Islam

Islam

What is Islam?

Islam

Choosing a Wife

A woman is married for four (things); her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. Choose (marry) the religious woman so that your home will be in abundance. [Bukhari]

In the hadith the Prophet (SAW) pointed out the decisive factors on which basis man should choose a wife and guide to what the best is in that regard.

Like many affairs of worldly matters, Islam also lends advice on the importance of selection of a good spouse. In order to make a house happy and peaceful dwelling, mutual reliance and confidence between husband and wife is compulsory. Involving the factor of religion for this purpose makes the bond between the partners beautiful and strong. However, relations that are built on factors like richness, beauty, and status are transitory, conceited and a cause of discomfort for a happy marriage. Preferring a pious spouse in matrimony means perpetual happiness and eternal salvation to religion. A spouse should be a good match in terms of piety, high ethics and fearing from Allah.  Islam urges men to prefer religious woman. A man who considers a women’s piety and her religiousness as the only criteria for companionship is regarded to have gained happiness of both the worlds. A woman is regarded to have gained timeless bliss who sees the religiousness of her husband, adheres to religion herself and fears Allah. Hence among the many criteria’s for choosing a wife, Islam chooses religion.

The Prophet (SAW), even commanded saying: “Do not marry women for their good looks, as their beauty might destroy them; and do not marry them for their wealth as their riches might lead them to be overbearing. Marry them for their religion; and a black and unattractive maid who is religious, is better [than them both].”[Ibn Maajah] 

Islamic Brotherhood

Islam is a religion of love and encourages strong, warm, rich and durable bonds of love and brotherhood between human beings which no other religion articulates. Islam advices it’s followers to develop love and affection between each other.  The entire world is a brotherhood of Allah’s people. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) preached and practiced brotherhood. Islam establishes human brotherhood on the basis of faith and preaches to respect the followers of other religions as well. According to Islam the whole human race originated from a pair of male and female so all have common grandparents and ancestor. This very fact unites every human to the other. Mankind is one common family which unfortunately disintegrated itself into race, cast and color. The common parentage between humans arises from Adam and Eve.

 

“O, mankind! Surely we have created you of a male and female and make you tribes and families that you know each other, surely the noblest among you unto Allah is one who fears him .Lo! Allah is Knower Aware” Al-Hujurat [49.13]

The above verse states the criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah does not depend on caste, color, creed, gender or wealth, but on Taqwa. Anyone who is righteous, pious and fears is honored in the sight of Allah. Allah describes the believers as being brother. He says

“The believers are but brothers” Al-Hujurat [49:10]

Along with Quranic verses there are many ahadith on the teachings of brother in Islam. Abu Musa reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: A believer is like a building for another, the one part supporting the other. A building needs bricks and a strong foundation to stand but for that it needs the support of bricks therefore every brick should support one another to make the building tall and mighty.

Islamic concept of brotherhood is deep that ensures the well being and safety of the society. Muslim’s faith is dependant entirely on its behavior and attitude towards his Muslim brother. The Prophet said, “None of you is believer till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself.” If a Muslim eats his full while ignoring the plight of a hungry neighbor then he is not a Muslim. Ibn Abbas (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: the person who eats his full and the neighbor in his surroundings is hungry is not Muslim”. Brotherhood was established in Madina between the emigrants from Makkah (Muhajirin) and the helpers of Madina (Ansars). This brotherhood was definitely exceptional in the history of the world.

The Islamic concept of brotherhood is a blessing. The greatest asset of Muslims to overcome difficulties lies in being united. The enemies of Islam can only be united by standing one against them. The feeling of brotherhood is an essential prerequisite for unity and faith. May Allah help the Muslim Ummah to establish the true spirit of brotherhood by overcoming differences. Brotherhood can only be established by acting upon the teachings of the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet especially in this regard.

Gender Equality in Islam

Gender equality is part of Islamic jurisprudence and teachings. All men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah. Except for a few physical differences, spiritually they enjoy equality before the eyes of the creator. There are many verses in the Holy Quran which clarify the equality of man and women:

"Whoever does deeds of righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise, and not the least injustice will be done to them."[4:124]

 “He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed - whether man or woman - and is a Believer- such will enter the Garden (of Bliss): Therein will they have abundance without measure.” [40:40]

From the above verses it is clear there is no difference between man and woman as far as the relationship to Allah is concerned. Both are equal and accountable for their actions and deeds. Moreover, gender has absolutely no role in bearing reward or punishment in next life. Apart from religious equality men and women have equal legal and economical rights. Both have the right to earn, conduct business, inherit from others, own property, acquire knowledge and go anywhere in the world to acquire advance education etc. But there are certain aspects where Islam has placed distinction between the two sexes i.e. in the physical realm and labor division because men are more physically stronger than women. Islam allots the more strenuous work to the man and makes him responsible for the maintenance and financial responsibilities of the family.  It allots the work of managing the home and the upbringing and training of children to the woman, work which has the greatest importance in the task of building a healthy and prosperous society. There is a difference between discrimination and distinction, Islam makes it quite clear between the two. Among the many opportunities in all walks life, men and women can enjoy them equally; they are not discriminated on the basis of gender. However, it is also necessary to distinguish between the responsibilities Islam has placed on both so that they could utilize their capabilities accordingly in the best manner, within their respective spheres and do not have to encounter any social disorder. Apart from basic physical and psychological differences, each one is equally accountable for his or her particular responsibilities and Islam promotes the substantive equality of men and women, recognizes their unique strengths and capabilities, and rules accordingly protecting the rights of both.gender equality, responsibility, spiritual, legal