The Quest of a Curious Muslim

The Quest of a Curious Muslim — Page 34

IS ISLAM A MISOGYNISTIC FAITH? 34 context. If women are called “deficient,” it is not a generalization nor a broad-brush representation of women in every aspect. It is only an indication of some of the challenges that they face while fulfilling the requirements of the law of Islam, and some of the concessions they are given due to menstrual cycles or to fulfill their responsibilities as mothers. In fact, there is much laxation in Islamic rules for women due to their role as mothers—a role Islam considers very sacred as they are preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Comparatively, men have the role of being the breadwinners and providing for their wives and children. Such separation of roles is intended in Islam to lead to a harmonious family life that brings pleasure and comfort for the whole family and ultimately contributes to societal peace. As Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad rh explains, if the woman of the household is fulfilling the requirements of her gender role and is providing and maintaining the best care for her children, she has the option to work and earn her living, and “the husband doesn’t stop her, but will not have any share in whatever earning the lady makes”. 17