WOMEN UNDER CAPITALISTIC IMPERIALISM Vs.

WOMEN IN ISLAM

by

Syed Sadatullah Husaini

(A software engineer and Member Majlis-e-Shura, Jamaat e Islami Hind)

Translated by
Mohammad Zaid (M. Tech I yr AMU) Naghma Mirza (MBBS Final AMU)

The book is for FREE distribution, Published by STUDENTS OF AMU

Contact: http://amucourse.weebly.com/ truthdeclared@gmail.com Ph. + 91-8126031213 . + 91-8126714268

Foreword
I am honoured to write the foreword of this book which deals with contemporary situation faced by women all over the world. This book was actually published in Urdu during a campaign of jamaat-e-Islami Hind against Capitalistic Imperialism few years ago. Since the content was very much appealing to the modern mind so our team working as Students of AMU decided to translate the book in English so that the luring capitalism and its imperialistic policies are exposed to a wider spectrum of readers. The book describes the crisis created by the capitalistic imperialism in the feminine world and then offers Islam as an alternative to the crisis. Since Capitalism is a total materialistic approach so it exploits mankind for its material gains. Women are exploited the most. So it is high time for us to recognise the evil nature of the dominant civilisation and start a revolt against it. This book is an eye opener and offers a logical ground for us to revolt. Islam is the complete way of life prescribed by Allah (swt) and Muslims are supposed to be the saviours of mankind. So Muslims must walk the first step against this exploitation and guide mankind to the justice based divine guidance of Islam. That is our obligation and the purpose of life. We are here to liberate mankind from the slavery of men to the slavery of one true Lord - Allah. May Allah help us to strive a sincere effort in His cause. Finally we thank the Author, S. S. Hussaini for permitting us to distribute the book in the campus of Aligarh Muslim University. ABDUL ROUF MIR JNMC AMU.

CONTENTS
Capitalistic Imperialism and Women 1. Career Woman: An Imperial Concept 2. Woman: No more than a commodity 3. Pornography 4. Prostitution 5. Fashion and Cosmetics 6. Consumerism and Social Pressure 4 7 7 9 10 12

Women in Islam

7. Muslim women have no financial responsibilities. 8. Family: The real responsibility 9. Job: Optional for women 10. Pornography and Islam 11. Beauty, Beautification and Islam 12. Conditions for Beautification 13. Extravagance and Islam 14. A Question 15. The Message 16. Our demands 17. References 18. Must Read books on Woman in Islam

15 16 17 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 28

Capitalistic Imperialism and Women

Socialism Collapsed but capitalism though bankrupt still rules the world and capitalism by its nature is exploitative and imperialistic. All the weaker sections of society suffer the tyranny of this Capitalistic Imperialism. It exploits poor countries, poor people, tribals, down trodden sections of society etc. for its materialistic benefits and one of the most exploited by Capitalistic Imperialism are women. It exploits women in multiple ways. It ignores their physical and emotional needs. It commercialises their body and soul, harasses them sexually and exploits them physically, financially and emotionally. This exploitation has remained intact since ancient social clusters and is being practised unabatedly under the garb of modern standards of civilisation. As we proceed in the book we will realise the deceptive look of the modern civilisation and its ways of exploitation.

Career Woman: An Imperial Concept

The modern system of capitalism needs huge number of workers at lower wages so it developed a concept of career women through media. It declined the importance of family and social life. It declared marriage a meaningless institution and came up with the concept of live in relationship and casual sex (pre-marital sex). The motive was to make all time availability of women workers having no family responsibilities. Recruiting women at lower positions is an established policy of I.T. companies, call centres and BPO industries. The reasons they give are that women are willing to work longer hours, may not take long breaks and get along better with customers. That is why we find more than 50% women for junior posts in IT-enabled services sector and more than 35% in call centres/BPOs(1). Such companies of this globalisation era are least concerned about the needs of women. Earlier women were made to work long nights in call centres and now the Factory (amendment) Bill 2005(2) has opened further doors of exploitation by permitting employment of women during night. Here neither the particular needs of women are a matter of concern nor is there a strict adherence to the regulation for leave during pregnancy. Their privacy is not considered. This type of working style imposed on women creates numerous problems in them. WHO reports higher chances of breast cancer in women working for night shifts (3).

