More About Women In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

I was reading this nice article in Islam News Room that I would like to share with you:

Question:

Islam gives man permission to marry four wives. Why can't a woman have four husbands?

Find out what Islam is really all about - regarding Islams Women

www.IslamsWomen.com (try this too)

Answer:
Al Hamdulilah, was-salat was-salam ala rasoolullah. Allahu 'Alim. (It is Allah who has All Knowledge).

Rights and Limits
First of all, it is important for us to keep in mind that Islam came to establish two very important fundamentals for human beings: Rights and Limits.

Everyone and everything has certain rights given to it by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Allah). At the same time, each creation has its own limitations established by Allah.

First Right - Allah has the right to be worshipped without making partners from what He has created. Direct worship to Him, alone.

Second Right - Prophet's right to be followed according to his treaching and commandments.

Third Right - Parents rights to be honored and cared for, with special emphasis on the mother first.

Fourth Right - Wives and Husbands have rights on each other.

Conditions 1,400 Years Ago
Now let us do some basic research here. We begin by looking into the condition of the women in various societies at the time 1,400 years ago when Allah revealed the Quran to Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Pagan Arabs - Burying Girls Alive
During that time the pagan Arab men used to bury their newborn daughters alive in the sand, out of shame for having something so low and disgusting like a girl instead of a son. Women were treated horribly and with utter disgust.

Men could marry as many as they liked and very often they owned women like cattle or sheep. There were no laws to protect the women and they had no rights at all.

Christians - Arguing If Women Had Souls
Christians at that time were holding council meetings to determine whether or not a woman even had a soul. The church blamed "Eve" the mother of all humans after Adam, peace be upon him, for the "original sin" and damned her and her seed for what she had done.

Priests - Best Men - Forbidden Marriage - To Any Women

Priests, bishops, cardnels and even the Pope are the very best of the Catholic men within the church. Yet the church still forbids their clergymen the chance for marriage and families. This unnatural situation has caused very serious ramifications throughout the society around the world.

Nuns - Best Women - No Marriage - No Children

Nuns are the very best of the Catholic women. They cover themselves in proper attire much the same way as the Muslim women. Yet, they are never allowed to marry or have children throughout their lives. This unnatural condition has caused untold number of disgraceful and disgusting practices within the very church itself.

If Only Bad People Have Children - What About Tomorrow?
We must ask the question, "If the very best of the men and the very best of the women are not allowed to marry or have children - does this mean only the worst of the people are the ones allowed to reproduce and populate the world?" - And where will that leave us tomorrow?

Jews - Blame Women and Curse Women
The Jews blamed women for the "original sin" and as such they were treated with disgust. A woman's monthly cycle was considered by the Old Testament of the Bible to be a "curse from God" for her inequities. Her child bearing pains were also a 'punishment from God' for her bringing man down from heaven.

Islam - No Blame On Women For Evil
Islam does not blame Eve for Adam's sin. Each of them accepted their own mistake and repented to Allah, and asked Allah to forgive them and Allah did forgive them.

Now before going any further, please read surah An Nisa (chapter 4 in the Quran) - all the way through, in order to better understand what is actually being said about women, men and marriage.

[Want A FREE Quran? - click here]

Read Quran
Now let us think about the verses. Do you believe that Allah Knows what He created and He has revealed the perfect 'deen'? Do you know the condition of the people at the time the order came to restrict the number of wives? (Restricted to be only four)

Now read the verse about having more than one wife, very carefully. [4:3]

What does it say? And what do you understand from it?

Now read the ayah (verse) that forbids men to marry women who are already married. [4:24].

Now read from An Nisa (Chapter 4) about the role of men and women. [4:34]

Man Supports And Protects Women
Do you understand that one must take on the role of supporter, protector, provider, custodian and servant to the family (man's role)?

Woman Gives Birth - Raises Children
One must take on the role of carrying the child and delivering it and then feeding it and raising it to become a true servant of Allah (woman's role).

Not Equal - But Treated Fairly In Justice
Men and women are not the same nor are they "equal" as some folks would have us believe. Whatever is on one side of an 'equals' sign must be exactly the same as what is on the other side without any difference in value, only in the way that it is expressed. How then could we say that a man, who is unable to conceive or give birth and then breast feed a baby is the equal to a woman who can?

