Islam neither allow women to be treated merely as sex symbols nor as object of oppression by their male counterparts.

Rather, it gives and provides the basis to which every being will reach and realise his or her potentials in politics, or any field of endeavours.

Taking into cognizance their peculiarities and nature, Islam laid down rules to protect them and gave them a key role in the upbringing of families along with their husbands who in turn contribute to the foundation of a healthy society.

The most important thing as it also applies to man is to seek for knowledge. It is mandatory in Islam to acquire education and use same to the benefit of humanity.

We have said earlier in this column that the dearth of Muslim women medical practitioners is a snag to development of Islam in this part of the world. This is one area that Islam and the women group in Islam like FOMWAN should look into.

Do we encourage our young girls and daughters to chase their careers to fruition or we lure them into early marriages without a base for their educational development even to the benefit of Islam?

“Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female).” (At-Tirmidhi)

This includes knowledge of the Quran and the Hadeeth as well as other types of worldly knowledge that can bring good to people and societies at large.

Truly, within the confines of promoting morality, goodness and condemning evil in all walks of life, Muslim women, therefore, must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their natural talents and interests.

Natural talents

A Muslim woman has the privilege to earn money, the right to own property, to enter into legal contracts and to manage all of her assets in any way she pleases.

She can run her own business and no one can claim her earnings, including her husband. She has the God-given-right to voice her opinion on socio-political issues.

She may participate in Politics in as much as she maintains the rule of behaviour set  by the Qur’an and hadiths. She has to be upright, honest and selfless.

They can also offer their advice on issues affecting women and the ummah in general.  An example from history is Abdurrahman Ibn Awf who consulted many women before he recommended Uthman Ibn Affan to be the Caliph and leader of the Muslims.

It should be noted that they could do all these without renaging in any aspect of their home duties as mothers and wives.

Just as the family needs the mother to prepare the children for their future endeavours, the society also needs the women to play their part in order to bring about a decent and well cultured society.

While bearing, raising and teaching of children, and providing support to her husband and maintenance of a home are among the foremost duties of a mother and a wife,  if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so, as long as her family obligations are not neglected.

With the sense of  security, affection, and training received from the mother, that mothers become educated to impart appropriate morals in their children who in turn would influence the future of healthy societies is very important.