Women’s Freedom: Western Imitation or Islamic Rights?
In our society, male dominance remains an undeniable reality—whether it be among the illiterate elders of village councils or the educated classes of urban cities. Women are often perceived as oppressed, shaped under a cultural conditioning where derogatory expressions like being "beneath a man’s shoe" are still commonly accepted.
It has become a popular narrative that women are only victims of cruelty, helplessness, and oppression. However, as a woman, I disagree with these absolute claims. I do not support the rhetoric of the “Aurat March”, which seems more like a rebellion against men, nor do I endorse forced marriages, where daughters are treated as burdens of family honor and are married off against their will.
The educated class, influenced by Western ideologies, advocates for women's freedom, yet in doing so, often neglects Islamic teachings. But is rebelling against men the only way to break free from a male-dominated society? Ironically, those who curse men for their oppression eventually choose those very men as spouses for their own daughters and sisters.
Is freedom for women merely about not doing household chores, dressing without boundaries, and being liberated from the institution of marriage? If men are truly oppressive, what about the man who drives off with a girl in a ride-hailing app’s car? Is he trustworthy either?
The strength of our family system owes itself to Islamic values. If you choose to take your sisters and daughters out without modesty, then don’t expect others to look upon them with respect. If one man poses a threat to a woman, another man can also not be assumed to be her savior.
Have we ever truly attempted to educate people on the actual teachings of Islam? Islam grants women:
✔ The right to marry by choice
✔ The right to seek khulʿ (separation)
✔ The right to live with dignity
A female Companion (Ṣaḥābiyyah) was granted separation from her husband merely due to disliking his appearance, yet instead of highlighting such examples, we mislabel abandoning Sharīʿah as freedom.
If true liberation means fully adopting Western lifestyles, then go all the way: abandon marriage and let everyone live as they wish.
But if you still wish to preserve the family structure, then you must accept the framework of Islam.
No system is more benevolent to women than Islam. What we need is to promote the true teachings of religion and eradicate ignorant cultural practices. Tragically, the modern class is not fighting ignorance—it is spreading a new form of ignorance under the guise of progress.
✔ First, reform yourselves.
✔ Then guide others.
❖ Women, Traditions, and Islamic Teachings
In our society, male dominance remains an undeniable reality—whether it be among the illiterate elders of village councils or the educated classes of urban cities. Women are often perceived as oppressed, shaped under a cultural conditioning where derogatory expressions like being "beneath a man’s shoe" are still commonly accepted.
❖ Exploitation of Women or Cultural Oppression?
It has become a popular narrative that women are only victims of cruelty, helplessness, and oppression. However, as a woman, I disagree with these absolute claims. I do not support the rhetoric of the “Aurat March”, which seems more like a rebellion against men, nor do I endorse forced marriages, where daughters are treated as burdens of family honor and are married off against their will.
❖ Western Influence and Distance from Sharīʿah
The educated class, influenced by Western ideologies, advocates for women's freedom, yet in doing so, often neglects Islamic teachings. But is rebelling against men the only way to break free from a male-dominated society? Ironically, those who curse men for their oppression eventually choose those very men as spouses for their own daughters and sisters.
❖ Women's Freedom or Blind Western Imitation?
Is freedom for women merely about not doing household chores, dressing without boundaries, and being liberated from the institution of marriage? If men are truly oppressive, what about the man who drives off with a girl in a ride-hailing app’s car? Is he trustworthy either?
❖ Family Structure and Islamic Teachings
The strength of our family system owes itself to Islamic values. If you choose to take your sisters and daughters out without modesty, then don’t expect others to look upon them with respect. If one man poses a threat to a woman, another man can also not be assumed to be her savior.
❖ Women’s Rights in Islam
Have we ever truly attempted to educate people on the actual teachings of Islam? Islam grants women:
✔ The right to marry by choice
✔ The right to seek khulʿ (separation)
✔ The right to live with dignity
A female Companion (Ṣaḥābiyyah) was granted separation from her husband merely due to disliking his appearance, yet instead of highlighting such examples, we mislabel abandoning Sharīʿah as freedom.
❖ Double Standards and the Illusion of Freedom
If true liberation means fully adopting Western lifestyles, then go all the way: abandon marriage and let everyone live as they wish.
But if you still wish to preserve the family structure, then you must accept the framework of Islam.
❖ Conclusion: Reform Requires Religious Guidance
No system is more benevolent to women than Islam. What we need is to promote the true teachings of religion and eradicate ignorant cultural practices. Tragically, the modern class is not fighting ignorance—it is spreading a new form of ignorance under the guise of progress.
✔ First, reform yourselves.
✔ Then guide others.
