Why is the family so important to Muslims?
The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peaceful, secure, healthy & encouraging environment offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members (parents and children). Family life is considered as the very breeding-place for human virtues like love, kindness, mercy. Family life is seen as the most secure refuge against inward and outward troubles. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry, or to gain professional/islamic wisdom.
What about Muslim women?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to seek knowledge (both islamic and wordly), own, manage & dispose of her property and earnings. According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their consent. During marrige, the groom gives a dowry (sum of money or property or assets) to the bride for her own personal use. Qu'ran strongly condems female infanticide, and considers it as a crime like any other murder.
The Messenger of God said: "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."
A famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." (In Al'Nisa'I, Ibn Majah, Ahmad).
Regarding woman's right to seek employment, Islam regards her role in society as a mother and a wife, as the most sacred, essential, noble and vital role, which largely shapes the future of nations. Neither maids nor baby-sitters can possibly take the mother's place as the educator of an upright, complex free, and carefully-reared children. However, Islam does not forbid woman from seeking employment whenever there is a necessity for it, especially in positions which fit her nature and in which society needs her most (nursing, teaching - especially for children, medicine etc). Moreover, there is no restriction on benefiting from woman's exceptional talent in any field.
In addition, Islam restored to woman the right of inheritance (after she herself was an object of inheritance in some cultures). Her share is completely hers and no one can make any claim on it, including her father and her husband.
How do Muslims treat the elderly?
In the Islamic world, there are no old people’s homes or Old Age homes. The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves.
Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet taught that ‘Paradise lies at the feet of mothers’. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness. In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is the parents right to expect it, as it is no fault of their own, that they become old.
The Qur’an says: Your lord has commanded that you worship none but him, and be kind to parents if either or both of them reach old age with you, do not chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, ‘my lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little’. [17:23-4]
MAY ALLAH'S PEACE AND BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU
