Pathway to Paradise — Page 34
PATH WAY TO PARADISE 34 educated. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) encouraged his wives to seek knowledge and once stated that “half the religion of Islam could be learned from Hazrat Ayesha (his wife). ” Indeed, after his death, the advice of his wives wa s sought by the entire Muslim community. Now a days you will see Muslim women active in many professions, such as medicine, nursing and teaching. It is interesting to note that at the time Islam brought enlightenment for women, in Europe a woman displaying any kind of knowledge was in danger of being burnt at the stake for being a witch! Furthermore, most universities, even in the United States, did not admit women to higher learning until this century. ECONOMIC STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN Never before was woman given the economic freedom such as given her by Islam. Islam makes it clear that she is entitled to possess wealth and property of her own, whether it is inherited or earned, and has full rights over it. The Holy Qur’an states: “Men shall have the share of what they have earned, and women shall have the share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely, Allah has perfect knowledge of all things. ” (4:33) This verse established the equality of men and women in so far as their works are concerned. Woman has the right to manage her own wealth. A married woman is not even required to spend out of her own wealth, as it is the duty of her husband to provide