Gentlemen – contrary to the common belief

There is a prevalent perception that Muslim men are oppressive. Feminism that has been dominated by western opinions has, over the years, planted the idea that a man who has strong faith in Islam supresses the freedom of his females (sisters, wives, daughters etc.).

Out of goodwill and no obligation, I thought I should share my opinion and experience with regards to this. After all who better than myself, a Muslim woman who has her feet in all kinds of parallel worlds (eastern, western, Islam etc.) can clarify this common confusion?

First and foremost, to judge this issue one should know that the Middle East or any other states that are by declaration run by Shariah law are not representatives of Islam. Yes, they predominantly appear to be a mark of Islamic values but it would be extremely narrow minded conclude that Islam is what is followed in these regions and nations.

Islam is what has been prescribed upon us by Allah and passed to us by Prophet (peace be upon him). That is all. To accept, interpret and follow is at our discretion and to judge us is at His (Allah’s) discretion.

So if you were a person with this ‘open mind’ that I speak about, then you would know that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had always advocated and always stood as a model example of what a “gentleman” is. He treated women with utmost respect. Failure to refer to history (Hadith) and teachings with regards to this is the fault of those with the impression that Islam is a religion that curfews freedom and rights of women.

If a man has truly learned the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (sal) and beyond reading the Quran and Hadith has absorbed the values into his character he would treat the women in his life and around him decently, equally and respectfully. If a man treats women in what many prefer to call “oppressive” then he definitely lacks knowledge of the message. He has chosen to be ignorant on what Allah would like of him.

In summary – It is not a Muslim man who is oppressive it is a Munafiqun (hypocrite) that is oppressive.

I know this because I have experienced both kinds. And, if you wish to know then you should broaden your reading, observing and judging.

May you be guided. Insha Allah.