Issue 29 www.rabetah.com May/June 2010

Women's Page
Real Beauty Is The Inner Beauty:
Men and women are equal but not identical. Each of
them complements the other in the different roles
and functions that they are responsible for. In Islam
the individuals should not be judged according to
gender, beauty, wealth or privilege. The only thing
that makes one person better than another is his or
her character. Therefore women are judged by her
character and actions rather than by her looks or
physical features.
Islam ordered the same high standards of moral
conduct for men as it is for women. Modesty is
essential in a human's life, as well, whether it is in
action, morals or speech. A woman who adheres to
the tenets of Islam is required to follow the dress
code called Hijab. Islam also commands proper
behaviour and dress of men, in that they are not
allowed to make a show of their bodies to attract
attention onto themselves, and they too must dress
modestly. They have a special commandment to
lower their eyes, and not to brazenly stare at women.
The Islamic veil, unlike the veil of the Christian
tradition, is not a sign of man's authority over woman
nor is it a sign of woman's subjection to man. The
Islamic veil, unlike the veil in the Jewish tradition, is
not a sign of luxury and distinction of some noble
married women. The Islamic veil is only a sign of
modesty with the purpose of protecting women, all
women.
The Islamic philosophy is that it is always better to be
safe than sorry. In fact, the Qur'an is so concerned
with protecting women's bodies and women's
reputation that a man who dares to falsely accuse a
woman of unchastely will be severely punished:
"And those who launch a charge against chaste
women, and produce not four witnesses (to support
their allegations), Flog them with eighty stripes; and
reject their evidence ever after: for such men are
wicked transgressors (evil doers)."
Muslim women need not feel the pressures to be
beautiful or attractive, which is so apparent in the
Western and Eastern cultures. She does not have to
live up to expectations of what is desirable and what
is not. Superficial beauty is not the Muslim woman's
concern; her main goal is inner spiritual beauty. She
does not have to use her body and charms to get
recognition or acceptance in society.
Women acquire real respect and honour through
Islam. Women should acknowledge this and
understand their true worth. By striving in the path of
Allah and by submitting towards his laws is showing
gratitude. May Allah enable all women to understand
this precious message and to value it, Ameen.
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STORIES OF PIOUS WOMEN
Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alayh)
An old woman in the army of Mûsâ ‘alayhis salâm
When Pharaoh began persecuting the Banû Isrâ'îl in Egypt, compelling them into labour, beating them and
oppressing them, Allah commanded Mûsâ „alayhis salâm to leave Egypt together with the Banû Isrâ'îl on that
very night so that they may be saved from the oppression of Pharaoh. Consequently, Mûsâ „alayhis salâm left
with the Banû Isrâ'îl. When they reached the Nile river, they forgot the road. No one could recognize the road.
He became surprised and shouted out: "Whoever is acquainted with this area should please come forward and
show us the way." Upon this an old woman came forward and said: "When Yûsuf was about to leave this world,
he made a bequest to his brothers and nephews that if at any time you have to leave Egypt, you must carry my
coffin, in which my body will be, together with you to wherever you are going. As long as you do not take the
coffin, you will not find your way." Mûsâ „alayhis salâm asked the whereabouts of the coffin. No one knew the
place except for that very same old woman. When he asked her, she replied: "I will not show you the place until
you guarantee me one thing." He asked: "What is that? She replied: "You must guarantee me that I will die on
îmân and that I will be wherever you are in jannah." Mûsâ „alayhis salâm raised his hands and said: "O Allah!
That which she is asking me for is not in my power." Upon this he was ordered: "You give the guarantee, I will
fulfil it." He therefore gave her the guarantee and she showed him the place where the coffin could be found
buried in the centre of the river. The moment the coffin was removed, they found the road.
Lesson: Look at how pious this old woman was in that she did not ask for any of the treasures of the world.
Instead, she successfully organized the hereafter for herself. O women! You also abandon your lust and desire
for this world. You will receive (of this world) whatever has been written for you. Instead, put your Dîn in order.
Issue 29 www.rabetah.com May/June 2010
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