They should not display their ornaments except as is normal, they should draw their veils…
(Surah 24 v 30-31)
Many women choose to wear the hijab as part of their discipline and devotion to Allah; others have disregarded it because of its impracticality. Muslim women are not, however, required to wear a full body covering such as the burqa. This sheet-like covering, which only reveals the females eyes, was originally a form of Hindu and Christian ‘social snobbery’ and is only enforced by certain Saudi Arabian cultures yet not by Islam.
Although is may seem that the men are not restricted as the women, the dress code is advised with the intention of protecting the women from in sighting sexual attraction, which some may feel is more respectful to women as it implies that the dress code is in place as men are too weak to avert their eyes. Yet this could also be viewed as women being considered as temptresses.
Another matter relating to equality is polygamy. Within Islam men are permitted to marry more than once:
Marry such women as may seem good to you, two, three, or four, but if your fear that you will not be able to act justly, then marry one woman (only)
(Surah 4 v 3)
This is of course with the permission of the first wife and providing he can divide himself equality between them. It is believed that Allah may have intended men to have only one wife:
You will never be able to deal equitably with your wives, no matter how eager you may be to do so
(Surah 4 v 129)
Yet, it was the practise of Muhammad and his followers to take more than one wife. Their aim was to protect the majority of women who had been left widows after a large war; the spirit of Islam is to defend the defenceless as these women were considered. Yet some people find that this implies that the modern Muslim woman is unable to survive alone or that polygamy is a justification for men to have a wide selection of women. It is acceptable that it may be demanding for modern Muslim men to provide equally for each wife or even practise polygamy as it is illegal in some countries, but the intention is to protect women which implies that are more precious than males and thus placing them as superior to men:
The rights of a woman are sacred; ensure that women are maintained in the rights assigned to them
(Anonymous quote from ‘Teach Yourself Islam)
However, the first wife may not allow her husband to marry again and can even add this wish to her marriage contract.
Extending the feeling of equality in relationships is the general process of marriage. Marriage is considered as a gift from God, a unity in which each partner has a particular role; the male the provider, and the wife the keeper of the household. Some may find a lack of equality:
Men are the ones who support women since God has given some persons advantages over others
(Surah 4)
This may be interpreted as the man being the ruler and overall leader of the family, however the ‘leadership’ role stated in the Qur’an is intended as more of a position of responsibility and duty to support the family economically and financially, whilst the woman has been trusted and must be accountable for the raising of the children and general upkeep of life which in this case gives her an enormous position of responsibility.
However, a large misconception surrounding Islamic marriages is that the women are to fulfil their role as housekeeper and remain at home constantly and in some opinions be secluded and restricted within the house (purdah). This practise is the complete segregation of men and women in society and even within the family unit, yet, it is not an Islamic tradition but rather associated with upper class Christians, Hindus and Persians. There are no Islamic laws which do not permit a Muslim woman to leave her house or even go out to work, however, due to the male’s role in the household she does have the right to be financially provided for.
This financial support is also supplied, even if the couple are separated by death or divorce, by means of a dowry (mahr) which the bride receives on marriage. If they are separated by divorce the wife may keep her dowry if she can prove her husband has been cruel to her, or any one of the other many conditions of divorce, but the money must be returned if it is her who is at fault or the couple come to a mutual agreement. Still, regardless of how the marriage ends the man must support the woman for two years and if there are any children the mother receives immediate custody.
It is indeed much harder for women to obtain a divorce but this may be because some women may only divorce to keep her dowry. Yet, adequate terms and conditions are given to men who wish to divorce to ensure this is the only course of action left:
Of all the permitted things divorce is the most abominable by God
(Surah 4 v 130)
It is necessary that it is difficult to obtain a divorce as it is the worst act a Muslim can commit that is allowed by Allah.
In conclusion, it may appear that Islam favours the male and restricts the woman, oppressing her. Yet, many of the practises we see take place in the many Islamic countries are actually cultural practises which have no link to the religion of Islam. However, Islam does realise the physical differences between men and women, accepts these and forms teachings which make allowances but do not discriminate against women. It is also noted that women are not forced to adhere to some of the practise outlined by the Qur’an but following them does aid their religious discipline.
To summarise, the Qur’an teaches Muslims that men and women are equal within the eyes of Allah, therefore, all Muslims must heed the wishes and intentions of Allah consequently understanding and accepting both sexes are of equal dignity:
As for those who lead a righteous life, male or female, while believing, they enter Paradise; without the slightest injustice
(Surah 4 v 124)