The primary scope of Islam has always been about establishing the monotheism of the creator. The message of Tawhid has long been carried by the Prophets peace be upon them. Even so, Islam also stands for justice as the challenges that confronted the Prophets were not limited to theological and doctrinal issues. The Prophets had to confront social injustices as well, such as slavery, religious persecution and infanticide. This is significant as it emphasises that Islam is not divorced from the lived realities of its followers. It follows then, that injustice (in its many ugly iterations) is incompatible with the larger framework of Islam. This includes misogyny.

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The Quran documents the way the Prophets dealt with the communities in their missions and even today, these stories are still relevant. There is much that we can benefit from analysing and reflecting upon these stories. I believe that guidance and wisdom lie in these verses, and that we can apply them in battling misogyny in the Islamic community.

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When narrating the stories of past prophets, the Quran employs a specific structure. It typically begins by mentioning the prophet and the people he was sent to before mentioning the transgressions committed by the people and the divine punishment that ensues. What is most striking here, is the emphasis on mentioning the transgressions that were committed. One such example is in Surah Al-A’raf.

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Allah the most exalted says:

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“And to [the people of] Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu'ayb. He said, "O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. So fulfill the measure and weight and do not deprive people of their due and cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. That is better for you, if you should be believers." (7:85)

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Here the Quran lists in great detail, the social injustice committed by Madyan (the people of the Prophet Shuaib peace be upon him).

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This can be seen as an act of “calling out” by the Quran. But, more importantly it highlights an important process in social reform – that a social ill is acknowledged and therefore, exists. The Quran does not sweep under the rug the transgressions committed but lays it all bare for all to see, reflect, and take heed. Similarly, it is important that pressing issues such as misogyny are not kept under wraps by the Muslim community. It is an uncomfortable truth for many to deal with but the Muslim community can only move forward by acknowledging the skeletons in its closet.

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And when it comes to taking action when facing an injustice, a powerful hadith comes to mind.

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On the authority of Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim - Hadith 34, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi. Grade: Authentic]

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The crux of this hadith revolves around the various ways an action can be taken when facing evil and injustice. As no deed is too small, no Muslim should be disheartened or discouraged by the limitations of his advocacy. In the end, what counts is the action that he takes. Not the inaction he observes.

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This is further supported by the Quran in Surah Ar-Ra’d, where change in a community is dependant on the agency of its actors.

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Allah the most high says:

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“For him [i.e., each one] are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron.” (13:11)​

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Problems are solved only when action is taken. In fact, the Prophets themselves embody this ethos by virtue of the nature of their dakwah. As a community, this should be our guiding principle of action as failing to take action only harms the victims further.

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As fellow Muslims, we are bounded together in a nexus of wellbeing. The state of the community is not judged by the successes of specific individuals but the metrics of success are based on the collective prosperity of its members. We cannot be a thriving Muslim community while others are suffering as victims of misogyny. On this regard, this hadith encapsulates my point:

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Narrated An-Nu`man bin Bashir:

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Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it." [Book 78, Hadith 42, Sahih al-Bukhari]

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I am always reminded that justice is a principle that is enshrined in Islam. Amongst the many verses that address the importance of justice, one particular verse stands out:

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“Be just, that is nearer to righteousness”. (5:8)

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For justice, is inextricably linked to piety and faith. Allah and His Messenger know best.

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Posted on: 27 Jul 2021

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