Prophetic Footsteps Assignment

Year 1
Monday 3rd February 2014

Subject: Status Of Women Draft due date: Monday 31st March 2014 Final due date: Wednesday 30th April 2014
Brief: Write an assignment (max 5000 words) about the status of women in Islam . Study the lives of the Sahabiyaat and pious women of the past. In detail, explain how we can take lessons from these individuals as a 21st century Muslim(ah) living in the west. Include a comparative study of women's lifestyle, clothing, status etc from Christianity and Judaism. Write a bibliography. Remember to include: 1. The Arabic analysis (linguistic, root word, meaning in sacred law) of Hijab, Niqaab, Satr etc. 2. Briefly the virtues of women and the blessings of having girls. 3. Why is it still considered to be a defect to have girls? Use case studies from pre-Islam and from the modern day. 4. The western trend has portrayed "Muslim women are oppressed because they wear the Hijab." What are views of Shari'ah regarding this? Include in your writing the verses of Hijab and how the Sahabiyat acted upon these verses? 5. In detail discuss the Satr of a woman in Islam. Explain the misconception of the term "Hijab and Niqab" . What are the laws of Shari'ah regarding the modern trends of tying the head gear, colourful Jubbah's etc? 6. The punishments and warnings for immoral dress code. 7. Write an in-depth analysis of what women in Christianity and Judaism (should) wear. Use quotes from the old testament and Jewish scriptures. Are there any similarities to Islam? 8. Some of the Muslim countries don't allow women to drive . What are the pro's and con's? Mention your opinion and medical factors on this matter. What are the Islamic views and the arguments of the scholars about this? Give reasons why from Quran/Hadith and logical reasoning. Is this anti feminism? 9. Discuss the difference between forced marriages and arranged marriages. Mention the misconception of these terminologies and are these systems adopted in other religions. 10. Include in your writing how society, culture and the media play a big role in the lives of women. I.e. having girls, non-Islamic attire, intermingling etc. Marks will be awarded according to: Meeting the brief of the assessment task completely Mentioning Quranic verses, Ahadith and quotes supporting your views. Being written in the recommended format and of an appropriate length Giving a clear, concise and well-structured account of the brief A wide range of recent, relevant and appropriate reading Understanding of and insight into key issues Full bibliography and appropriate referencing