Pathway to Paradise — Page 38
PATH WAY TO PARADISE 38 This shows that Islam regards husband and wife equal in providing support, comfort and protection for one another, fitting each other like a garment fits the body. Islam further teaches that the woman be treated with kindness and generosity and be given eq ual rights in marriage and divorce. Before Islam a woman could not initiate the divorce process even if she was seriously mistreated. Islam permits her to seek divorce if absolutely necessary. (The Islamic Marriage system is discussed in more detail in Cha pter 3). 3. Mother In her role as mother, Muslim woman achieves her highest social status, because the mother is revered in Islam unlike any other individual. The Holy Qur’an repeatedly directs Muslims to care for their parents, especially the mother. Allah says: “And We have enjoined man to be good to his parents; his mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years…. ” (31:15) The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) emphasized the love and respect due to the mother by saying: “Paradise lies at the feet of the mother. ” In another hadith, he is reported to have stated when asked to whom a man should be kind: “to your mother. ” When asked a second time, again said: “to your mother. ” He was asked a third time, again the reply was: “your mother. ” Only upon being asked a fourt h time did he reply: “your father. ” Thus he emphasized