Flowers for the Women Wearing Veils - Volume I — Page 532
! ! 532 another ’s behalf. Therefore, you should grant women the opportunity to participate in such matters, including chanda , in order t hat their natural desire is fulfilled. This is not only limited to the matter of chanda. I have only mentioned it as an example. Yo u must believe women to be your equal in every aspect of life and accord them their rights. In regard to men’s rights, Allah Almighty has stated : ا ﻟ Êِّ َﺴ ﺂ ِء َﻋ َ َﻗ ّٰﻮ ُﻣ ۡﻮ َن َا ﻟ ِّﺮ َﺟ ﺎ ُل “ Men are appointed guardians over women. ” (Holy Qur’ān , Ch. 4: V. 35) This is because men have the status of veto power in domestic affairs. When a difference of opinion occurs between husband and wife, the man’s decisi on will be final. However, if differences increase and th e man begins to abuse his veto power , then the woman can petition for her rights th rough the court system. I therefore draw the attention of men and especially young men, to establish justice and not create a barrier in the path of [following] Islam.