All praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We ask Him to bestow His full blessings and mercy upon His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship except Allah, and whoever worships anything else is engaging in the highest level of oppression.
I urge you, believers, to be conscious of Allah. He has guided us in the Holy Quran, instructing us to seek His guidance continually. May Allah grant us the favor of remaining among the believers until we meet Him.
The Crisis of Identity
Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, we are facing a crisis of identity in today’s world. Men are imitating women to the extent that some even undergo physical changes, believing that this makes them female. This is not the Islamic perspective. The question arises: Who is a woman?
Islam provides clear guidance on this matter. It is not enough for a person to think they are a woman and expect society to accept them as such. Women have distinct roles and responsibilities that define their identity. Unfortunately, some women themselves have lost sight of their roles, which has contributed to societal decay.
Who is a Woman in Islam?
Islam defines a woman in three primary ways: as a daughter, a wife, and a mother.
- A Woman as a Daughter
Islam commands us to respect and nurture daughters. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that whoever raises daughters with love and care will be rewarded in the Hereafter. In an authentic hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that parents who raise their daughters righteously will be close to him in Paradise. Islam does not consider daughters a burden but rather a means of earning Allah’s reward. - A Woman as a Wife
A woman’s role as a wife is highly valued in Islam. The Quran describes the marital relationship as a source of peace and tranquility. Our foremothers served their husbands out of love and understanding of their role in maintaining peace in the home. Today, however, many women perceive such roles as outdated. The question for every wife is: Are you a source of peace for your husband? Does he find solace in you, or does he seek comfort elsewhere? Islam urges women to fulfill their role as wives with respect and devotion. - A Woman as a Mother
The Quran enjoins respect and obedience to parents, especially mothers. The difficulties a mother endures during pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing earn her a special status. Unfortunately, some women today need to be convinced to breastfeed their own children, fearing it may affect their attractiveness. Islam teaches that a mother should cultivate a deep, loving relationship with her child, ensuring they cherish her three times more than they cherish their father, as indicated in the hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
A Call for Reflection and Reform
There are three categories of women in society:
- The Dutiful Women – Those who fulfill their roles as daughters, wives, and mothers. May Allah bless and reward them.
- The Negligent Women – Those who fail in their responsibilities. To them, we say: It is not too late to change. Return to the guidance of Islam.
- The Supporters of Dutiful Women – Those who encourage and appreciate righteous women. Continue to uplift and motivate them.
Let us strive to uphold the true meaning of womanhood in Islam. May Allah grant us understanding and guide us to the right path.
Ameen.