Equal In Faith And Actions
They are equal in their beliefs and good deeds of course. But still they are not the same as each other. Each one must fulfill their role as humans.

Children's Rights Protected
Islam is also very much about rights. Children also have rights in Islam. When a man dies his wealth is left to his family. How could the court know who to give the wealth of a man, if he was one of several husbands to a woman? How would a child know who his father was? No society ever supported the concept of a woman being married to two or more men at the same time.

Women's Right - Best Treatment
Almost every society supported the concept of a man having more than one woman. Yet, they did not limit the number nor did they provide the protection and maintenance that Islam insists on for each one. Islam came to set things straight. Women were given rights. Men were strictly ordered to treat their women with the very best of treatment.

Limit - Number in Marriage
When the verse was revealed the companions of Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not run out with the attitude that they were going to get four wives all of a sudden. Some of them already had much more than that and these men had to divorce their wives, if they had more than four. So this was not an order to go out and get four wives. It was an order to begin limitations. And the first limitation was; No more than four.

Limit - Equal Maintenance and Treatment
Second, the limitation of equal treatment for all of them. How could a man keep more than one wife unless he was exceedingly wealthy and/or exceedingly strong and virile?

Next, the limitation very clearly states; ".. but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then only one ..."

Muslims Today - Most Monogamous
Step by step, the men of Islam have come to be known today as the most monogamous of all men on earth (we only have one wife). Check for yourself and see. In the majority of all the Muslim homes on earth, a man gets married once, to one woman and then he stays married to her until the death of either himself or his wife.

Woman's Right To Choose Any Husband She Likes -
Even If He Is Already Married
One very important point that is often overlooked by modern society is the right that Islam gave to the women that it does not give to the man. A man is limited to marry only from the woman who is not already married. Obviously, this provides rights for the children and provides for them from inheritance from the father. But Islam also permits the women to marry a man who is already married to protect her in a society where the number of women outnumbers the population of men. Additionally, the woman has a large selection of men to choose from. In fact, she has the right to choose from any man in the community as long as he does not already have four wives. She also has the opportunity to see how the other wife was being treated and go into a marriage knowing exactly what to expect from her husband. After all, he must treat her in the same way as he is treating the other wife.

Women Need Husbands - Allah Provided the Answer
The prophet, peace be upon him, predicted that in the Last Days the women would outnumber the men to a great extent. Today we are seeing this become a reality all over the world. Allah has already provided for us for this occasion. After all, He is the One who makes it all happen and He already knew that many women would come into Islam in these days. He also knew many of the Muslim men would be killed or die at an early age, just as it is happening these days. These women all need husbands. Allah has given us the solution to all of life's problems.

Women's Right to Vote - 1,400 Years Ago
We might add that Islam also gave the women full status as citizens over 1,400 years ago by giving her to right to speak and vote the same as anyone else. American women had to take their cause to the streets with "Women's Suffrage" and were not granted the right to vote until just ninety years ago.

Women Keep Their Identity - And Their Names
Additionally, Islam protected women's rights to keep their identity and they were not considered property of some man. As such, they were no longer forced to change their last names to be that of their husbands. This is still the practice of Muslim women today just as it was fourteen hundred years ago.

Women Keep Their Property And Earnings - Men Must Share
Yet, at the same time the western society is so concerned about the way Islam demands that a couple be married, the man actually must work instead of the woman; the woman owns her own property without giving anything for the support of the house or the child; a child has the right to his or her own mother raising them instead of a baby sitter or day care; father must support his children; divorce is hated; and marriage is sanctified.

West Can't Tolerate Man And Woman - In Marriage
It is strange isn't it, a society like America, has no problem accepting sex without marriage; homosexuality; same sex marriages; sex without responsibility; children without fathers; and divorces are more common place than the measles or chicken pox. Yet, there is no tolerance for marriage between a man and a woman if it is not on their terms.

What Needs to Be Re-evaluated?
Compare the two for yourself and see which one needs correction.

Women In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

A reminder, please:

Many people confuse culture with religion, many others do not know what their religious books are saying, and many others do not even care.

