Prophet’s wife and women empowerment

Those outside of the Islamic faith hold a variety of views about the treatment of women within an Islamic context. It appears that most of these views are not founded on solid sources. When we look at Islamic values, it is important to look at them in isolation of the actions found within Muslim communities because pure Islamic teachings are often tainted by culture. After all, we aren’t robots and our own personalities will affect how we interpret and adhere to a religion.

There are about two billion Muslims in the world with vastly different backgrounds, geography, cultures, ideas, history, etc. Therefore, it is natural that Muslim women would have vastly different experiences depending on their region and upbringing. For example, Muslim women living in China and Muslim women living in Argentina will definitely not have the same privileges or hardships. It is therefore logical to examine Islamic teachings in their pure form without applying some type of cultural filter or lens.

To help understand women’s empowerment within Islam, it is very profitable to look at the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) first wife. Khadijah was a wealthy business owner, who proposed to marry the Prophet (PBUH). Already, we can see how empowered she was; she was the one who took the initiative for proposing the marriage. She was also in full control of her wealth and business. My own grandmother did not have the legal right to open a bank

account or a business in her name until the feminist movement helped change these backwards laws.

Also, in her time, it was considered immoral for a woman to propose to a man. When we look at these two issues, socially and legally, Khadijah was far more empowered than my own grandmother. In addition to that, when the Prophet (PBUH) received the first revelation, he ran home in fear and asked his wife Khadijah to comfort him. She was obviously a strong, caring wife in whom the Prophet (PBUH) could seek refuge. I would like to encourage those who are interested to read further about the life and times of this amazing, empowered, Muslim woman.