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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MUSLIM? by Farida Mohamed, PhD Montreal - July 30, 2002 (MMN): Muslims all over the world come from a diversified range of cultures and nations and therefore we all have a tendency to infuse the religion we practice with our culture. For example the Tuaregs of the Sahara, whilst being Muslims, carry on the practice of having their menfolk cover their faces and heads, leaving only the eyes to peer out, whereas their women do not cover their faces and can choose the option of covering their heads or not. In certain parts of Pakistan, strict Muslim women adherents feel the necessity of going out of their homes in total burqah, i.e. covering themselves from head to toe, peering at the world through a veiled window, as in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The Taliban went even further and barred women from public life, as well as forcing men to sport beards, or else face public beatings. In Saudi Arabia, a woman is not allowed to vote or drive a vehicle, whereas in many parts of the Muslim world, these restrictions on women are non-existent. Some Muslim men have even taken the law into their own hands, and in some parts of Pakistan, have gone so far as to burn their wives or daughters or sisters with either acid or fire, having accused them of adultery or zinnah (sex outside marriage), although Muslim law states that there should be four witnesses to the fact. It is true that these acts happen mostly among the illiterate and rural population, but nevertheless Pakistani courts acquit these men who are charged with intent to commit murder. As I personally witnessed in a BBC documentary, most victims die of their burns in hospital several days later, but still manage to tell their tale, whilst only one out of ten women survive. Advocates for human as well as women's rights (both men and women) in Pakistan are trying to fight the law in an effort to demand that justice be done. They can only do so by marching and demonstrating in the streets or by attending to the surviving victims' needs. On the other hand, in the same country, women who are often beaten and end up murdering their husbands for fear of being victimized further, sit on death row and wait for their execution. Something is seriously wrong with our Muslim ummah to allow such acts to be committed in the name of Islam, but that have nothing to do with Islamic law. Why were our voices silent when Afghanis were being subjected to such harsh rule by the Taliban in the name of Islam? How can we not speak out in protest of Pakistani courts' double standards? Isn't it said that if a Muslim ruler is unjust and is following practices that are not deemed Islamic, then one has the right to oppose or disobey this ruler? It is entirely possible that two people may read the Qu'ran and interpret it in two different ways. It is also possible to interpret the Qu'ran word by word, without taking into account the historical context of this holy book. For example, there is jurisdiction in the Qu'ran as to how to treat one's slaves, but then it was common practice in Arabia and in other parts of the world at the time to possess slaves. Does it mean it is justified to practice slavery in this day and age? I don't think so! What it means is that the Qu'ran was sent down at a time when Arabs were practicing slavery and therefore it was sent to provide guidance to these people as well as to future generations. What Islam asks us is to abide by five pillars: to believe in one God, to perform salah or prayer five times a day in remembrance of Allah, to give zakah or pay the poor-due, to fast during the holy month of Ramadan and to perform Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca in one's lifetime if circumstances permit. It also asks us to have a clean heart, to wish for our neighbour what we would wish for ourselves, to be truthful, to be upright and just, and not to covet the materials of this world. It is believed that if we abide by the five pillars of Islam, then the good attributes will come easily. During the Prophet's (peace be upon him) time, women were involved in many activities that some fundamentalist Muslims object to today. Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a business woman. Ayesha binte Abu Bakr was consulted many times about matters of Islamic jurisdiction. Where do the Muslim fundamentalists get their teaching from? Is it from the Qu'ran? I do not recall reading anywhere about how women should be invisible and should not be heard. There are even some Muslim associations who encourage women to attend their lectures or meetings, but do not want to hear any ladies' voices raised during the question period. I know that Muslims all over the world are divided over issues like this, even though they may be united in believing in one God, Allah. In many societies where men are the breadwinners and leave the household management to their womenfolk, this kind of practice may work beautifully. But I feel that we have equated this cultural phenomenon with Islamic law. I want to point out that in a lot of societies nowadays, women are major breadwinners for their family as well as the educators of their children, and therefore may not feel comfortable to be silent and invisible. I have a feeling that we will not progress as an ummah if we do not practice what Islam preaches. It preaches equality for women, then let us practice it! We have to live in our culture as well as with our religion. It is perfectly acceptable, in my opinion, to accommodate both, as long as we do not imbue our religion with our cultural baggage. I would encourage readers to give some feedback, as I would like to hear your points of view out there. --------------------- Dr. Farida Mohamed is Researcher
in the Department Chemistry & Biochemistry at Concordia University, and
local community activist. She is also a member of MMN's advisory board.
This article was previously published in IQRA, the quarterly magazine of the
Islamic Society of Seychelles, and was posted on MMN with the permission of
the author. She can be reached at: <faridamoham@yahoo.com>
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