A new Website about women in Islam: Islam's Women

From the Website:

At a time when the rest of the world, from Greece and Rome to India and China, considered women as no better than children or even slaves, with no rights whatsoever, Islam acknowledged women's equality with men in a great many respects. The Quran states:

"And among His signs is this: that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest and peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Certainly, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." [Noble Quran 30:21]

Prophet Muhammad said:

"The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife." [Abu Dawud]

Muslims believe that Adam and Eve were created from the same soul. Both were equally guilty of their sin and fall from grace, and Allah forgave both. Many women in Islam have had high status; consider the fact that the first person to convert to Islam was Khadijah, the wife of Muhammad, whom he both loved and respected. His favorite wife after Khadijah's death, Ayshah, became renowned as a scholar and one of the greatest sources of Hadith literature. Many of the female Companions accomplished great deeds and achieved fame, and throughout Islamic history there have been famous and influential scholars and jurists.

We might also mention that while many in the West criticize Islam with regard to the treatment of women, in fact a number of Muslim countries have had women rulers and presidents. To name a few: Turkey; Bangladesh and Pakistan.

With regard to education, both women and men have the same rights and obligations. This is clear in Prophet Muhammad's saying:

"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every believer." [Ibn Majah]

This implies men and women.

A woman is to be treated as God has endowed her, with rights, such as to be treated as an individual, with the right to own and dispose of her own property and earnings, enter into contracts, even after marriage. She has the right to be educated and to work outside the home if she so chooses. She has the right to inherit from her father, mother, and husband. A very interesting point to note is that in Islam, unlike any other religion, a woman can be an imam, a leader of communal prayer, for a group of women.

A Muslim woman also has obligations. All the laws and regulations pertaining to prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, doing good deeds, etc., apply to women, albeit with minor differences having mainly to do with female physiology.

Before marriage, a woman has the right to choose her husband. Islamic law is very strict regarding the necessity of having the woman's consent for marriage. The groom gives a marriage dowry to the bride for her own personal use. She keeps her own family name, rather than taking her husband's. As a wife, a woman has the right to be supported by her husband even if she is already rich. She also has the right to seek divorce and custody of young children. She does not return the dowry, except in a few unusual situations.

Despite the fact that in many places and times Muslim communities have not always adhered to all or even many of the foregoing in practice, the ideal has been there for 1,400 years, while virtually all other major civilizations did not begin to address these issues or change their negative attitudes until the 19th and 20th centuries, and there are still many contemporary civilizations which have yet to do so.

Women Rights Before & After Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Always keep in mind that:

Many people confuse culture with religion, many others do not know what their religious books are saying, and many others do not even care.

On Islam Newsroom I found this great research about women rights before and after Islam with comparison to original Judaism and Christianity doctrines.

This is really an important research to read especially for those who are not familiar with Islam or the Muslim community.

Note: Muslims are facing a defaming war. The only way to face it is the truth. But, how much are those leading this war willing to listen?

Women Are Respected In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Allah has completed the guidance to humanity by sending Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him. Some people banned what is halal and made halal banned. The God says in the Holy Quran:

Postponement (of a sacred month) is only an excess of disbelief whereby those who disbelieve are misled; they allow it one year and forbid it (another) year, that they may make up the number of the months which Allah hath hallowed, so that they allow that which Allah hath forbidden. The evil of their deeds is made fair-seeming unto them. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk. (37) Repentance 9:37

Tafsir:

Postponement [of the sacred month] — that is, the deferment of the sacredness of a given month to another, as they used to do during paganism, such as postponing the sacredness of Muharram, if it arrives while they are at war, to Safar — is only an excess of unbelief, because of their rejection of God’s ruling thereof, whereby those who disbelieve are led astray (yudallu may also be read yadillu, ‘[they] go astray’), one year they make it, the month postponed, profane, and hallow it another, that they may make up, by profaning one month and hallowing another in its place, the number, of months, which God has hallowed, such that they do not hallow more, or less, than the four months, but without observing the individual months themselves; and so they profane what God has hallowed. Their evil deeds have been adorned for them, such that they deem them to be good [deeds]; and God does not guide the disbelieving folk. Source: Altafsir

It is justice what Islam seeks, and Allah insured it:

Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower. (115) Al Anaam 6:115

There are some people, Jewish, Christian, or non-Muslim who devote most of their times to attack Islam and its message. I talked previously about jihad and its types, which includes fighting the enemy invading a Muslim country as long as the ruler ordered it. The Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, was the ruler. He did not allow any fight for no reason! The Almighty God, Allah, says:

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. (190) The Cow 2:190

The topic about jihad has been discussed a lot by Muslim scholars. But still, non-Muslims attacking the peaceful message of Islam, intentionally or not, do not want to listen. Or, they just do not study Islam by themselves. There is a Rabbi who devoted his televised lectures to attack Islam, and most of his evidence of relating barbarism to Islam are based on some deviated cases, like Pakistani Imams urging British Muslims parents to teach their children jihad. Of course, jihad is struggling and you know already its types and we all have to learn them - they are the way of life and by them we can continue on living. But, I do not disagree that some Imams are affected by the ideas of extreme Muslims. Did you know that Osama Bin Laden was not a Muslim scholar and he was a business man?!

