: University press. Jan.P.H,& Helmut.R,(2006),Islamic Education,Dversity and National Identity Of Dini Madaris in India,Sage Publications. John L.Esposito,(2002),What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam, Oxford University Press Mawlana Feizel,(2006),My Faith in Islam, Acedamy of Islamic research and publications. Dr,Zakir Naik,(2004),Status of women in Islam, modern or Outdated,Madhursangam Publications.