Women working in night shifts have more chances of sleeplessness, diminishing sexual potential, heart problems and metabolic disorders than men (4). They are made to work among men for long nights creating a double stream in them. On one hand they are asked to deliver a standard work and on the other hand they are supposed to be good looking. Times of India had put it in a right text that modern companies expect her to Look like a women, behave like a lady, think like a man, and work like a dog (5). The irony is that this oppressed weaker sex has no opportunity to raise their voice against atrocities committed against them. Although MNCs working in India abide by the law of land but they do not permit their employees to establish their unions, thereby hindering solutions to their collective problems. These companies cherish the privilege of being excluded from various sections of factories act and shops & establishment act. Not abiding by the established clause of daily eight hours work schedule, these MNCs compel their workers to work past their prescribed limit by overburdening them which sometimes extends till late night. The matter turns worse when companies meeting the standards of working in day time only, compel their workers to work till late night leading the fearer sex to insecurity. Taking advantage of non implementation of labour laws, women face multiple risks in the form of physical and sexual abuses in a male dominant environment of these MNCs. The rape and murder cases from the Call Centres & BPO companies shook the entire nation in the recent past. The rape and murder of Tania Bannergy by her colleague in a BPO in Bangalore(6), murder of Pratibha Moorti by her car driver(7) and such other cases reported from Delhi can make us imagine the reality of these working stations. Murder and rape cases are highlighted in media however silent sexual harassment is a rarely reported. Young and recent pass outs from colleges are often recruited by these MNCs and are made to work among well prepared and half naked girls. These girls are trained for euphonious voice and exotic way of talking. (Certain call centres train their female workers for obscene language to satisfy their American customers)(8) Then they have to undergo a lot of mental pressure while dealing with these Americans throughout the night, in this environment its obvious for sexual desires to cross its limit. In a survey of call centre staff 25 per cent of men and women were found regularly indulged in casual sex (9) These employees are found indulged in wild parties where they make sexual relationship with many partners (in a single night). According to a survey conducted in Mumbai 89% of employs used to attend these parties regularly (10).Sweepers of big companies

reported that they have to regularly clean the bathrooms as those are choked due to condoms (11). Wall Street Journal has warned that the call centres, BPOs and other similar places can become spread centres of sexually transmitted diseases. These evils are integral part of this culture, which the imperialistic policymakers have employed in our country. According to a report submitted by Dr. Parmeela Kapoor, women dont have any authority on their own hard earned money particularly in India as they have to give it to their husbands or in-law members.They have to bear workload of their office as well as of their homes. Dr. P. Kapoor stated an incident of a female doctor whose husband returns only Rs. 2 from her own earning
(12)

. Such immense social pressures have led to psychological diseases in them. On the

occasion of womens day Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (which is the biggest organisation of trade companies in India) presented a report which states that more than 2/3rd of female employees working in corporate companies are suffering from lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, depression, chronic backache, diabetes, hypertension etc. This report adds that those companies in which psychological pressure, overtime and deadlines are imposed on employees, 75% of the women undergo depression. It is also stated that women, who are working in Media, BPO etc., are not exempted from work even at the time of illness, pregnancy etc. More than 77% of these patients (women) even dont get the time to consult doctors. Under this workload 53% of women escape their lunch
(13)

. Consultant psychiatrist Shiladitya Roy and his team have come up with a startling

deduction from their data bank. The findings of their study on insomnia (Sleeplessness) state: "The urban man-woman ratio for those suffering from insomnia is 2:3." In other words, stress-related sleeplessness has affected more women in metros. More and more women are buckling under work pressure, burning out and not returning to a good night's sleep. According to the study, 46% of stressed individuals suffer from frank or total insomnia and the number of such individuals has increased five-fold in the last 10 years. "Stress-related insomnia is more common among women as they are more sensitive," says Ray (14). Times of India presented this very pathetic condition of these females as: Once in bed, you end up staring at the ceiling, Exhausted and aware of the AC humming and the clock ticking. Finally, you do manage a dose in the wee hours. But in no

time, the alarm buzzes, taking you to another stressful day and yet another sleepless night. The cycle continues. (15). In addition to psychological diseases, this state of mind forces drives women to Drug Addiction and Narcotics. According to a survey conducted by United Nations, use of drugs in females of India is rapidly increasing. Girls are becoming habitual of Heroin, Alcohol and very dangerous drugs like Propoxyphene and Tranquilizers. Use of dangerous medicines like Diazapam and Alprozolam is also on rise (16).

Women: No More than a Commodity

Allah (swt) has gifted women with chastity and purity but Capitalistic Imperialism made her a mere market product. In this filthy game its biggest helper turned out to be Media. In newspapers, magazines, T.V., films, internet and everywhere women are shown as an attractive and beautiful toy to play with. Her body has become a product of use & throw and is kept naked as much as possible. It is decorated beautifully. It is used for every sort of advertisement and trade. She is an integral part of every beautiful receptionist front office. Kissing and touching personal secretary is included in very values of corporate parties. No advertisement is complete without a female picture. If a woman becomes Secretary of the United States of America still her beauty, dressing and fashion are the sources of attraction. Recently the beauty and dressing of Hillary Clinton and US presidents wife Michelle Obama were the hot topics of discussion in International Media, making us to conclude that irrespective of position of women, she will always be regarded as a mere beautiful toy for this Sexually Undermined World. Indecency is widely promoted by Capitalist Imperialism. Comments like sexy, Bimbos, Hos (an abuse) etc. are daily tags used for the liberated girls in newspapers all over the world. In 1999 an American newspaper stuck a label with champion football team read as Booters with Hooters. Little Hottie was written on T-shirt of a six years old innocent girl. PORNOGRAPHY The disgusting act of using female body as a commodity becomes clearer in the industry of Pornography. Pornography (illicit literature, photos, videos and films etc.) is very beneficial for Economic Imperialism. Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is

being created in the U.S. America, Japan and South Korea alone earn more than 60 million dollars through this industry (17). The New York Times presented the situation of America as The 4 billion dollars that
Americans spend on video pornography is larger than the annual revenue accrued by the N.F.L., the N.B.A. or Major League Baseball. But that's literally not the half of it: the porn business is estimated to a total between $10 billion and $14 billion annually in the United States " (19).

