⫷ Prophetic Social Reforms and the Teachings on Gender Balance ⫸
◈ Continuity of Prophetic Mission and Social Reforms
The primary purpose of the Prophets’ (Anbiya) mission has always been not only to call towards belief in Allah (Iman Billah) but also to reform moral and societal corruption. The struggle of the Qur’an and the Noble Prophet ﷺ is based upon the same principle, with particular attention given to correcting imbalances in the family system and the ignorant customs of the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah).
◈ Finality of Prophethood, Continuity of Reform
With the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the chain of Prophethood has come to an end. However, his teachings remain preserved in the Qur’an, Hadith, Seerah, and Islamic history.
One may ask: If a Prophet were to be sent today, what would be his reformative priorities concerning the rights, responsibilities, and boundaries of both genders? Would he offer constructive solutions to current issues or merely react to prevailing circumstances?
✔ Potential Reform Agenda from the Perspective of the Prophet ﷺ
① Promotion of Social Compassion and Justice Without Gender Segregation
The Prophet’s first priority would be to address society as a whole rather than creating gender-based divisions. He would emphasize that human relationships must be based on compassion and cooperation. The Prophet would awaken moral consciousness and provide solutions to social injustices through justice rather than hostility.
② Protection of Women’s Rights and Awareness
Without discrimination, the Prophet would ensure the safeguarding of women’s rights and encourage organizing various activities to address their issues. He would pave the way for women’s education, awareness, and legal participation so they may actively contribute to societal reform.
③ Protection of the Rights of the Third Gender
The Prophet would strive to recognize the human and social status of the third gender and seek to create opportunities for them to live a normal, dignified life. Instead of humiliation or ridicule, he would promote human dignity.
④ Facilitation of Marriage and Elimination of Unnecessary Barriers
The Prophet would simplify the institution of marriage and discourage obstructive customs such as extravagant dowries and the requirement of financial status.
⑤ Safeguarding the Rights of Widows and Divorcees
The Prophet would emphasize the right to marital life for widows, divorcees, and elderly unmarried women, and would encourage society to create suitable opportunities for them.
⑥ Right to Free Choice in Marriage
The Prophet would grant both men and women the right to choose their life partners, rejecting familial pressure. He would oppose forced marriages and stress the importance of women’s consent.
⑦ Teaching Moderation Within the Patriarchal System
The Prophet would reform the excesses and shortcomings of the patriarchal system, highlighting the natural roles of men and women to preserve the family structure.
⑧ Safeguarding Women’s Financial Rights
The Prophet would emphasize that payment of mahr (dower) and women’s rightful share in inheritance are religious obligations, and he would encourage the establishment of legal systems to uphold their financial rights.
⑨ Encouraging Women’s Social Participation
The Prophet would support women’s involvement in social responsibilities, provided that their domestic duties and natural delicacies are respected.
⑩ Women’s Education, Upbringing, and Leadership
The Prophet would stress the role of knowledgeable women in the education and upbringing of others, encouraging their scholarly and practical contributions in society.
⑪ Sexual Ethics and Boundaries
The Prophet would bind sexual desires to moral principles, and would clearly label promiscuity, homosexuality, and other unnatural behaviors as morally unacceptable.
⑫ Teaching Moderation in Sexual Desires
The Prophet would emphasize that unrestrained stimulation of sexual desires leads to societal issues. He would guide both genders to observe boundaries and decorum, and remind social institutions of their responsibilities.
