Oppression of Women

Even though some non-Arab bloggers might find this strange, I don't usually think about women being oppressed. The truth is, I live my life in peace, and I don't really know any females who have faced situations where they have been forced to not work or marry early.

However, there are these particular society notions that really do irritate me. Before I go on, though, let me make my stance clear. Yes, I do believe that God created men stronger and more capable than women. Yes, I do believe that a man has more authority. However, that doesn't mean that I think it's okay for a man to rape/sexually harass a woman in any way. I don't think it's okay that he forces her not to work. I don't think honor crimes are okay. I think men who commit adultery should be viewed by society as equals to women who commit adultery.

Now, let me get on to these society notions. These ideas that if a man rapes a woman who was dressed revealingly, then she deserved it. That is just plain IDIOTIC. Yes, a woman who dresses revealingly gets less respect than a woman who is more covered up (and that's not just in Arab societies), but that doesn't, in any way, give any man the right to harass/rape her! People who think that Islam says that it's okay for a man to just rape any women he sees are plain idiots. Islam says that if a man sees a woman who is dressed revealingly, he should look away. Here the thin line becomes clear; that line that separates society notions from Islamic regulations.

I believe women should be allowed to work, have kids, start families; families that both parents are responsible for equally. I believe that men and women should discuss everything in a marriage; and that domestic violence from either sides is not acceptable.

I just want to point one thing out. The oppression of women has existed before Islam. In fact, the people of Makkah used to bury most newborn girls alive, and Islam has declared this forbidden. People who are lazy and don't take the time to differentiate between Islam and society shouldn't bother commenting or voicing their thoughts at all.

So, what got me thinking about this topic, you ask? Well I saw this site, Kolena Laila, which you definitely do not want to miss. Please take a few minutes of your time to check it out, learn more about it, and maybe even fill in the survey.