The Role of Women in Islam

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In the pre-Islamic Arabian society a family’s honor depended on the honor of its females which led to the belief that the group was vulnerable through the girls and women. Females were seen as a burden and many were the victims of infanticide because they were in need of protection from capture and were seen as a drain on the family’s meager resources. The most common form of ridding the family of an unwanted girl was to “bury her in the dust” which was done while the child was still alive. Once established, Islam condemned this practice and required that “…those who had killed their daughters in the time of the j¬¬¬ahiliyyah make expiation for their heinous act.” The Prophet said, “Whosoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, [God] will enter him into paradise.” The words of Muhammad sharply contrast with the commonly accepted portrayal of women’s importance in Islamic society. The search for the truth behind the stereotypes and misinterpreted ideas is an eye-opening voyage into the lives of Muslim women.

Khadija bint Khuwaylid (555-619 C.E.) is the first of many important women in Islam. Before her marriage she lived in a pre-Islamic society where local traditions and customs determined the behavior of women and polytheism was prevalent. After she converted to Islam, she lived in a society where the Prophet and his revelations defined acceptable behavior and monotheism was instituted. The capability of Khadija to adapt to the change of principles in her society show the high level of fortitude she possessed. The ability of Khadija to successfully run her father’s business while refusing to marry until she was ready suggests a high level of intel...

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...been raised by Zubaida after his mother’s death, sought her counsel and he accepted her opinion in many instances.

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