As a Muslim woman who loves to study self-defense, I have come across so many stereotypes. Some people, I came across, actually call me “manly”, which is very stupid of them. I just laugh it off though because I know that they are being narrow-minded. I have seen and met some Muslim folks who actually think that a woman does not need to have a job or a woman does not need to be in self-defence. They base these ideas on the fact that men are supposed to protect and defend women. So, when a woman goes for her career or if a woman likes to learn self-defense, she is viewed as different. Oh, the world is this way and she is that way. And in certain Muslim families, the notion of a Muslim woman speaking her mind and showing her opposition against a man’s opinion is merely stupid. “Oh! the woman must be obedient to her father and husband all the time.” This notion is so stupidly propagated in certain Muslim families that women fail to grow and develop properly. They learn to depend on men and thus cripple their chances of survival in today’s society. I am saying this from experience. Yes, ladies, be obedient. It is good to listen and follow advice Insha’Allah but don’t you think that men should listen to you as well? I mean is your husband or father good at every matter of this world? Aren’t there certain things that he may not be aware of as much as you are? In certain Muslim families, there are times when a woman is hushed up despite the fact that she is right. This is very unreasonable.
I remember from Prophet Mohammad’s time, that a Muslim woman once corrected Khalifa Omar on an issue. And Khalifa Omar (r.a.) said this woman is right and I am wrong.
In certain Muslim families, a woman is mocked if she points out some mistake of a male relative. I have seen this first hand. And I loathe every instance of it. And yes, I speak out against it, right there, in everyone’s faces.
Whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned (Quran 6:152)
I think people are confused about religion of Islam. They follow certain culture and traditional values and they think that these are Islamic in nature. They mix “obedience” with “blindly following everything a man says”. Some women turn out to be so meek that they can’t even speak out for themselves. This is totally ridiculous.
There are certain Muslim households where women are expected to serve food to their male relatives and do housechores, while the men just relax and do absolutely nothing. Ridiculous!
I read a hadith once where Ayesha (r.a.), wife of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) was asked what does Mohammad do when he is at home. She replied, “He helps me with house chores”.
So, lazy men, just stand up and start doing the house chores. Your wife did not marry you in order to serve you.
I guess this is it for today: a healthy wake up call for the men and women alike.
Later days now
Take care
