Question for Muslim women

[Claire_from_DE]

As a Muslim woman, what aspects of your faith are most important to you personally?

If you are a convert to Islam, why did you convert? Were you previously a member of another religious group? If so, which one?

Do Muslim women do the same prayers that the men do during the day?

I realize that there may be very few Muslim women who are active on this forum, but maybe some of you men would kindly ask your wife or sister to share their feelings with us. As a woman, I would be interested to know what about Islam appeals to a woman.

 

[hamba2han]

You can watch quite a few videos on why Western women choose to become Muslims at this website.

 

[meedo]

As a Muslim woman, what aspects of your faith are most important to you personally?

If you are a convert to Islam, why did you convert? Were you previously a member of another religious group? If so, which one?

Do Muslim women do the same prayers that the men do during the day?

I realize that there may be very few Muslim women who are active on this forum, but maybe some of you men would kindly ask your wife or sister to share their feelings with us. As a woman, I would be interested to know what about Islam appeals to a woman.

www.whyislam.org

this is a better site to meat women converts to islam

 

[tawheedah]

As a Muslim woman, what aspects of your faith are most important to you personally?

If you are a convert to Islam, why did you convert? Were you previously a member of another religious group? If so, which one?

Do Muslim women do the same prayers that the men do during the day?

I realize that there may be very few Muslim women who are active on this forum, but maybe some of you men would kindly ask your wife or sister to share their feelings with us. As a woman, I would be interested to know what about Islam appeals to a woman.

I’m a Muslimah. I love Islam and everything it encompasses. I used to be a Lutheran, I converted to Islam after 9 years studying it… What led me to Islam was the bible… At about 15 or 16 I was reading it, wanting to be more spiritual and religious, being raised church wasn’t something we frequented and I really didn’t know much about my own religion… I saw the movie the prince of egypt and was told it was true from the bible, and I didn’t even know… so this led me to read the Bible… in the Bible I found some inconsistencies that didn’t make sense to me… namely the whole Jesus is God, Jesus is the son of God, God is his own Son, etc…

This led me to a book called “A History of God” by Karen Armstrong where I was reading about the 3 major religions and a few others, which led me to the Quran, in which I found the Truth. Several years later I finally took Shahada. Alhamdulillah.

Yes women do the same prayers as men, we pray 5 times a day and in the same manner as the men do. There are some things that are different for men and women, such as it is good for us to pray in the home and not necessary for us to pray in congregation (especially if we have small children), but we can pray in congregation as well. We can’t pray when we’re on our periods, etc.

There is nothing within Islam about women that bothers me. I live my life according to the Quran and the Sunnah, and there is no part of my deen which I reject or hold higher. I can’t say ‘this is more important than that’… I just try to live my life according to the Quran and the Sunnah and try to please my Lord and bring myself closer to him through ibadah (worship).

Peace

 

[AgnosTheist]

There is nothing within Islam about women that bothers me.

How do you reconcile the koranic verse 4:34 which tells husbands to beat rebellious wives who wont listen to them?

What about the hadith wherein Mohammad accused women as deficient in religion & intelligence?

How do you go around those islamic ideas?

 

[Sister_Amy]

As a Muslim woman, what aspects of your faith are most important to you personally?

Because Islam is a wholistic way of life, comprising not just specific beliefs or practices, but every part of life individually and socially, it’s hard to say what is most important, without constructing a pyramid view of Islam. At the top of the pyramid, from which all aspects of the faith are derived, is absolute submission to God. As a Muslim woman, I believe in God–a Creator–who has sent guidance to mankind, so we can understand His blessings and show gratitude for them, so we can know His Love, Mercy, Compassion, and humble ourselves before Him. And everything in my life returns to this focus–the ritual prayer, covering my body, how I treat my parents, children, husband, etc.

If you are a convert to Islam, why did you convert? Were you previously a member of another religious group? If so, which one?

I am a convert to Islam, and I was a Southern Baptist Christian. I converted because when I began to study Islam, and read the Qur’an specifically, I was convinced that if I did believe in God, then God would provide us with guidance and instructions, and a proper way to live with even the smallest details described. I believed then as I do now that men are not capable of creating laws for governing mankind that are perfectly fair or just for all groups of people, but rather that only God who created us has that authority. And Muslims have that, in the Qur’an.

