Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 93
Social Peace 93 The only thing, which Islam would not endorse, would be to turn women into playthings, to be exploited or left at the mercy of male vulgarity. Islam does not promote such attitudes towards women. Merely because society as a whole has become more and more demanding, it is sheer cruelty to women if it necessitates that they must always remain conscious of their looks, appearances, and the way they are dressed and made up. Feminine charms are always on display. Even selling an article of food or daily needs, such as a washing powder, requires advertisements with female models. Artificial, stylish and expensive ways of life are presented as essentials for a woman to realise her dreams. Such a society cannot remain balanced, sober and healthy for long. According to Islam, women must be emancipated from exploitation and playing a role of being mere instruments of pleasure. They must have more time to themselves to discharge their responsibilities towards their homes and the future generation of mankind. Equal Rights for Women You hear so much about Women’s Lib and women’s rights, etc. Islam speaks of a comprehensive fundamental principle, which covers all situations: And they (the women) have rights similar and equal to those (of men) over them in equity; (i. e. , for women, there are exactly