In this post I am not going to talk again about jihad. Just talking about it in one of my previous posts proves that many non-Muslims do not search or study Islam and base their ideas about it on deviations.

I am going to talk about women in Islam :) And, YES!, I am a Muslim woman and I am proud to be a Muslim woman :)

Women In Islam
The greatest thing that Islam insured is the protection of women. God says in the Quran:

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed. (31) An Noor 24:31

We are living an age that is dangerous. People are not religious anymore except a few! People are not disciplining themselves. They are not following a religion, some are just following a religion by name, and others are struggling to protect themselves and their families from deviating from righteousness. Have not you known that Western children are having sex?! Girls less than 15 conceived AND killed their fetus! What a free country is this?! If people cannot control themselves, they must be controlled to protect themselves and others. Have not you heard about the Austrian man who had sex with his own daughter?! What deviation is this?! Have not you heard about the women who got raped because they were indecent in their clothes and relationships? Do not you see it strange that most of the people praise the Western culture but do not follow it? Because it is a culture that does not discipline its people. A free country is not free anymore of adultery, rape, murders, hate, lies, corruption, and stealing.

Many people are scared of the decent and modest clothes of Muslim women. As a Muslim woman, I find my peace and content in my decent clothes - like nuns, but for better reasons. As Muslims, we love decency. We do not like nakedness, it is a disgrace to humans. As Muslims, we do not like relationships out of wedlock, they bring problems, such as the baby belongs to who? A woman if having many relationships, she becomes like an animal, and sorry for using such a word, but Allah favored us, human beings,:

We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of Our Creation. (70) Al Isra

We should have dignity!

In Islam, the rights of the women are secured:

1. she gets a nice name,
2. she has the right of having clothes, food, water, and anything she likes, as long as it is not haram,
3. she has the right to get married,
4. she has the right to travel, but with a male companion from her family for her protection,
5. she has the right to learn,
6. she has the right to do what she likes to do as long as it does not involve anything haram,
7. she has the right to celebrate eid,
8. she has the right to play,
9. she has the right to work, and
   
10. other logical rights every human, whether male or female, must have.
    

I really do not know why some Western people think Islam did not give the women any rights. What Western people do not know: Islam is a widespread religion and it is followed by people of different backgrounds and cultures, and it entered the hearts of the people, but they preferred their traditions because they could not abandon them or they found them suiting their life. Many people, especially tribal, are following the traditions their ancestors followed. Some tribes do not allow their daughters to learn, although Islam insured it and made it obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad said:

Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. Arabic Source: Islamweb

And others do not allow their daughters to work. God says:

And whoso doeth good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date-stone. (124) The Women 4:124

And there is nothing in Islam that prohibits the woman from becoming an engineer or a doctor or any noble job which will save her from asking the people for money. The woman must do her job in the correct way - refraining from tempting others, whether knowingly or not, with her looks or her clothes, so she must be decent to protect herself and the others from falling in the Devil's trap.

Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, served her husband Al Zubair in their house. She took care of his horse and brought water. Aisha and Um Salama helped the fighters in the War of Uhud giving them water and what they needed. And Ameena Bint Qais did a great job in the War of Khaibar. The Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, gave her a necklace for her good job, and she wore it and was proud of it until her death.

In my family, my parents do not want me to drive a car because it is, in their opinion and I respect it, that it is the role of the man to take care of his family in bringing them goods they need and driving the car for that. But, it does not mean that I am not allowed to go with my father or brother to the hypermarket. I go with them, but not alone. Because, in my culture, a girl shopping alone is perceived as careless and open to talk to male shoppers. Actually, I do not like cars, even airplanes, because I am not brave enough to through myself in traffic jams. And I know that I am not that responsible to be given a car and drive it. I know I will not drive safely. I want to protect myself and others.

