What is a stereotype? Over simplified and often mistaken beliefs about a place, thing, or group of people often based on a narrow aspect of a trait applied to an entire group.
Misconceptions about Women in Islam Muslim women are slaves to their husbands and inferior to them Women are forced by husbands to cover Women are backwards Women are oppressed in Islam Women are completely devoid of spiritual, social, economic or political rights
Female Rights in marriage in Islam To accept or reject marriage proposals Her consent is a prerequisite to the validity of the marital contract To retain her family name To a separate home Full right to her Mahr – marital gift (dowry) To be satisfied by her husband To divorce her husband Husband is responsible for the maintenance, protection, and overall leadership of the family, within the framework of consultation and kindness.
The Economic Aspect Islam provides a woman with: Right to possess personal property- buy, sell, mortgage, lease without anyone’s permission being required. . Wife’s property and earnings are under her full control and for her use alone. No matter how rich the wife might be, she is not obliged to act as a co-provider unless she herself voluntarily chooses to do so. "Whatever men earn, they have a share of that and whatever women earn, they have a share in that." (Qur'an 4:31) Right to seek Employment Right to Inheritance laws Financial security
The Political Aspect Islam provides a woman with: Right to vote Participation in political affairs Women can be in leadership positions Participation in public affairs
Rights of Women in Islam ISLAM gives women the right to: Equality of reward for their deeds and duty to obtain education obtain provisions from her father or brothers until she gets married have her own independent property provisions from the husband for all her needs and more. work to earn money if they need or want it keep all her own money express their opinion and be heard negotiate marriage terms of her choice obtain divorce from her husband have custody of her children after divorce And more…
Islamic Dress for Women Qur’an has mandated rules in regarding behavior and appearance Goal is not restriction, but to provide a virtuous society where sexual attraction is not the main obsession Not forced to display herself to be accepted by society. Does not lower herself into competition with other women, using body as a lure. She is not a slave to the societal trends
What is Hijaab? 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—also behavior, manner, and speech. Women who wear the hijaab do not find it inhibiting, impractical, or interfering.
Benefits of Hijaab Purifies heart and mind Protects honor By covering her beauty, she is evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks Many women feel dignity and self-esteem and are happy to be identified as Muslim Defines femininity Beautifies inner and outer appearance Expresses independence Feels liberated.
Women in Islam Video Clip http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/questions/women/index.html (scroll down to the “Veiling and Feminism” video clip and click on it)