Essay Competition Topics

[Mumtaz Hayat Maneka]

Essay Topics

• Democracy, impediments and future in Pakistan
  
  
• Status of Women in Islam
  
  
• Are we moving towards the third World war?

Members are requested to post their essays in this thread on the 27th of May, 2009.


Note:-For rules and regulations please go through the link given below.

http://www.cssforum.com.pk/study-for...expansion.html

[Mumtaz Hayat Maneka]

Attention Essay Competition Participants

The participants of the essay competition are requested to hit the "Thanks" button under this post, so that we know the exact number of participants of the competition.

Regards

[Mumtaz Hayat Maneka]

There was a great fervour in the demand for an essay competition and we see a great lack of interest in the competition. I urge aspirants to come forward and particiapte in the essay competition, it would really be beneficial for them and other aspirants as well.

[Astute Accountant]

(I don't know when will the rest of the contestants submit their essays. I can't wait anymore. So here goes mine...!!!)

THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

The whole culture of Islam stands for peace, equality, justice and human rights. Islam did the greatest service to the women. It gave them individuality, an independence of thought and opinion and acknowledged their rights. It honors women as a mother, as a daughter, as a sister and as a wife.

WOMEN, BEFORE THE ADVENT OF ISLAM
Before the advent of Islam, women were in a miserable condition. They were mistreated in a number of ways. All affairs were controlled only by men or in other words, the males, and women and girls were oppressed and humiliated. Men were the only ones who could inherit; women had no share in the property of their fathers and husbands. They were viewed as a source of shame. Hence a man would bury his infant daughter alive, as is referred to in the Quran, where Allah says:

“And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision” [Al-Nahl 16:58]

Women did not have businesses, own property, or have independent legal rights. A woman could not exercise any civil or public office; could not be a witness, surety, tutor, or curator; she could not adopt or be adopted, or make will or contract. Her consent in marriage was not generally thought to be necessary and a male member of the family had full authority to decide her future. Widows were expected to mourn for their husbands until the end of their lives and in some cultures they were buried alive at the death of their husbands.

‘Shighar’ marriage was another manifestation of the absolute authority of fathers in respect of their daughters. Shighar marriage meant the exchange of daughters. If two persons had two unmarried grownup daughters, they used to exchange them so that the dower of one daughter would account for the dower of the other girl. Thus the daughter of one man was to go over to the father of the other daughter and vice versa. Islam annulled this custom also

THE STATUS OF WOMEN AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF ISLAM
When Islam came, it did away with all that and established justice, giving each person his or her rights. Islam gave protection with integrity, strength, strategic genius, beauty and divinity; to the women’s rights. It freed it from the chains of prejudice, manipulations, personal and social injustice. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood, he and I will come like this on the Day of Resurrection,” and he held his fingers together. [Narrated by Muslim, 2631]

The fact is that Islam neither limits women to the private sphere, nor does it give men supremacy over the public and private life. Islam gave women their rights of inheritance and other rights. It gave women rights like those of men in many spheres. Islam encourages men to treat their wives well, and gives women the freedom to choose their husband. The Islamic teachings regarding education, social and political rights, property rights, and ultimately human rights, are among the most valuable chapter in the book of civilization. The Prophet (SAW) said

“Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."

ISLAM HONORS WOMEN
Islam honors women as a mother. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (R.A.) said: A man came to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, who among people is most deserving of my good company?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Then your father.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5626; Muslim, 2548]
Islam honors women as a daughter. It was narrated from Abu Saeed al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever has three daughters or three sisters, or two daughters or two sisters, and takes good care of them and fears Allah with regard to them, will enter Paradise.” [Narrated by Ibn Hibban in his Saheeh, 2/190]

Islam honors women as a wife. Over and above her basic rights as a wife comes the right which is emphasized by the Qur'an and is strongly recommended by the Prophet (P); kind treatment and companionship.
The Qur'an states:

"...But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein God has placed much good." (Qur'an 4: l9).