Let me now introduce you to some sayings of the Prophet Muahammad, Peace Be Upon Him, about women:

O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, and this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.

O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of Shaitan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things: the Qur’an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people. Source: Wikipedia

And this will is intended for every man and woman to protect the right of every man and woman.

'Abdullah bin 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, reported:

A woman was found murdered in one of the battles fought by the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). (On seeing that) Allah's Messenger disapproved of the killing of women and children. Source: al-islam

Women are not allowed to be killed in war.

'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The best of the women of the world of her time was Mary, daughter of 'Imran, and the best of the women of her time was Khadijah bint Khuwailid. Source: al-islam

In Islam, women are given as examples. Women are encouraged to be as devoted to Allah as Mary was and as loving to their husbands as Khadijah was.

Well, there are many great stories about Muslim women. You can know more about women in Islam here and here. And if you want to know more about the life of Muslim women you can leave your questions as a comment on this post or you can send me an e-mail (you can find my e-mail address in the right menu).

Women Are Not Dirty!
A Muslim wife who is during her menstruation is not dirty as is thought in Judaism. It is not logical. Not allowing the couple to touch, to kiss or even to sit together on the same seat are just violations to their rights and are unfair. In Islam, menstruating women are not allowed to have sex with their husbands because blood of menstruation is considered unclean, just like when blood comes out from a cut on the skin. God says:

They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness. (222) The Cow 2:222

But, the couples are allowed to do what they normally do. Take the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, The Teacher, as an example. 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

When anyone among us (among the wives of the Holy Prophet) menstruated, Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) asked her to tie a waist-wrapper over her (body) and then embraced her. Source: al-islam

Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

While I was lying with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in a bed cover I menstruated, so I slipped away and I took up the clothes (which I wore) in menses. Upon this Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) asked: Have you menstruated? I said: Yes. He called me and I lay down with him in the bed cover. (And she further) said that she and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to take bath from the same vessel after major impurity (sexual intercourse). Source: al-islam

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

Fatimah bint Abi Hubaish came to the Messenger (may peace he upon him) and said: I am a woman whose blood keeps flowing (even after the menstruation period). I am never purified; should I, therefore, abandon the Prayer? He (the Holy Prophet) said; Not at all, for that is only a vein (injured), and is not menstruation, so when menstruation comes, abandon the Prayer, and when it ends, wash the blood from yourself and then pray. Source: al-islam

Read this fatwa. And you can read more about the intimate relationship between the couples in Islam here.

In the end...
Islam protected the rights. And it gives guidelines for protection :)

Divorce In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Today's Friday prayer's sermon was about divorce.

There is a whole sura in the Holy Quran about divorce:

O Prophet! When ye (men) put away women, put them away for their (legal) period and reckon the period, and keep your duty to Allah, your Lord. Expel them not from their houses nor let them go forth unless they commit open immorality. Such are the limits (imposed by) Allah; and whoso transgresseth Allah's limits, he verily wrongeth his soul. Thou knowest not: it may be that Allah will afterward bring some new thing to pass. (1) Then, when they have reached their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah. Whoso believeth in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to act thus. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him, (2) And will provide for him from (a quarter) whence he hath no expectation. And whosoever putteth his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. Lo! Allah bringeth His command to pass. Allah hath set a measure for all things. (3) And for such of your women as despair of menstruation, if ye doubt, their period (of waiting) shall be three months, along with those who have it not. And for those with child, their period shall be till they bring forth their burden. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, He maketh his course easy for him. (4) That is the commandment of Allah which He revealeth unto you. And whoso keepeth his duty to Allah, He will remit from him his evil deeds and magnify reward for him. (5) Lodge them where ye dwell, according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them. And if they are with child, then spend for them till they bring forth their burden. Then, if they give suck for you, give them their due payment and consult together in kindness; but if ye make difficulties for one another, then let some other woman give suck for him (the father of the child). (6) Let him who hath abundance spend of his abundance, and he whose provision is measured, let him spend of that which Allah hath given him. Allah asketh naught of any soul save that which He hath given it. Allah will vouchsafe, after hardship, ease. (7) And how many a community revolted against the ordinance of its Lord and His messengers, and We called it to a stern account and punished it with dire punishment, (8) So that it tasted the ill-effects of its conduct, and the consequence of its conduct was loss. (9) Allah hath prepared for them stern punishment; so keep your duty to Allah, O men of understanding! O ye who believe! Now Allah hath sent down unto you a reminder, (10) A messenger reciting unto you the revelations of Allah made plain, that He may bring forth those who believe and do good works from darkness unto light. And whosoever believeth in Allah and doeth right, He will bring him into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein to abide for ever. Allah hath made good provision for him. (11) Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge. (12) Divorce 65:1-12

You can check the tafsir of this sura and others in Al Tafsir Website.

