The Western call for women’s liberation and equality with men is basically motivated by humane feelings. It does not spring from any dubious motive as some misinformed people try to tell us; however, the general moral degeneration in present-day Western society has led to such a misconception.
It is an undeniable fact that women are mistreated and disgraced and their rights denied in general in Arab society.
Women have been the victims of physical attacks in family quarrels — between man and wife, brother and sister and father and daughter, in addition to other situations.
Of course most of us in the Kingdom live in families which are bound together by mutual love and concern; we have grown up loving children, with brothers loving sisters and fathers being very kind and considerate to their daughters and with husbands understanding the needs of their wives. This is not, however, the situation in all cases and in all families. We have a moral responsibility to lessen the pains of others and therefore we should strive to improve the lot of women so that they may lead a dignified life with all the rights due them.
Islamic history shows that both men and women played important roles in the development of society and culture. When the Prophet, peace be upon him, received the divine order to carry the message of Islam to the people, his wife Khadeeja, may Allah be pleased with her, was beside him, instilling him with courage and confidence. We also know that the prophet, pbuh, died with his head in the lap of his wife, Ayisha, may Allah be pleased with her.
Women’s presence in Islamic history was not temporary or partially dictated by some exceptional circumstance. On the other hand, their presence was essential and their influence was powerful. This was in acknowledgment of their roles and their intellectual capacity. They were parties in the social structure. Their roles were not confined to rearing children or writing poetry.
Early Muslim women actually participated in wars in addition to giving advice on military strategy and also nursing the wounded.
Several rights guaranteed to women by Islam have been stripped away by our social customs, mainly driven by tribal pride combined with ignorance and illiteracy.
Women’s problems have been ignored. Among us, a woman cannot move about freely or conduct her affairs without the help of a man who is often less efficient, less educated and knowledgeable, younger, without experience and unqualified to take on responsibility.
Worst of all is that women are subjected to all kinds of indignities and injustices in the name of Islam.
Now we appeal to every Muslim to respect this group of human beings. Give them their freedom and their rights, not as a concession but as an right and a due granted them by our religious law and Shariah.
26 August 2002