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.” [Narrated and classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi, 3895]

ISLAM ENTITLES WOMEN OF THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS
In a truly Islamic society women have the following rights in Islam:
1. The right and duty to obtain education.
2. The right to have their own independent property.
3. The right to work to earn money if they need it or want it.
4. Equality of reward for equal deeds.
5. The right to express their opinion and be heard.
6. The right to provisions from the husband for all her needs and more.
7. The right to negotiate marriage terms of her choice.
8. The right to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she simply can't stand him. (Please note that God deeply frowns upon divorce as a solution unless there is hardly any other alternative but it does not mean that men have more right to divorce their wives than women do.)
9. The right to keep all her own money (she is not responsible to maintain any relations).
10. Custody of their children after divorce.
11. To refuse any marriage that does not please them

SOCIAL RIGHTS
"Paradise lies under the feet of mothers", said the Apostle (SAW) of Allah “Among the praiseworthy acts to Allah is to treat your mother with honor and respect”. So, it became a religious responsibility, a praiseworthy act, to respect and honor women.
Islam instructs the head of the family to treat their sons and daughters alike. It emphasizes on upbringing the sons and daughters on equal and just footings. So with this instruction, it becomes the religious duty of the Muslims to encourage and support their daughters in achieving their lawful goals. The Holy Prophet (SAW) provided a practical example to his sayings. Hazrat Fatima (R.A.); the daughter of the Prophet (SAW); was well educated and highly respected woman. It is said that whenever Hazrat Fatima (R.A.) entered the room, the Prophet (SAW) would stand and give his seat to her.

THE RIGHT TO GET EDUCATION
"The pursuit of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim, man and woman", said the Prophet (SAW). With this instruction it became a religious duty of Muslims to educate themselves, their families, and their societies. Education and learning became a religious duty; no Muslim could prevent another human being from the pursuit of knowledge. Gender could not become the cause for prohibiting a person from educating one's self. Pursuit of knowledge became a religious law, therefore necessary to attain. With such instruction, the Prophet (SAW) not only created an equal right to education, but also opened the door to a better understanding.

PROPERTY RIGHTS
Under the laws of Islam, women have obtained the right to sell and buy properties, own business, take legal actions, vote, and participate in political affairs. Inheritance law is also among the most important rights. According to Islam, a woman inherits, half the share of her brother. At the same time a daughter, can chose but has no the obligation to support her parents or children, while her brother does. A man, a brother, has the obligation, by the rules of Islam, to support his mother, wife, children, sisters, and the children of his sisters if necessary. If a woman, a mother, a sister did not have the wealth or the desire to support her children, it would become the duty of her brother to support them. Under Islamic law, women also have control not only over their property but also dowry claims. Once she is married, she may demand her dowry from her husband at any time, and in the case of divorce, she would receive her share of the property.

POLITICAL RIGHTS
There are many recorded historical references that at the beginning of Islam, at the time of the Prophet (SAW), Muslim men or women chose to join the Prophet's army to fight against his enemies, leading wars after his passing. There are also recorded in the history of Islam that men and women, equally, would take bayat (agreement) with the Prophet (SAW), voting and choosing him as a political leader. Such positions, rights and equality among all were the result of the support and the teachings of the Prophet (SAW). Women could take part in political and military affairs. The result of his teachings was not only promoted human rights but also encouraging individuals to stand for their own rights.


THE RIGHT OF CHOSING A PARTNER
According to the laws of Islam a man and a woman have the right to choose their partner and they should not be forced into marriage. Hazrat Fatima (R.A.), the Prophet's (SAW) daughter was educated, beautiful and respectful. It is narrated that when Amir al momenin Hazart Ali (R.A.) asked for Hazrat Fatima's (R.A.) hand in marriage The Prophet (SAW) did not respond to Ali until he asked Fatima for her decision.
Besides all other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it was specifically decreed that woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, which is presented to her by her husband and is included in the nuptial contract, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection. The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature.

THE RIGHT OF DIVORCE
As the woman's right to decide about her marriage is recognized, so also her right to seek an end for an unsuccessful marriage is recognized. Divorce is permitted in Islam under specific terms and conditions. According to the laws of Islam a woman may end a marriage by divorce if there is a definite cause for such an action. the woman can divorce her husband with out resorting to the court, if the nuptial contract allows that.

THE RIGHT OF BEING PROTECTED
In consideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have equal rights and claims on one another, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. The Qur'an thus states:

"And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them." (Qur'an 2:228).

This refers to that natural difference between the sexes which entitles the weaker sex to protection. It implies no superiority or advantage before the law. Yet, man's role of leadership in relation to his family does not mean the husband's dictatorship over his wife. Islam emphasizes the importance of taking counsel and mutual agreement in family decisions. According to the Qur’an, man, for two reasons, should be the head of the family: One, because he is given the responsibility of earning the livelihood for the family (i.e. he is to strive for the provision of the financial requirements of the family); and two, because he is given the mental, physical and emotional qualities that are more suitable for this responsibility; just like women are given certain qualities that make them more suitable for responsibilities in a number of other spheres. It is only in this sphere (i.e. in the relationship of husband and wife) that God has given the man a degree of authority over the woman. Besides this sphere, both are considered equal.

“Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.” [Surah Al-Nisa]

Islam does not differentiate between the status of a man or a woman. It is only in the particular relationship of husband and wife that Islam gives a degree of authority to the husband. It would be as wrong to say on this basis that Islam gives women a lower status in the social setup as compared to men, as it would be to say that Islam gives men a lower status as compared to women on the basis of the degree of authority that a mother has over her male child. The sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) also reveals that he used to assist his wives in household duties.

THE RIGHT OF EMPLOYMENT
With regard to the woman's right to seek employment it should be stated first that Islam regards her role in society as a mother and a wife as the most sacred and essential one. Neither maids nor baby-sitters can possibly take the mother's place as the educator of an upright, complex free, and carefully-reared children. Such a noble and vital role, which largely shapes the future of nations, cannot be regarded as "idleness".
However, there is no decree in Islam which forbids woman from seeking employment whenever there is a necessity for it, especially in positions which fit her nature and in which society needs her most. Examples of these professions are nursing, teaching (especially for children), and medicine. Moreover, there is no restriction on benefiting from woman's exceptional talent in any field. Even for the position of a judge, where there may be a tendency to doubt the woman's fitness for the post due to her more emotional nature, we find early Muslim scholars such as Abu-Hanifa and Al-Tabary holding there is nothing wrong with it. In addition, Islam restored to woman the right of inheritance, after she herself was an object of inheritance in some cultures. Her share is completely hers and no one can make any claim on it, including her father and her husband.

"Unto men (of the family) belongs a share of that which Parents and near kindred leave, and unto women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be a little or much - a determinate share." (Qur'an 4:7).

Man in Islam is fully responsible for the maintenance of his wife, his children, and in some cases of his needy relatives, especially the females. This responsibility is neither waived nor reduced because of his wife's wealth or because of her access to any personal income gained from work, rent, profit, or any other legal means.

CONCLUSION
Islam is a religion where the standard for superiority is the level of ones knowledge, where human being was created in the best figure, and thus where advancing knowledge is a duty. According to Islam, the human being has the potentiality to ascend to the level of the Divine, knowledge of the law of the existence is the right of every human being. Islam is a religion where your temple is not a building but your heart; your preacher is not a priest but your intellect; and if your religion is founded upon mere imitation, you are a blasphemer. It is a religion that is centered on the rights of human being, and sets both men and women free from the chains of bondage. Muslim women can involve themselves in other affairs of Islam and Muslims according to their abilities, availability of time and energy. Islam puts absolutely no limit to the level of women's involvement in the affairs of Islam and Muslims.

[Last Island]

Essays submitted past midnight will be considered late and will not be accepted.

[Last Island]

@ Atif Rana, Aftab, Human99

15 minutes left. Where are your essays?

[dr.atifrana]

@Last Island

I am so sory for not submitting my essay.Actually I am still working on it.I was very busy because of my guests, as it was my duty to entertain them ,even today I was assigned the duty to take them on picnic ,and unfortunately we got our car's generator disfunctional.It was a very hectic day for me.But in future I will try my best to diligently do my work.I know that the jury is expecting from us .But I am so sorry. I know it was a golden oppertunity for us to rectify our shortcommings .The other members should avail this oppertunity.I accept my idleness. I believe this competetion thread would be of a very great help for aspirants.Insha Allah you all will be rewarded by Allah for such a nice job of helping others.

God bless you

rgds

[Mumtaz Hayat Maneka]

Dear Astute Accountant i appreciate your effort and the fact that you were the only contestant to post your essay and that too, before time. But when it comes to checking i have to be genuine and unbiased because i have to see this essay according to the requirements of FPSC's essay paper. ( I am in no way suggesting that i am in any way an authority on the subject ).

Your essay is fine but in my opinion it lacks the following.

1. A detailed Outline before the essay
2. A proper Introduction
3. Thesis Statement
4. A css essay has much more to it than just the topic. I choose this topic because since last few years there has been a great deal of controversy regarding the state of women rights in islam and gender discrimination in Muslim countries. The propoganda has recieved a lot of coverage acorss the globe.Therefore you had to start of with the current scenario and then lead toward the basic rights of women in islam.