Divorce
The husband is allowed to seek divorce only if there is a serious reason. God says in the Holy Quran:

O ye who believe! It is not lawful for you forcibly to inherit the women (of your deceased kinsmen), nor (that) ye should put constraint upon them that ye may take away a part of that which ye have given them, unless they be guilty of flagrant lewdness. But consort with them in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Allah hath placed much good. (19) The Women 4:19

The husband should seek a good thing in his wife that makes him love her. There is no such a totally bad woman!

And if there is no way they can live together in one roof, they should first seek the help of their families. God says:

And if ye fear a breach between them twain (the man and wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment Allah will make them of one mind. Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Aware. (35) The Women 4:35

The husband must always think before deciding the divorce. There will be many serious consequences in the near and far future especially on the wife and their sons and daughters. God says in the Quran:

Allah will not take you to task for that which is unintentional in your oaths. But He will take you to task for that which your hearts have garnered. Allah is Forgiving, Clement. (225) Those who forswear their wives must wait four months; then, if they change their mind, lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (226) And if they decide upon divorce (let them remember that) Allah is Hearer, Knower. (227) Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart, three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise. (228) Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah's limits: such are wrong-doers. (229) And if he hath divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she hath wedded another husband. Then if he (the other husband) divorce her it is no sin for both of them that they come together again if they consider that they are able to observe the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah. He manifesteth them for people who have knowledge. (230) When ye have divorced women, and they have reached their term, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so that ye transgress (the limits). He who doeth that hath wronged his soul. Make not the revelations of Allah a laughing-stock (by your behaviour), but remember Allah's grace upon you and that which He hath revealed unto you of the Scripture and of wisdom, whereby He doth exhort you. Observe your duty to Allah and know that Allah is Aware of all things. (231) And when ye have divorced women and they reach their term, place not difficulties in the way of their marrying their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness. This is an admonition for him among you who believeth in Allah and the Last Day. That is more virtuous for you, and cleaner. Allah knoweth; ye know not. (232) The Cow 2:225-232

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

Regarding the verse:

And if a woman fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part The Women 4:128

it was revealed in case of a woman who had long association with a man (as his wife) and now he intends to divorce her and she says: Do not divorce me, but retain me (as wife in your house) and you are permitted to live with another wife. It is in this context that this verse was revealed. Source: al-islam

Islam provides guidance. God taught the people how to deal with many issues in their lives both in the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him. Allah is the Greatest Judge and King!

Why Only The Husband Decides Divorce?
Men are able to judge on things without their emotions affecting their decisions, women cannot. At times of difficulties the men are able to control themselves and think before judging, but the women are not. Women are sentimental.

Divorce is not a good thing at most of the times. It is a difficult choice and can and has caused troubles for the husband, the wife and their sons and daughters.

But, does the woman have the choice to seek divorce? She has the choice! But it is not called divorce. It is called khulu. It is divorce at the request of the wife who pays a compensation to her husband. God says:

Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah's limits: such are wrong-doers. (229) The Cow 2:229

And there is the famous hadith:

that the wife of Thaabit ibn Qays came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah, I do not blame Thaabit ibn Qays for any defect in his character or his religious commitment, but I would hate to commit an act of kufr when I am a Muslim.” [Ibn Majaah (2056 added): and I cannot stand him ] The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Will you give him back his garden [which he had given as mahr]?” She said, “Yes.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said (to Thaabit), “Accept the garden, and divorce her once.” Source: Islam Q&A

And the khulu is for a reason. The Prophet Muhammad said:

Those women who seek khulu’ [without valid grounds] are the hypocrites. Source: Islamweb

In the end...
It is easy to search for things you do not know about in Islam and know better about them. As you know, I am just a Muslim; not a scholar. And the topic of divorce cannot be written by a Muslim not specialized in fiqh.

