Muslim women enjoyed rights for 1400 years that the rest of the world is only now recognising. Among them was freedom of expression:
RULER
Once Umar (radhiallahu anhu) was on the pulpit, severely reprimanding people and ordering them not to set excessive amounts of dowry (mehr) at the time of marriage. A woman got up and said, ‘Umar! You have no right to intervene in a matter which Allah has decreed:
And If you intend to replace a wife by another and you have given one of them a Qintar (of gold i.e., a great amount as Mehr), take not the least bit of it back. (Qur’aan 4:20)
Umar withdrew his order, saying, ‘I’m wrong, she’s right.’
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The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)’s wives demanded more allowance and he didn’t rebuke them.
Another time, one wife said harsh words to Aisha (radhiallahu anha). Aisha (radhiallahu anha) answered and silenced her and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) allowed this. (Bukhari, Hadith 755)
Islam gave women freedom of speech where needed, and within the limits of Islam, ensuring their mental well-being. This was denied women in all other places for centuries. Having to constantly bottle up emotions can be detrimental. With these and other rights, is it any wonder that women remain Muslim despite others saying they are ’oppressed’?
Free Speech