A few suggestions from my side. These points hould have been incorporated in your essay.

1. Current scenario, Western Propoganda or reality
2. Reasons behind the plight of women in Muslim States
3. Then may be with what you have started.
4. Steps with which we can improve the state of Women in the Muslim World

A lot more can be written, but i will remain relevant.

Over all, your essay is more suited as an answer to a question on the Status of women in Islam in Islamiyat Paper but not in English Essay Paper.

P.S: Please do not loose heart, it is criticism for the sake of Improvement and for the benefit of other aspirants.

Regards

[AFRMS]

@Astute Accountant.

I must appreciate your effort to post the essay in competition, as you know by now that this is not a competition anymore, so this is my humble analysis of your essay. I must also point out that I am no expert in essay checking but I do understand what is required in Css essay paper.
In my opinion you have tried to touch every aspect but in doing so you missed few a things.

Very important point you have missed is outline, which gives the idea to the reader what you will be writing in your essay.


Your introduction is short, make it impressive.


You can add few things like


You mentioned women before Islam but you were not descriptive of status of women in other religions, Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism, espacially Judeo-Christian tradition where women were personified as evil and considered as Devil responsible for the down fall of human race. In roman society, and also in current secular society i.e. Status of women in pre Islamic civilizations


Role of women during Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) times and His treatment with his wives, daughters and women of faith, give examples.

Role of women during caliphate period and how after that period their role deteriorated, how enlightened Islamic interpretations were replaced by conservatism that still exist in our societies.


The prevalent idea of west about the status of women in Islam. The misconceptions and malicious propaganda against Islamic values (marriage) polygamy, hijab, divorce, and testimony.

You didn’t mention the western Liberal view, which considers Islam as suppressor of women, awaiting western liberalization and how west is discriminating their women in the name of women emancipation.


Women roles, rights and obligation in Islamic society .Although you have mentioned the role but to short.


Islamic code of social behavior for women that safeguard their freedom and give them honor and dignity.


Little description of great women of Islam, their place and role in Islam. Achievements of pure and virtuous Sahabiyat. Like Hazart Khadija, her knowledge of Tafsir, Fiqa, Hadith, her noble character and conduct. How these virtuous ladies of faith can be a source of inspiration for women of today especially in the field of religious and political arena.


Real life examples ,how female gender is harassed and persecuted through out the world.

Current situation of women in Muslim societies. When weakness creeps in faith how Muslim men tend to treat women oppressing and exploiting their rights.
Weak commitment to Islam breeds in unjust, hostile treatment to women, how pre Islamic valves and tradition have still survived in our societies.


Situation in Pakistan, practices like, vani, karo Kari, honor killing are still prevalent.
Remedies to undo these practices.


Pakistan judicial system, how it has handicapped women to get justice.


Impact of secular societies on the status of women, where there is total freedom no code of conduct, no morality, exploitation of female, like western society heading towards promiscuity and sexual indulgence.


Role of religious Scholars, leaders.(Islamic world and in particular in Pakistan).
Changing the mind set through Islamic education, endorsing female participation in nation building ,politics and education.


Role of media and print media to promote Islamic valves and to inculcate in the minds of youth the respect and dignity of women.


How can west learn from Islam? Refutation of western theories.


Conclusion

All men and women are created equal in the sight of Allah. Their differences in race, language, livelihood etc have no relationship to increase or decrease this honor. True
distinction among them is based on their God consciousness, commitment to Islam, the religion of Allah, and their practice and application of these golden principles in their daily lives.

Make a comprehensive conclusion.



It was a good effort but needs improvement.
Regards.

[Andy Pandy]

@ Astute Accountant
i am thankful to you at least u submitted your essay . you have provided a chance to aspirants like me to know the views of oue respected JURY members. they have analysed ur essay v well and guided all of us that how an essay should be attempted and how we can make it comprehensive and complete. it was a great learning experience .
CONGRATULATIONS to you for your effort and hard work. Keep it up.
May Allah bless you with success.

@ jury members and LAST ISLAND
respected members plz dont end this competition here. you can imagine that your views on only just one essay has brought a tremendous progress, at lesat early aspirants like me who had a no idea that how to attempt a CSS essay have learnt so many things. plz dont stop this process of learnig and dont punish beginners for mistakes of seniors.
May ALLAH bless you people.