The concept of equality runs throughout the Islamic faith.”the equality of all Muslims is emphasized repeatedly throughout the Qur’an. It is because of that concept that Islam under the Sunni tradition does not have an ordained clergy. There is a direct relationship between every man and his Creator, and there can be no intermediary. This particular closeness between the individual and God is paramount in belief as well as in practice.”
It may appear that in some instances men are treated more favourably than women but it is necessary to look more closely at the ‘privilege. For example, a male Muslim inherits twice the share of the female, but then a male relative has the financial responsibility to care for a needy female relative “
“Individual responsibility is a cornerstone of Islam.” That is true for both men and women. “Every Muslim is accountable to his Creator for what he himself does or fails to do—as well as for others for whom he may be accountable—and for things that he has control over. That is not as true in other religions. That strange notion that “Christ died for our sins.” Is contrary to individual responsibility and serves no useful purpose other than allowing the sinful to keep sinning. The Old Testament God is a punitive God who has a rather on-off relationship with his “Chosen People” Within the Islamic faith the Creator treats you like a responsible adult and so you behave like a responsible adult not a pedophilic priest.
“Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended.”
The Prophet’s Hadith
Speaking of pedophilic priests, who ask Jesus for forgiveness, Jesus forgives so they go out and do it again. The Islamic Faith believes in forbearance and forgiveness. “The element of forbearance and forgiveness has to be predicated on knowledge, awareness, and truth. Forbearance and forgiveness depend on the believer’s recognition and acceptance of what he has done and his genuine repentance with an intent not to repeat the misdeed. That is why Muslims are encouraged to forgive the bad deeds of others committed against them.”
I do admit that I am not big on forgiveness. But forbearance is a whole other matter.Forbearance is patient self-control; restraint and tolerance. Some of its synonyms are: tolerance toleration, patience, resignation, endurance, fortitude, , lenity, clemency, indulgence; restraint, , self-restraint, self-control, moderation, temperance. I can be capable of restraint, self control and moderation. But more about that later.
The elevated status of women is best reflected in this precept: “The most perfect of the believers in faith is the best of them in moral excellence, and the best of you are the kindest of you to their wives.”The Prophet’s Hadith. According to this standard the Ruler of Dubai could never be called the ‘best of you’ for his treatment of his sixth wife, which could never be called kind.
There are areas in which women “enjoy strict parity with men.” In other areas, women enjoy a strict parity with men. A woman’s right to own property is as absolute as a man’s. Male kin cannot handle a woman’s financial interests without her permission. A woman must specifically consent to marriage and cannot be forced to accept a husband she does not approve of. In cases of divorce—in a prominent departure from traditional practice—women have exclusive guardianship rights over children up to early puberty. Although a husband has the right to divorce his wife unilaterally—a right not shared by women—a wife can divorce her husband on specific legal grounds by court order.
I would argue that a woman is protected by the courts when she obtains a divorce under the auspices of the court and her children can be protected by the court. The ROD’s sixth wife was able to obtain protection for her children, they are now wards the court and safe from abduction and kidnapping.
Another area of parity is that of education.”In education, too, women have the same rights as men. In contemporary Muslim society, in fact, women have attained the same levels of education as men and in many countries occupy positions of power and influence.”
This summarizes it beautifully: “Nothing in Islam prevents a woman from accomplishing herself or attaining her goals. Societies may erect barriers, but nothing in the spirit of the Qur’an subjugates women to men. In time, of course, social barriers will disappear—as they are disappearing now—because Muslim women will expect and demand it. As a result, it can only be expected that women will play an increasingly larger role in Islamic society and surpass the contributions of early Muslim women.”
The parties should either hold Together on equitable terms, Or separate with kindness.
Qur’an 2:229
“What did the Prophet do when in his house? She said, ‘He served his wife.”
The Prophet’s Hadith
So how does the Ruler of Dubai measure up under these standards? It is to be remembered that one of his daughters was adducted from Cambridge where she was attending school. The sixth wife was educated, Oxford, I do believe. He did not exactly respect her education, nor her. I can not imagine that he served her, or annually any of his wives.
But speaking of forbearance, watching the Fazza network the other day there is a video of
the Crown Prince of Dubai (aka the Sultan, aka Fazza) on a pilgrimage to Mecca, not sure of the date , it was on the Arab network. What was striking, awe inspiring actually, was his absolute devotion – one could not fake such a worshipful stance and demeanour. He knew that cameras were recording him, of course, but he was blind to them. He was with Allah, and not on the earth. I must exercise forbearance and remember that He is He and His Father is His Father. The ROD, in any religious ceremony is stone faced and pompous and the last to make a religious gesture. I have seen many videos. I have hope for the Crown Prince and I am heartened.
