Muslim women today in Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Muslim women today in Islam - Research Paper Example Muslim women in the modern age have a unique image which is sometimes full of misconceptions. We see them as the antithesis of modernity due to their cultural practices. Contrary to popular belief, the discrimination of women in many Muslim societies has nothing to do with them being Muslims. The idea that their religion encourages the poor status of these women is in reality an ignorance of their real place in Islam. The underlying philosophy of Islam with respect to women should therefore be delineated from the well-entrenched customs that have no attachment whatsoever from the Quranic principles. The treatment of women in patriarchal Muslim societies is not the true reflection of women in Islam. It is a mistake to misjudge some cultural practices as evidence of their status. These oppressions and injustices under the pretext of religion is nowhere near the ideal treatment they deserve. Women of today have rights in Islam, which although not thoroughly practiced across the globe, reveal their worth. While it is true that women is equally valuable as men, their difference in roles and functions have led others to believe that they differ in status. A woman is expected to obey her father and then eventually her husband, as this is regarded to be the Will of Allah (Pratt, 2005). A certain Quranic verse has led some to believe women’s inferiority: â€Å"Men are qawwamÃ… «n over women bima God faddala ba’d of them over others, and bima they spend of their own money†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (as cited in Mejia, 2007, p.10). This has been interpreted to mean that men as providers are physically and intellectually above women, thus justifying their authority. There is however evidence to the fact that the hierarchy of gender is not Islamic but was a cultural practice from elsewhere that was embraced my Muslims. Although a man and a woman are physically different, they are nonetheless