I'm Free As You're

(This is my sister's story written to all muslim sister's around the world.) To whom it may concern; You may see me as oppressed by my religion. But with my hand on my heart, sincerely and honestly, this is just not true. My religion Islam liberated me and other women more than 1400 years ago.

Before Islam came, young girls were buried by their fathers because it was considered a disgrace to give birth to a daughter. Women were sold as property. Promiscuity was allowed; men had many mistresses and wives. Husbands even encouraged their wives to sleep with certain strong, handsome men so that she may get pregnant with a son who would have the same characteristics. Women were looked upon as sexual objects. In Arabia, women would wear scarves tied behind their necks, so that their beautiful necks and bosoms would show.

When Islam came, it protected and liberated me. It told me to place my hijab over my neck and bosoms so that I may be known as a modest woman, that way no one could harass or look at me as a sexual object. When I walk by, no one looks at my bottom or bosoms because I have covered them. I feel great that I am not regarded as a piece of meat!

When Islam came, I was no longer subjected to being buried in the earth whilst alive, the last face my eyes would see were my father as the sand he dug over my head suffocated me into an eternal sleep. When Islam came, I could walk around freely without fearing being attacked or abused in any way, because I knew men would lower their gaze and respect me to go about my own business, whether it be working, buying items in the market or travelling long distances to other villages.

When Islam came, I had the right to vote and to discuss political and social matters. I was allowed to join the army and fight alongside the men to protect ourselves from attackers. I was no longer to be forced into arranged marriages. I could inherit money, although my brothers would take a larger share, but I know it is because they are the providers of a household and would need more money than me. When Islam came, I was allowed to work and keep the money for myself. My husband is not allowed to take my personal savings. I can spend the money as I wish.

Most importantly, when Islam came, I was considered an equal to man. Men do not have a greater advantage than women to go to heaven. We are both given the same opportunities. There is no gender favouritism.

When I get married, I can write conditions in my marriage contract. If I don’t want my husband to marry another wife, I have the right to state this and have it fulfilled. My husband cannot get married again without my permission. I can ask for a divorce if he goes against my wishes. Neither is my husband or any male member of my family allowed to beat me or treat me harshly. The Prophet taught men to have excellent manners with their wives. God told us to be forgiving, so even if someone had committed a sin, if they had truly repented, then in the Qur’an God says to let them be.

I’m also allowed to ask for divorce, even if the reason is simply because I don’t love the man.

When Islam came, I could start to read and write. Seeking knowledge is so important in our religion. Not just that, but teaching the knowledge we gain is equally as important. Education is stressed for both women and men.

What I also love the most is the manners that come with our religion. Manners is the core of Islam. To be kind, polite, courteous, helpful, are all characteristics we should have. When Islam came, neighbours forgave each other, relatives restored their broken ties, husbands and wives had beautiful relationships with each other, children were kind to their parents. People were kind to not only other people and animals, but to the environment around them.

This is what Islam has given me. To be a good human being. To look after the people of the earth and to look after the earth itself. No matter what religion you are from. There is no hatred between tribes, religions nor sects. We are required to live together peacefully with the common thing we share: we are all human.

When you hear that I am oppressed, when you hear of stories that I am beaten, illiterate, humiliated, this is not from my religion. It is from the culture and old ways of men and women who can’t let go and join the liberation of religion.

I know that Muslim women and men who read this will also tell you many more beautiful blessings that I have not included.

When you say that I need feminists to free me from this religion, Islam has already freed me long ago. But it is the chains of patriarchy and culture that ruins our lives. If we return to the true teachings of Islam, of how women lived peacefully and successfully in the times of the Prophet and his followers, you will see that Islam is innocent of all that it is associated with in recent times.

I am not oppressed.

I don’t need to be freed from my own religion by you.

Indeed culture and patriarchy are the enemies.

Islam freed me long ago.
Wasalaam
By Ayaan, your sister in Islam