I will give you links that will help you know more about divorce in Islam through fatwas:

• Separation of spouses
• Fiqh of the family

Working Is Worshiping In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Today's Friday Prayer's sermon was about work and how it is viewed in Islam.

Working Is A Human Right
Islam urges all the people to work to eat food that is halal, which is bought by money gained from doing a good job, and to own things in the correct way - owning by gaining. And all of us are asked to relax after doing our jobs. God says in the Holy Quran:

Say: Have ye thought, if Allah made night everlasting for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a God beside Allah who could bring you light? Will ye not then hear? (71) Say: Have ye thought, if Allah made day everlasting for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a God beside Allah who could bring you night wherein ye rest? Will ye not then see? (72) Of His mercy hath He appointed for you night and day, that therein ye may rest, and that ye may seek His bounty, and that haply ye may be thankful. (73) Stories 28:71-73

This does not mean that all of us must work during the day and sleep in the night. In life, there are certain people who must do their job during the night, such as guards, drivers, pilots, etc. What God the Merciful wants us to do is to give everything its right - to work as well as rest. The Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, said:

You have to give God His right, and yourself its right, and your relatives their right, and give everything its right. Arabic Source: al-islam

For God
Work is not only a right. Every good work a person does is some kind of worshiping God when it is done following His orders - to live and help others live. Good work benefits. Bad work harms. Seeking money by working helps the family live without asking the people for it and be humiliated. God says:

Slay not your children, fearing a fall to poverty, We shall provide for them and for you. Lo! the slaying of them is great sin. (31) Al Israa 17:31

It does not mean that the person should concentrate on worshiping God and leaving the work:

The Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, entered the Masjid one day and saw a man spending his time worshiping leaving everything behind. When the Prophet asked about who works to help him live, the Prophet's companions told him that it was his brother. The Prophet said: "His brother is more worshiping than him." Arabic Source: Al Khaleej

Doing The Job Right
When a person does his/her job, s/he must do it right, even if they are bored. The Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, said:

God loves it when one does his job correctly. Arabic Source: Islam Web

Giving The Worker His/Her Salary
It is obligatory that the employer gives his/her employees their salaries promptly - to prevent anger and to be fair. The Prophet said:

Allah said: "There are three people I will be against on the Day of Judgment: A man who gave oath upon me and broke it, a man who sold a free man and ate from his money, and a man who asked another man to work for him and when he was done he did not give him his salary." Arabic Source: Islam Web

Allah prohibited stealing. The worker, whether in a high or low position, must not steal any public belongings or money. Also, Allah prohibited bribery. And

the Prophet cursed those who give bribery and who accept it. Arabic Source: Islam Web

Working Is A Right For Men And Women
Every work that God allowed is a right for every man and every woman. God the Greatest Says in the Holy Quran:

And their Lord hath heard them (and He saith): Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. Ye proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow - A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards. (195) Al Imran 3:195

And there is nothing in Islam that prohibits the woman from becoming an engineer or a doctor or any noble job which will save her from asking the people for money. The woman must do her job in the correct way - refraining from tempting others, whether knowingly or not, with her looks or her clothes, so she must be decent to protect herself and the others from falling in the Devil's trap.

Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, served her husband Al Zubair in their house. She took care of his horse and brought water. Aisha and Um Salama helped the fighters in the War of Uhud giving them water and what they needed. And Ameena Bint Qais did a great job in the War of Khaibar. The Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, gave her a necklace for her good job, and she wore it and was proud of it until her death.

Working Is Obligatory
Every person must do a job as long as s/he is able to do it. No one should stay idle and prefer sedentary life. God asked us to take care of all of us, everyone on earth and everything on it. God says:

O ye who believe! Spend of the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from the earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity) when ye would not take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah is Absolute, Owner of Praise. (267) The Cow 2:267

The Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, praised the hand that does a work and that God loves it and that Hell will not touch it. And the work without faith is nothing. And in many verses of the Quran, Allah pairs faith with good work. God says:

And whoso doeth good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date-stone. (124) The Women 4:124

Unemployment
In Islam, the government is responsible for its people. It has to offer the unemployed jobs. If there are no jobs available in the near future, the government has to prepare the unemployed for these jobs by training. Unemployment can drive people to steal and kill.

In the end...
Solving the problem of unemployment will help build strong communities. And ensuring people do their jobs in the correct way and with enthusiasm, which will increase productivity :)

Source: Alkhaleej