Do Muslim women do the same prayers that the men do during the day?

Yes. There are five “mandatory” prayers per day, and then optional extra ones beyond that. Women are given a break during their periods though, so they don’t have to pray the days they are bleeding. There are no different supplications for women either. It is the same.

I realize that there may be very few Muslim women who are active on this forum, but maybe some of you men would kindly ask your wife or sister to share their feelings with us. As a woman, I would be interested to know what about Islam appeals to a woman.

There are a few interesting stories you may come across on the internet–Yvonne Ridley for one was attracted to Islam by the high status given to women in the Qur’an. I know some other women who have the same opinion. For me, though, it was the power of the message of the Qur’an in general that appealed to me.

 

[Sister_Amy]

How do you reconcile the koranic verse 4:34 which tells husbands to beat rebellious wives who wont listen to them?

What about the hadith wherein Mohammad accused women as deficient in religion & intelligence?

How do you go around those islamic ideas?

These are commonly misunderstood “ideas,” even some Muslims don’t understand. The ayah in the Qur’an 4:34 is a guide for husbands to follow before resorting to divorce, for a woman who is very disobedient in her religion–and this is a grave thing, not just “won’t listen to them” like you said. Moreover, the ayah actually is preventing any sort of domestic abuse. Rather than allowing the husband to hit his wife, he first has to instruct her, tell her what she is doing is wrong. If she persists, then he is to leave her bed. And if she still persists, the last resort before a divorce is to supposedly “hit” her, although some scholars even take the opinion that “hit” actually means for the husband to have intercourse with his wife again. Others allow it means hitting but in such a way that no mark is left, and not on the face, in such a way that is merely symbolic, so lightly as if being hit by a toothbrush.

Regarding women’s supposed “deficiency” the hadith is saying that women perform less prayers than men do–in general it’s true, women have a lighter obligation in regards to prayer, because they do not have to pray while menstruating. And about intelligence, the suggestion is that women are more sensitive to their emotions than logic–which is a benefit in its own way, and also a physiological truth. It’s not so much an insult really–he was encouraging the women to give in charity.

 

[ricko]

Women have a High Status? In Muslim countries they can’t drive a car, can’t vote, can’t be out alone etc. How about the post below from Agnos?

How do you reconcile the koranic verse 4:34 which tells husbands to beat rebellious wives who wont listen to them?

What about the hadith wherein Mohammad accused women as deficient in religion & intelligence?

 

[Booklover]

Top ten rules in the Quran that oppress and insult women

Muhammad’s low opinion of women

Vickie

 

[deb1]

So far this is a great thread. I am finding it interesting to read about Muslim women discussing their faith.

Do any of the women on this thread cover their hair?

 

[Sister_Amy]

I cover my hair.

I think it’s a good thread, too. Or it started out good… it was good until people started trying to insult the participants (i.e., Muslim women.)

There is only one country where Muslim women can’t drive–and it’s not because of Shari’ah, unfortunately they have a cultural problem with it. In the same country women can’t vote, but neither can men. It’s a monarchy. And Rick, I already answered Agnos’s post, if you would just look closely.

 

[AgnosTheist]

some scholars even take the opinion that “hit” actually means for the husband to have intercourse with his wife again. Others allow it means hitting but in such a way that no mark is left, and not on the face, in such a way that is merely symbolic, so lightly as if being hit by a toothbrush.

what do you think?

Regarding women’s supposed “deficiency” the hadith is saying that women perform less prayers than men do–in general it’s true, women have a lighter obligation in regards to prayer, because they do not have to pray while menstruating.

but this hadith explains such deficiencies are the reasons why women are the majority in hell. how do you reconcile that?

And about intelligence, the suggestion is that women are more sensitive to their emotions than logic–which is a benefit in its own way, and also a physiological truth. It’s not so much an insult really–he was encouraging the women to give in charity.

err, ok. just remember that being more emotional does not make females perform less in class than males.

 

[MugenOne]

There was another Muslim lady who used to frequent this forum, but she was long gone. She couldn’t just successfully argue with folks here.

Anyway, back to the topic. How do you feel when you find out that the prophet killed and enslaved thousands of Jewish women and children of Banu Qurayza?

