Essay practice. Seniors give your comments plz

[Shehla malik]

Here is my outline and introduction.

Status of Women in Islam

Thesis Statement

Respect and dignity was awarded to women by Islam, 14oo years ago. Woman in each role is given identified and separate rights and responsibilities according to her nature. Islam raised the status of women in an unprecedented way.

Outline
1. Introduction
Woman is considered as an equal partner of society in 21st century. However, Islam recognized the importance of woman 1400 years ago. In the last sermon of Holy Prophet (PBUH), special emphasis was put on the kind treatment with woman.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) provided personal examples regarding the treatment with woman to teach the Ummah. Surah Nisa in Quran provides the detailed description of rights of women granted by Islam.
Respect and dignity was awarded to women by Islam, 14oo years ago. Woman in each role is given identified and separate rights and responsibilities according to her nature. Islam raised the status of women in an unprecedented way.

2. Status of women in pre-Islamic Era
a. Period of Jahilia
i. Women were buried alive
ii. Woman was considered as the omen of misfortune and disgrace
iii. Women were not allowed the basic rights of education and freedom
iv. Testullion, a religious leader of the early period of Christianity interpret the Christian idea of women in these words, “she is the gate through which the devil enters, she is the beginner of man to the forbidden tree, she is the breaker of the law of God and is the plunderer of man who is the image of God.”

b. Attitude with women in pagan society
i. Woman was considered as material property to be disposed of at the whim of the male guardian
ii. Woman was not entitled to inherit from her parents or husbands
iii. On the death of a man, his sons married their step mother or his brother inherit her
iv. Female infanticide was common
v. Polygamy and polyandry were rituals

3. Islam provides following rights to women for the first time in history
a. Religious rights
i. Right to perform religious obligations such as Namaz, Roza, Hajj equal to man
ii. Right to equally punish and reward
“‘If any of you perform good deeds, be it a man or a woman and is a believer, We shall give you good life and We should reward you for all your good works.” (Surah Nahl, 97)
b. Social rights
i. Right to preserve the honor and nobility of her womanhood
ii. Right to educate herself
“Seeking knowledge is compulsory for each and every Muslim (man and woman)”
iii. Right to fulfill social responsibilities
iv. Right to provide refuge and security to Muslims

Um Hani' (Mother of Hani') when she gave protection to a polytheist who sought refuge with her on the day of the conquest of Makah after her relative threatened to kill that person (for some past enmity) so the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said,
We protect and give asylum to whomever you give asylum O Um Hani'. [Bukhari #350]
v. Right to receive fair share of wealth from her husband and father
vi. Right to choose her groom
vii. Right to participate in battlefield

c. Financial Rights
i. Right to do business
ii. Woman is free from financial liability
iii. In case of divorce, woman gets financial support for the period of ‘iddah’
iv. Compulsory marital gifts for a woman: Mehr or dower
d. Legal Rights
i. Right to give witness
ii. Accusing a woman falsely is a big crime in Islam which requires four witnesses

4. Islam raises the status of women as a
a. Mother
i. Heaven lies under the feat of a mother
ii. Prophet (PBUH) was once asked, “O Prophet of Allah, who is the most deserving and worthy of my good company?” Allah’s Prophet answered, “your mother.” Question was repeated thrice and Prophet (PBUH) replied the same, and fourth time Prophet of Allah said, “your father.”

b. Daughter
i. Prohibition of female infanticide
ii. Impartial upbringing of female is emphasized in Quran
iii. Upbringing of two daughters, educating them well, and giving into marriage is considered an act highly appreciated by Prophet (PBUH).
c. Sister
i. Women is provided protection being a sister
d. Wife
i. Protection and security
ii. Companionship, care, and intimate relationships
iii. Financial security
iv. Give advice and consultation in every affair of life
5. Conclusion

[mehrbatool]

Gud one