International Women’s Day March 8th
Today it is hard to believe for instance that as late as 1977 the women of Germany got their legal right to work outside their homes without the permission of their husbands! Until 1953 when getting married the assets of the bride went automatically to her husband and until late 1960’s she could not open her own bank account without the permission of her father or husband.
We cannot but appreciate the wisdom of Islam that introduced 1400 years ago the right for women to inheritance and own wealth. She is not expected to share the cost of bringing up the family which is considered as the duty of the husband. The wife can voluntarily help but it is not required in Islam. The inheritance and the bridal money are clearly regulated in the Quran and applied since then.
In fact the majority of the Muslims is living outside of the Middle East (Far East), are more liberal and have little problems with women rights. I would say they are closer to the Quranic message of Righteousness.
Unfortunately customs in many areas are still pressuring women to give up their inheritance share to male relatives. Which is a clear sin for the males because it directly contradicts Quranic regulations. In many Muslim countries women are enjoying these rights but unfortunately in quite many especially in the poorest and most underdeveloped countries this is not the case. Not to forget some of the richest countries, where Islamic sects are distorting the original ideal of Islam and traditions lie heavy on the society.
Let us be optimistic, I am.
Mona
PS. An Article on recent events in the Middle East unrest and how women organisations are fearing a backlash if the Muslim extremists get more influence in the future. Is revolution in Mid-East bad for women’s rights?