In 627 AD, the tribe was charged with treachery and collaboration with the invading armies during the Battle of the Trench and besieged by the Muslims commanded by Muhammad.[1][2] The Banu Qurayza surrendered and all the men, apart from a few who converted to Islam, were beheaded, while all the women and children were enslaved.

Jesus didn’t even harm an ant and yet He was given to die for our sins. If Jesus isn’t God, he’s still better than Mohammed in every aspect.

 

[Sister_Amy]

what do you think?

Beating is only a last resort–and in most cases it probably won’t solve the problem. Don’t you see that?

but this hadith explains such deficiencies are the reasons why women are the majority in hell. how do you reconcile that?

You have the entire hadith out of order. First, he tells them to give charity. Second, he says to give charity beacuse he has seen that the majority of dwellers of hell were women. They ask why. He FIRST mentions improper treatment of their husbands, then goes on to say that they have less obligation (shortage, which has been poorly translated as deficiency) in religion, etc., and then describes that they have a power to mislead a good and sensible man. The women ask for explanation and they get it. This is a technique using fear, instilling fear in the women, fear of Hell, to encourage them to give in charity. If they are stingy and mean, they have the same hellfire as a man has.

err, ok. just remember that being more emotional does not make females perform less in class than males.

A friend of mine was telling me now that women have a harder time getting into college because their HS GPA’s are higher than men, and more of them apply to college–with the better grades. Clearly it doesn’t mean that women are stupid. But there are physiological differences, whether you admit it or not.

 

[Sister_Amy]

There was another Muslim lady who used to frequent this forum, but she was long gone. She couldn’t just successfully argue with folks here.

Anyway, back to the topic. How do you feel when you find out that the prophet killed and enslaved thousands of Jewish women and children of Banu Qurayza?

In 627 AD, the tribe was charged with treachery and collaboration with the invading armies during the Battle of the Trench and besieged by the Muslims commanded by Muhammad.[1][2] The Banu Qurayza surrendered and all the men, apart from a few who converted to Islam, were beheaded, while all the women and children were enslaved.

Jesus didn’t even harm an ant and yet He was given to die for our sins. If Jesus isn’t God, he’s still better than Mohammed in every aspect.

I know the story of Banu Qurayzah. And you know Wikipedia.

Jesus, peace be upon him, was never in charge of ruling a city and protecting its inhabitants. I don’t mean that with any disrespect at all, but you have in Jesus pbuh only three years of preaching. Muhammad, pbuh preached for 13 years, and ruled a city as statesman and general for 10 more–while still preaching. Just some food for thought.

 

[AgnosTheist]

Beating is only a last resort–and in most cases it probably won’t solve the problem. Don’t you see that?

Yes thats exactly what I see. Islam allows wife-beating as a “last resort”

You have the entire hadith out of order. First, he tells them to give charity. Second, he says to give charity beacuse he has seen that the majority of dwellers of hell were women. They ask why. He FIRST mentions improper treatment of their husbands, then goes on to say that they have less obligation (shortage, which has been poorly translated as deficiency) in religion, etc., and then describes that they have a power to mislead a good and sensible man. The women ask for explanation and they get it. This is a technique using fear, instilling fear in the women, fear of Hell, to encourage them to give in charity. If they are stingy and mean, they have the same hellfire as a man has.

so you just accept the idea that women are more in danger of going to hell?

A friend of mine was telling me now that women have a harder time getting into college because their HS GPA’s are higher than men, and more of them apply to college–with the better grades. Clearly it doesn’t mean that women are stupid. But there are physiological differences, whether you admit it or not.

I admit there are physiological differences. Yet scientific evidences still say that females are just as intelligent as males.

 

[planten]

There was another Muslim lady who used to frequent this forum, but she was long gone. She couldn’t just successfully argue with folks here.

Anyway, back to the topic. How do you feel when you find out that the prophet killed and enslaved thousands of Jewish women and children of Banu Qurayza?

In 627 AD, the tribe was charged with treachery and collaboration with the invading armies during the Battle of the Trench and besieged by the Muslims commanded by Muhammad.[1][2] The Banu Qurayza surrendered and all the men, apart from a few who converted to Islam, were beheaded, while all the women and children were enslaved.

