In the pre-Islamic society, women were despised and belittled, they were deprived of their human rights and mistreated. For example, women were deprived of their rights of inheritance, the right to choose their spouses, etc. Islam came to abolish all these traditions and customs with its distinguished legislation. The Islamic legislation preserved women’s rights, an aspect that is mostly ignored by people who attacked Islam with the claim of covering women’s heads by scarves (Hijab). Islam raised their status and valued their honor. Allah revealed a Surah that is named after them that is called Surah Al-Nisa. This Surah tackles most of the related issues to women, leaving no question without answers that may go through the mind. The Prophet Muhammed, PBUH, was a mercy to mankind, all the rights were preserved with his teachings and commands, women’s rights as well. The prophet Muhammed, PBUH, addressed women specifically with his Hadiths and talks, as a mother, daughter, or wife. He said in his Farewell Pilgrimage, after praising and glorifying Allah and admonishing people, “Treat women kindly, they are like captives in your hands” (Hasan Sahih).
The wife
The prophet Muhammed, PBUH, commanded men to treat their wives with honor and love. He made the good treatment of a man’s wife a sign of his goodness and righteousness. Lady Ayisha reported that the prophet Muhammed, PBUH, said “The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family. When one of you dies speak no ill of him.”. The prophet Muhammed, PBUH, set an example of how a man should treat his wife practically; it was reported that Lady A’isha was asked ‘What did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do in his house?’ She replied, ‘He did what one of you would do in his house. He mended sandals and patched garments and sewed.”. Based on this Hadith, Muslims should understand that man must share with his wife some of the responsibilities. It was not a source of shame or embarrassment for the prophet Muhammed to give a hand to his wife. Allah gave in His Holy Quran a clear command of how wives must be treated, He said in Surah Al-Nisa, Ayah 19 ”O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمْ أَن تَرِثُوا النِّسَاءَ كَرْهًا ۖ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوا بِبَعْضِ مَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّا أَن يَأْتِينَ بِفَاحِشَةٍ مُّبَيِّنَةٍ ۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِن كَرِهْتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَيَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا). Allah summarized most of the issues that people face and how they can handle them. So it becomes to men that women’s rights must be fully met regarding the dower and alimony. They must be treated with affection and mercy.
The mother
A person came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and asked, “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?” He (ﷺ) said, “Your mother”. He again asked, ”Who next?” “Your mother”, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied again. He asked, “Who next?” He (the Prophet (ﷺ)) said again, “Your mother.” He again asked, “Then who?” Thereupon he (ﷺ) said,” Then your father.” Righteousness to mother is one of the best deeds, and one of the easiest way to get closer to Allah. If you are looking at a reason for responded Duas, a Mercy from Allah, a blessed life, and success wherever you go, you have a gate of righteousness through your mother. The good treatment is showed in sweet words, good company, and gentleness. Some say that debating your mother and seeking winning is an aspect of disrespect, a Muslim should treat his mother humbly and modestly. Allah said in Holy Quran ”And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” (وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا). And when your mother gets older, Allah said ”If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.” (إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا). Even the prophet Muhammed showed us how Muslim must treat his non-Muslim mother, and that Muslim should seek his kinship and be good to her, Lady Asma’ bint Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with her, reported: My mother who was a polytheist came to me when he (the Holy Prophet) entered into treaty with, the Quraish (of Mecca). I inquired from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: Messenger of Allah, there has come to me my mother and she is inclined; should I (in this state of her mind) show her kindness? He said: Yes, treat her kindly.
the daughter
It was mentioned in the Seerah of the prophet Muhammed, PBUH, had four daughters, and he was always delighted with the birth of a daughter. He was happy and rejoicing with the birth of Lady Fatima, and he expected good of her that he called her ”Fatima Al-Zahra”. The prophet Muhammed chose an honorable man for his daughters. It was reported that Sayyidna Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Anyone who has three daughters and provides for them, clothes them and shows mercy to them will definitely enter the Garden.” A man from the people said, “And two daughters, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “And two.” This Hadith confirms the daughter’s rights to education, good behavior, and proper treatment.
The prophet Muhammed set an example of all goodness in this life, a comprehension of all amazing ethics towards all creatures, may Allah help us to follow his footsteps and guide us.
