The status of women and their essential contributions to society have always been important topics in Islam. In recent years, as Saudi Arabia develops into a modern nation, there has been considerable controversy about the roles women can and should play in public and private life. Unfortunately, much of the sentiment on this issue is not based on the teachings of Islam.

“The first word of the Holy Qur’an is ‘read,’ but the majority of Saudis are ignorant about the rights and duties of women in Islam,” said Dr. Ali Abdul Aziz Al-Abdul Kader. “Some may know a portion of the rights and duties of women, but they lack a complete picture concerning the interaction of Muslim women and society. Of great concern also are those individuals who confuse religion and culture. They may forbid certain actions of women, declaring incorrectly that those actions are against Islam. It is time to set the record straight for the good of our women, our society and our souls.”

Al-Abdul Kader has been toiling for the past four years to research a two-volume work in Arabic titled, “Women’s Advancement in Saudi Arabia: Its Components, Dimensions and Results — A study in Social History.” His manuscript is in the final editing stages before publication. Through his research, Al-Abdul Kader has set out to provide clear information related to Muslim women, as derived from the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah, and supplemented with historical evidence, in the focus areas of education, culture and work.

He also wanted to give Saudi women the opportunity to disclose the reality of their lives in their own words.

“I found that there was no definitive source on the subject of Saudi women in education, culture and work in the Kingdom. Even though we have brilliant women who have contributed much to this society, few people know about them. Because of the dearth of available information, certain misconceptions about Saudi women are taking hold. This is unacceptable,” Al-Abdul Kader asserted. “We must support our women’s progress because both fathers and mothers are examples for the next generation. We must be proud of Saudi women and encourage their endeavors for only then can we reap the full bounty that God has given our nation.”

Relying on his background and experience as the former dean of library affairs and associate professor, College of Education, King Faisal University, and currently as a visiting scholar and a consultant in management and training, Al-Abdul Kader scoured the Kingdom for women who could be considered role models. Once word of his research became known, suggestions for possible candidates flooded his office. Eventually, the resumes of 27 exemplary Saudi women were compiled. While Al-Abdul Kader calls the contributions from these women resumes, they are in truth miniature autobiographies.

“These outstanding women were chosen from all over the Kingdom and from many different fields. Each woman was asked to write 10 pages on the highlights of her life. Those 27 resumes are included in the second part of the study and I assure you that they have been faithfully reproduced. Not one word was removed from them,” emphasized Al-Abdul Kader. “Since the resumes are in writing, I hope that they will become a historical record of the thoughts and achievements of the notable women of our time and give an impetus to expanding the role of women in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Abdul Kader has been dismayed by the negative portrayal of Saudi women. He said that he has worked diligently on his research for the defense of the Kingdom, the defense of Islam and the defense of Saudi women.

“As a nation, the challenges facing us are great. These days there is much discussion about women in work and in business. Let me make it very clear that Islam is very empowering for women in these areas. In Islam, women and men are equal in work. In Islam, a woman has the right to invest her funds as she likes, with no objection or interference from her husband, brother or father. Through the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah we learn that women are encouraged to work and contribute to society. Many of the hurdles facing women in business and work in Saudi Arabia have absolutely nothing to do with Islam. I hope that clear knowledge and excellent examples will provide the impetus to bring down these barriers,” Al-Abdul Kader said.

The women in his life influenced him greatly, Al-Abdul Kader acknowledged. His beloved mother ran the household, raised a family and even brought her intelligence and wisdom to bear in dealing with the crop of the family’s date farm. She was a well-known seamstress, too. While he helped to spin thread for the garments she made, Al-Abdul Kader’s eyes were opened to the joy of a loving family life filled with devotion, sacrifice, happiness and peace. His sister played a strong role in his upbringing. Al-Abdul Kader reminisced how, after returning from studies at the mosque, he would recite verses from the Holy Qur’an to his sister and she would correct his errors. His marriage of 40 years has been blessed. He has enormous admiration for his wife, his life’s companion, who he credits with bringing goodness to their family. He feels proud to have supported the dreams of his two daughters, who are both university-educated and happily married. Al-Abdul Kader thanked the women of his family for being both the inspiration and the driving force behind his research.

Naima Al-Ghannam, one of the women who submitted a resume for Al-Abdul Kader’s book, was passionate in expressing the reasons for her participation in this project.

“People have extremely distorted ideas about Saudi women and their potential,” she said. “I was in high school when I married, but I still went on to higher education and achievement. I earned a bachelor’s degree, became a mother and worked in the field of education. Ten years after finishing my first degree, I chose to earn a second one. I continued with my work and also studied in Bahrain and earned my master’s. Throughout all this time my husband has been supportive of my goals. I want everyone to know how important women are to Saudi society and the good that will result from the increased participation of women in many aspects of life in the Kingdom.”

Arab News Features 2 May 2003