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In pre-Islamic Arabia, it was a common custom to bury female infants alive. Infanticide was widespread due to the fact that female children were looked upon as not equal in value to male children. Thus we se we see the value pre-Islamic Arab peoples placed on female lives. Women were also frequently bought and sold as frequently and similarly to cattle in the marketplace. A man could also by laws of inheritance, inherit and cohabit with his father's wives. Keep in mind that this all took place before Islam.
When Islam came, by revelation to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel, these animalistic practices from the days of ignorance changed. The kind Prophet Muhammad admonished the Muslims to treat women as equals, and with kindness. He said to them "Women are the twin halves of men." Thus he touched upon the issue of equality that they were to abide by. Muhammad also taught the Muslims that the best amongst them were those who were kindest to their wives. Islam allowed women rights that previously they had never been granted before, such as rights to inherit, and rights to buy and sell, as well as control their own property. Also they were to receive a dowry before marriage, which is not a bride-price as some think, but a gift showing love and affection.
Islamic law sees men and women as equals, the only difference between men and women being the aspect of the man being given the capacity for harder physical labor, and bearing the physical responsibility of supporting and protecting his family. The woman is responsible for rearing her children, but she may work or obtain education if she wishes. Her earning are her own to do with as she chooses, as it is the duty of the Muslim man to provide all the necessities for his family. Thus we see the justice and equality that Islam gives to the woman.
As far as religious obligations, a woman is to be considered not much different than a man in regards to her responsibilities towards God. She must perform the five daily prayers that are an obligation on every adult Muslim, She must fast during the Holy month of Ramadan, (this is the month that the Muslim's Holy book, the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad) She must feed the poor or give alms, and she must perform pilgrimage to the Holy Ka'ba in Mecca if she is able, both physically and financially. The small difference in regards to worship between men and women in Islam, is that a woman may be excused from daily prayers and fasting during her menstrual cycle, as well as up to forty days after giving birth. She is also excused from fasting if she is pregnant or nursing, if it poses a threat to her or the child. If she misses days during the obligatory fast during the month of Ramadan, she is allowed to make the days up when she is able to do so. This is a sign of God's mercy towards women.
Another right that Islam gave women, which they had not been given in the past, is the right to divorce if they so choose. To protect the family unit, however, and to allow both parties to reach a decision without haste, certain guidelines must be followed, such as a waiting period. A woman who is divorced has a waiting period of three menstrual cycles for two reasons, the first being to see if she is with child, the second reason is to allow husband and wife time to think about whether they choose to continue with the divorce, or to remain together in kindness. This is another mercy from God to protect the family unit.
In regards to the issue of employment, it should be noted that above all roles, Islam considers the role of wife and mother to be superior, as well as the most sacred and honorable. Also it is very possibly the most essential. No one can ever replace a mother's position as caretaker, nurturer and educator. However it must be stated that there is no Islamic decree that forbids women from taking employment. However, she should take a position that that is suited to her nature as a nurturer and protector, such as a nurse, teacher, etc.
So now from these points we see that the role of women is honorable and most respected in the religion of Islam.
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