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Female circumcision is practiced in many 3rd world countries. It is an important part of their culture and society. Should laws be made to stop this?
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The religion Islam is based on teachings of Muhammad as written down in the Quran. The Quran clearly states that all humans are equal regardless of nationality or sex. It goes on to chastise those who do discriminate. A woman, single or married, can enter into contracts, conduct business, own property, and is fully independent. A woman is under the same moral obligations as any man. However, a woman is exempt from certain Islamic practices while she is menstruating or going through a postnatal period. This is not meant as discrimination but as alleviation.
The Quran does give different roles for men and women, even though they are both equal. A woman will be greatly rewarded in heaven if she always obeys her husband and preserves her honor. The husband should provide for his wife, even if she too is earning money. This is a matter of responsibility not superiority. A husband is made legally responsible for his wife’s protection, well-being, and the cost of her clothes and food. Muslim jurists often state that a wife is entitled to new clothes every season. The wife in turn should promote an atmosphere of gentleness, warmth, peace, and obedience. She should undertake the domestic responsibilities that would not cause her to be away too long from home. The Quran states “A woman is nearest to her Lord, (Allah), when she is inside her home.” This is not to say that domestic chores are strictly woman work. It is just the woman’s responsibility that it gets done. Muhammad himself helped his wife with cleaning, cooking, sweeping, and mending clothes. Polygamy is allowed, but not encouraged in Islam. A man may have up to four wives. But a husband must treat each wife equally in every way. In no way is one wife to be treated better than the others.
Women are expected to be modest in dress. A woman should only publicly show the parts of her body that are essential. This is often interpreted as a woman’s face and hands. But if a woman’s duty requires the use of her arms, this too is permitted. This is looked on as part of her equality. A woman should gain no advantage because of her appearance. Therefore a woman’s flesh should not be publicly shown, and she should conduct herself with modesty and dignity.
Marriage is a partnership. Each half compliments the other. A wife is supposed to be gentle, kind, and obedient. A husband is supposed to be strong, supportive, and wise. To ensure equality between the sexes a woman should not display her body in public. Her physical beauty should only be seen by her husband and her family. The rights of women in Islam are equal to those of a man. But her role in life is different.
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