Equal rights! What a relief!
I guess that means that Professor Doctor Ahmed Yousaf al-Draiweesh is going to be addressing all this forthwith, and suggesting a framework for the thorough and ongoing rejection of the literal meaning of these texts:
The Qur’an likens a woman to a field (tilth), to be used by a man as he wills: “Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will” (2:223).
It declares that a woman’s testimony is worth half that of a man: “Get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her” (2:282).
It allows men to marry up to four wives, and have sex with slave girls also: “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” (4:3).
It rules that a son’s inheritance should be twice the size of that of a daughter: “Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females” (4:11).
Worst of all, the Qur’an tells husbands to beat their disobedient wives: “Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them” (4:34). It allows for marriage to pre-pubescent girls, stipulating that Islamic divorce procedures “shall apply to those who have not yet menstruated” (65:4).
“Narrated ‘Aisha: The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They said, “Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people).” I said, ‘You have made us (i.e. women) dogs.’ I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away. for I disliked to face him.” — Sahih Bukhari 1.9.490
–˜Islam grants women equal rights,– from the Daily Times, November 21:
ISLAMABAD: International Islamic University (IIU) President Prof Dr Ahmed Yousaf al-Draiweesh on Wednesday said Islam provided equal rights and opportunities to women so that they could excel and contribute to the development of the society.
He was speaking at a seminar titled “˜Women Entrepreneurship in Pakistan; Opportunity and Challenges” organised by the IIU Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS).
He said there was no disparity based on gender in Islam and women had equal rights to groom themselves in all walks of life, following the core tenets of Islam.
Dr Draiweesh said women had an important role in the society and they should play their part in its development.
“Islam encourages women to step forward and help uplift their family, society, country and the Ummah,” he said.
He said Islam did not allow anybody to discriminate against women. He cited the example of Hazrat Khadija (RA) — who was called the first Muslim businesswomen — and her endeavours in business.
Dr Draiweesh said women had been given equal social, political and economic rights with the expectation that they would play a positive role under the umbrella of Islamic teachings. He urged young entrepreneurs to utilise their capabilities as the future of the Ummah depended upon them.
He hoped the seminar would prove vital for their capacity-building and enhance their intellectual level to understand the practical life experiences from scholars.
IIU Vice President (Academics) Dr Mumtaz appreciated the role of women, especially young entrepreneurs, for their active role in the society.
He elaborated the concept of entrepreneurship by giving examples from real life and said the future of this generation depended upon women and they should play a key part in planning all new avenues.
Guest speakers including Falcon Engineering Group CEO Tahir Chaudhry, Ministry of Information Technology ICT R&D Fund GM (Monitoring) Waseem Hashmi, British Council Civil Society Director Shazia Khawar, Sobia Amir Salon owner Sobia Amir, Xyra’s Elements Primary Photographer Zaira Rizvi delivered lectures.
FMS Dean Dr Bashir Khan, Director Female Campus Dr Zaitoon Begum, FMS Chairperson (Female) Dr Tasneem Fatima and Management HoD Dr Saima Naseer also spoke. app