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From: hanif@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Hanif G Khalak)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.islam
Subject: Re: Hijab (Dress code)
Message-ID: <1991May7.115334.23314@wpi.WPI.EDU>
Date: 7 May 91 11:53:34 GMT
References: <1991Apr9.055950.8418@wpi.WPI.EDU> <1991Apr16.211858.24977@wpi.WPI.EDU> <1991May2.143819.2455@wpi.WPI.EDU> <1991May3.152048.1849@wpi.WPI.EDU>
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Assalamu alaikum,

In article <1991May3.152048.1849@wpi.WPI.EDU> lateef@eemips.tamu.edu (Afroz Lateef) writes:
[deleted material]
>>>about a woman's personality or intellect. This is just one way in which a
>>>true Islamic society is clearly better.
>
>   Very true. This is JUST ONE way in which A true ISLAMIC society
> 	is better than others.
>	It is beyond the dignity of an islamic lady, to go out and 
>	work. Islam  views women in a highly dignified way, that 
>	is why it is said to serve one's mother as much as possible
>	(Heaven is under the feet of mother). So if somebody sees
>	another woman (by mistake), then he is commanded to lower 
>	his gaze, thus showing respect.
>
[more deletions]
>Afroz Lateef

	I'm not sure I totally agree with the 'beyond the dignity' statement.
Assuredly, it is more COMFORTABLE, or more CONVENIENT for a muslim lady to
stay home and not have any duty to work.  But, it is FAR from a sign of a lack
of integrity or self-respect for a woman to conduct business/work.  One of
the basic aspects of self-worth is intimately related to achievement, whether
it be in a personal, societal, familial, or academic sense.  Motherhood is
an extremely valid realization of worth of a female.  BUT NOT THE ONLY ONE.
In fact, there are quite a few examples of women finding significant worth
outside household affairs (c.f. Hadrat Ayesha, Hadrat Khadija).  Of course,
there is not a doubt that Islamically, other tasks come after duty to children
and to husband which of course come after duty to Allah.  But the significance
of these responsibilities does not eradicate the potential (large) of abilities
that women have for other activities.  In fact, they are often complementary.
It seems to me similar to a student in a university whose main goal/task is
to achieve a degree, receive an education, whatever -- CLASSES.  But extra-
curricular activities are a way to complement, broaden, and even enhance
this student's collegiate education/experience.  In fact, the evidence of these
involvements shows a well-roundedness and positivity, rather than some kind
of lack of focus or dedication to studies.  Of course, this is the case of the
student who can handle both!  :)  I hope this analogy was competent.

	I'm not sure that I directly addressed your statement, but it seemed
that you linked the dignity and respect for a women to her place in
the home (exclusively).  Please forgive any offense perpetrated and/or felt.

						Jazak Allahu kayra,
						hanif

-- 
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