The IWD is a successful feminist campaign, and has attracted women from all backgrounds and religions, including Muslims. This is what frustrates me, I understand that the fairytale that feminists conjure up are enticing, but what any woman who associates herself with any faith or belief must understand is that such movements thrive off making baseless assumptions about our beliefs; accusing them of being patriarchal. Which is extremely insulting.
I can only speak about Islam in this matter, and I can assure you that it is the opposite of their accusations.
Uniting on one superficial day IWD doesn't eradicate all the slander our faith receives every other day, and how are we meant to unite and "celebrate" our womanhood? These feminists have stolen our every right to celebrate womanhood (if there was a need), as they deny our natural instincts and make them out to be defects.
As Muslims, we must realise that feminism and Western ideologies do not have the solution for any woman; no matter where she lives. Rather these ideas are the reason to why measly days dedicated to women were initiated in the first place.
Why must women's rights be a separate thing from every day life? Why can't it be an important aspect of everyone's moral code of conduct, and why is it only one or two days that you demand women to be respected? Or maybe that isn't what feminists are demanding..
Many women must think that it is absurd for a young woman, living in the 21st century to be such an anti-feminist. The reason why I reject such ideologies is because I, as a Muslim don't deem it necessary to support these movements, as I am fully aware of my rights as a woman in islam and to be frank I would never consider downgrading to something like feminism.
Feminism has done the exact opposite of what it supposedly stands for, suddenly a minority of women can dictate to the rest of us - how to feel, what we should aspire to become and who our enemies are. Because of this idea of women trying to be equals with men; it has left a good percentage of women feeling discomfort when it comes to employment, because they simply don't want to compete with men. If everyone listened to these looney women, we'd all be lifting heavy boxes, and be somewhat forced into doing jobs that are made for men. I don't want to break my back, my sister! Not every woman wants to be like a man or feel equal to him, these women that desire this have some serious complexities. But I guess that they cannot be blamed as all they know is the society that they live in and have no faith to fall back on.
Everything any non-Muslim woman could ask for, I can be sure to have under Islam; and that is respect, security, right to ownership and education and so much more.
I know that I will be respected as a woman or otherwise my dignity can be fought for, I know that I can keep my own possessions and I know that education is my right and it will always be accessible for me no matter how old/young I am.
In contrast to Western civilisations; Islam doesn't need to create a petty, condescending day dedicated to women, such as a Mothers day or Women's day to stop "the nagging" and to delude women into thinking that they're empowered or somewhat important to society and brush the issue of women feeling unhappy about their role in society under the carpet.
Feminists have done women no favours by averting them from the real problems; such as democracy, secularism and capitalism which prevent women from their entitlement to their (many) rights. Why don't they challenge these ideologies that truly oppress men as well as women? By remaining ignorant and silent, they are actually part of the problem.
Respecting and honouring women aren't new initiatives but rather integral parts of Muslims' lives. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said "The best of believers in belief is the best of them in character. The best of you are those who are the best to their women." [At Tirmidhi]
He صلى الله عليه وسلم was the only man in a time (pre-Islamic Arabia) where the common practice was for families to bury their daughters alive, went against his people and rejected their traditions because he saw that it was unacceptable, and a great sin, yet the likes of feminists still accuse this man; who had the best of character, and his teachings as being oppressive and patriarchal!
The sayings of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم were more than just words, these were his traditions; men and women were to follow his teachings if they want to be sure that they are following the right path. He صلى الله عليه وسلم led by example and he practiced what he preached and his closest companions ensured that his teachings were preserved. His companion Umar Ibn Al Khattab who was later known as the chief of believers (inc. Muslims, Jews and Christians) was a strong man, who was very masculine but he also stood up for women and children, this is true chivalry. After his conversion to Islam he approached a circle of people and threateningly said "whoever wants to cause grief for his mother and leave his children orphaned, then let him meet me behind that valley." These are the kind of men that Islam produces.
Moreover, I believe that such days are initiated to, quite frankly; just shut women up. For example, in Western influenced media women are portrayed as ungrateful, high maintenance, wicked, too emotional, too dramatic and a burden to men. However in Islam men are not permitted to make women feel less in any way not because she is fragile but because Allah Has Chosen her and Given her elevation, it is also reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes something in her character, he should be pleased with some other or another trait of hers." [Muslim].
Also the position of women changes in the media too, which further confuses women. Take Beyoncé Knowles for example, a successful "black" (a few shades bleached) woman who is often seen to be a face of black girl power. But even this role model has some abnormal behaviour, she goes from being this fierce woman to a meek, submitting angel in the house who will "cater to you" - to overruling men, because "who runs the world? Girls?" No Beyoncé, quit playing.
Young women take these women as role models but in fact they have no control over themselves so how are they free from oppression? They are owned by men, their record labels and money.
I can confidently say that I do not believe that there is a more esteemed status than that of a Muslim woman. For example, when she is a daughter she is a means to Paradise for her father and when she is a mother she is a means to Paradise for her children.
Feminists fail to realise that the basis of these societies where men aren't held accountable for their misbehaviour - is the exact same idea that they wish to celebrate also, and that is this ridiculous idea of freedom. Indeed society is patriarchal, but that is because it is rooted in mans desires and not what God Desires. If everyone is free to do as they wish then how will there ever be justice or harmony in the world?
The recent 2011 "slut walk" protests around the world organised by feminists highlighted the exact nature of such thinking. Thousands of women took to the streets to demonstrate against rape and the excuses of its occurrence.. Whilst wearing little to nothing. To prove a point, that women should be able to celebrate their sexuality and shouldn't need to wear more clothing but men should abstain from wanting to act upon their carnal desires. Makes lots of sense, right?
It doesn't take a genius to know that if you swing flesh in front of a carnivore, it will most definitely attack and consume it.
Islam recognises the nature of man and woman, that is why Allah Commands in the verse: 24:30 "Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do." And then the following verse 24:31, addresses the women, to cover so that they may be successful.
However, many feminists have criticised Islam especially of being patriarchal and oppressive, for the dress code. For example, they argue that the hijab is a form of control and women have been forced to cover themselves because men have told them to. But what about those who undress? Is it not men who dictate this and women submit to their desires?
Correction, it is not men that make the laws in islam, but it is a clear and concise Order from The Creator.
The Islamic dress code empowers women, so as it allows them to cover their bodies no matter what the latest trend is in the current year - they will not feel pressured to lose or gain weight. Furthermore, Muslim women's dress force others to judge them by their intellect and skills and not by their appearances. Whereas what we have in our Western societies is that a woman in the office is a bit of flesh, a bit of eye candy and possibly a quick opportunity! (Ask some members of parliament about how they view women, they're very familiar with similar scandals.)
Feminists liken the hijab to a mobile prison, that it hinders a woman from education, socialising and employment. If a Muslim woman finds it difficult to find a job whilst dressing in this way, then surely it is society's duty to adapt? What happened to freedom, all of a sudden? A person can wear skimpy clothes but because another doesn't provide a view for you, that is a problem?
Nevertheless, under islam; in contrary to the popular obscured thinking that "Muslim women are oppressed", many women have been very successful in the past, under Islam - to mention a few, Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was a one of the most skilled business women of the time, Umm Ash Shifaa was a renowned physician and Aisha Bint Abu Bakr was the best scholar amongst the men and the women. Throughout Islamic history and still until this day Muslim women around the world have been/are making great contributions to society from politics, engineering and sciences, (even with their "mobile prisons"). If women under Islam are free to educate themselves to these levels and be experts in their fields, please enlighten us on where this 'oppression' is? Because from what I've briefly covered; its not in the home, neither is it from other men in the community, it's not in the way that she dresses and neither is it embedded in Islamic history.
Rather the accusations of oppression can only be blamed on western civilisation, where women are harassed in public and at work because they're limited to being objects for men's gratification, they are forced into surgically modifying their bodies due to social pressures and the media, they are forced into believing that they are never good enough although the image of "pretty" changes and finally whatever knowledge or skill they may have do not matter as a good pair of legs can take you far! These are the values such democratic, secular and capitalist societies live upon and as a result this is the oppression that we witness but ignore. Men and women collectively need to stand up to this, i.e. the real problem.
There is no space for "Islamic feminism", the two do not a) make sense b) work together. Women's rights is not a separate entity, Islam is inclusive, following this way of life assures respect and rights for men, women and children. It is nonsensical and unfair to call for women's rights alone, what about animal rights, the rights of men and children? Islam is from Allah, The Creator of men, women and all things, so of course it will consider more than just one issue alone and be just.
The proof is in the pudding, studies show that in the (US), 100,000 people per year in America alone, are converting to Islam. For every 1 male convert to Islam, 4 females convert to Islam.
Surely such a patriarchal and "oppressive" religion should repel women; especially in the west?
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