Jesus didn’t even harm an ant and yet He was given to die for our sins. If Jesus isn’t God, he’s still better than Mohammed in every aspect.

That treachury during the battle of the trench was very dangerous for the Muslims. The Jews betrayed the muslims during the war and went against their treaty. They were to be punished. A judge was appointed by the Jews and agreed upon by the Jews that they will respect his decision. That Judge gave the verdict. Please read history of the event.

It is not good to talk about Jesus here because he did not do anything at all and he could not do anything. His own people betrayed him, did not accept him, rejected him, humilated him, crucified him… What to say of him ! We muslims love Jesus too and we cannot discuss the things as the christians believe them. They are not true things.

Now coming to the topic, please follow some rules. Discussion should be as per sacred books, i.e. Quran and bible or Quran versus bible. We should put both books in front of us and speak with some reference. If there is anything bad in the Quran about ladies then the christian friends should show something good about the ladies from the bible. I believe they will find nothing in the bible.

The Muslim ladies have replied very well and boldly and decently on this topic. I have examined their words are perfectly true. I may add that:

1. Quran absolves the ladies from the first sin for which bible blames all women.
2. It gives right of property inheritance to the ladies officially which cannot be revoked. that is since 1400 years ago. Does bible mention anything of that kind for the christian ladies? No.
3. It tells that the wife and husband are like covering for each other. They are bound by love and find comfort in each other.
4. Islam gives equal status to the ladies in maximum matters.
5. It gives Muslim ladies security and sustenance and purity.
6. It protects the ladies by marriage.
7. islam gives the right to the lady to claim resignation (Khulah) from marriage if things become difficult. That is similar to the right of divorce. The christians should tell (from their sacred book, bible). Do the ladies have any right to separate or annul marriage tie? They do not have any such right.

The christians had to invent / legislate laws for divorce. That proved a serious shorcoming in their religious book (bible). They thought there was no room for any divorce. That was wrong and un-natural.

I hope that is enough to compare the christianity and islam. That is without prejudice to the christian faith. I do not want to hurt any one. But it was inquired about the position of ladies in Islam and also some one asked for the good points that ladies in Islam enjoyed compared to other faiths. So, I have described a few things.

 

[ralphinal]

I have stayed out of this for a while, waiting to see how the thread went. I must now point out a few things.

1. For most Westerners, we cannot see a difference between Islam and Islamic states. To us, Muslim women are not given fair treatment in most Muslim nations, and we see it as a reflection on Islam. After all, these people supposidly practice Shiara law.
2. Many of us would call polygamy unfair to women. It creates a system where the purpose of a woman is to please her man in some form, meaning that he can get more help if one is not enough. We do not see women allowed to get more men if the husband is not satisfactory.
3. Culturally, the west has different views about what is fair and ethical treatment, many of which are not based on religion. We see women as being equal to men as witnesses in courts. We see that rape can exist within a marriage between a husband and wife. We see that women can work outside of the home, vote, and drive cars. It is hard to see these ideals supported in Islam.
4. The old Jewish law did set forth inheritance laws for women. The New Testement never spoke on it one way or another. In other words, it is not important to salvation how a dead man’s stuff is divided.
5. If God created Woman to be a help-mate to man, and God created Woman for Man, then what God has joined, let no man put asunder. Jesus spoke against divorce of any kind because we should be able to remain faithful, love and forgive each other if God is with us. As Jesus said, you are allowed divorce because your hearts are hard.
6. When I look at Islam, I see women as some form of object. Why? THe Hadiths promising women in paradise for those who make it. Why are women a reward? Are women rewarded with men in paradise?

 

[cathgal]

I’d like to hear treatment of Muslim women straight from the cradle Muslim women, not the converts.

Big difference.

Seems there isn’t any

I know why ! :newidea:

 

[tawheedah]

How do you reconcile the koranic verse 4:34 which tells husbands to beat rebellious wives who wont listen to them?

What about the hadith wherein Mohammad accused women as deficient in religion & intelligence?

How do you go around those islamic ideas?

Sister Amy already answered this sufficiently.

So far this is a great thread. I am finding it interesting to read about Muslim women discussing their faith.

Do any of the women on this thread cover their hair?

Yes, I wear hijab. Not only do I cover my hair but I also wear abayas- by choice.