Understanding Islam — Page 136
ARE WOMEN VIOLENTLY OPPRESSED IN ISLAM? 134 helped them in household chores and cared for them. His compassion extended to mothers in general and this is illustrated by the fact that on one occasion, when he heard a child crying during a prayer service, he quickly concluded the service. He explained later that he was concerned that the child’s crying may cause distress to the mother, if the prayer service had been long. He was also kind to women at large. During any of his journeys, if women were travelling with the caravan, he would give instructions that they should move at a gentler pace and take breaks to ensure their comfort. Once during a battle, there was some confusion and the animals became agitated and unmanageable. Prophet Muhammad sa fell from his horse and some women also fell. A companion ran towards him to help him as his foot got stuck in the stirrup. Prophet Muhammad sa managed to get his foot out quickly and said to his companion, “Do not worry about me, go and help women”. At the time of his death, one of his last injunctions to Muslims was that they should treat women with kindness and consideration. 13 All these examples show how much Prophet Muhammad sa emphasized equal, dignified, and