To Moralise the evil of pornography, the ethical viewpoints regarding nudity have been changed in a much planned way. Nudity has been termed as natural state. Clubs, markets, airlines, hotels, entertainment parks etc, are being established for people who remain completely nude. They have been entitled with a civilised word Naturist (20). Some authors have tried to make a difference between pornography and erotica for giving explanation to this business. According to them, erotica celebrates the erotic nature of the human creature and does so artfully, dramatically. Pornography, on the other hand, serves as an aid to masturbation, with no artistic pretensions and no artistic value. Hence it is civilised (21). Similarly, artistically written erotic literature, erotic videography, erotic photography etc. are said to be great examples of art and one who doesnt value them is described as ignorant, uncivilised & barbaric. So, by the propagation of this civilised erotic art, many big companies are dedicated in service of Mankind. Nude photography has become a complete discipline of which there are courses of study. Special training is provided for how to take photos of every part of a nude body
(22)

. Magazines like Playboy & many others

are established on the basis of these very photos. Now even the extreme liberals are accepting that pornography gives birth to rape cases. One of the statements of Robin Morgan has become very popular that: Pornography is the theory and Rape is the practice. (23) The rape cases analyst and popular psychologist MacKinnon says that pornography destroys sensitivity in men towards women exploitation. A case study of rape convict reveals that due to insensitivity produced by pornography they think that every woman desires sex. Even if she rejects, it is nothing but a natural feminine act and forcing & pressurising is a sign of a man. (24).

It is extreme of human abuse that along with Pornography, internet has become a market for sale and purchase of women. Commercial sex tour and Mail Order Brides are popular trades on internet. Researchers of this topic write that like a product there are catalogue of women, based on their names, photos, colours & texture description, height, weight, details of every body part and even hardness & softness of organs, spots & marks on various body parts, capacity to make happy are available on websites for the users. The consumers of these unfortunate women describe their experiences after using them along with photos, videos & minute details so that new customers may take advantage of their experiences. (25). PROSTITUTION Prostitutes existed in many societies from early times but they were never honoured. It is the speciality of todays open minded civilisation which has dignified their trade. Now companies earn licences for prostitution and pay tax to their respective governments. These companies sell their shares and show their profit after each quarter
(27) (26)

. The programs

like The Program with Nothing to Hide telecasted in the International Media promote such business and business review magazines leave no stone unturned in making this nudity public (28). Prostitution is legal today in many countries. After getting legal rights in Netherlands, this company is growing @ 25% annually and has occupied 5% of economy 14% of GDP is being achieved from this industry (30). In Netherlands prostitution industry association Vereniging Explotenten Relax Bedrilvin means Relaxing Business Operators Association is working in the same way as that of the Chamber of Commerce of many countries. In New Zealand alone 383 sex business companies are working. Government of New Zealand maintains a proper way of registration, audit and inspection of these companies (31). Sale of women is as well planned and acceptable in these imperial societies as selling of Parle-G biscuit or Levis Philip jeans while at the same time business of leather coat is a punishable crime as that violates the animal rights.
(29)

. In some

countries, 1.5% of total population of weaker sex are subject to this business and in others

10

FASHION AND COSMETICS

Beauty products and fashion form yet another industry to exploit the weaker sex. Global Capitalists get annual benefit of $19 billion from this industry. They use every possible tool of deception, betrayal and brutality to achieve their goals. Beauty competitions, fashion shows, celebrity culture, page 3 of English newspapers, uncountable magazines for women, T.V. shows, reality shows etc are for the same purpose. A big portion of T.V. and newspapers advertisement is reserved for them. Women are compelled to destroy their beauty, health and peace of mind through this deceptive game. A famous Psychological magazine Psychology today terms Body Mania, i.e. the thirst of going to any extent for looking more and more beautiful as a prevalent disease. (32). In America (which is one of the largest exporters of cosmetics) there is no proper mechanism of testing these beauty products and their side effects on womens health. These products are exempted from check by FDA (Food and Drugs Administration). According to a report of Americas own institution Environment Working Group, many of these cosmetics are found to be carcinogenic
(33)

. This study conducted on teenager girls established use of

poisonous compounds in cosmetics. The chemicals like Triclosan, Parabens, Phathalates and Musks present in cosmetics are responsible for cancer and hormonal disorders which affect mental stability, birth capability, and strength of bones in adult females (34). MNCs of cosmetic world call for slimness as the criterion for beauty. Cosmetic industry in the market with destructive slimming pills is the major cause of heart and lung diseases
(36)

. The Hindu, a leading National daily, puts this inner desire of women for

slimness as, two men and a woman enter a coffee shop, a man orders for coffee with one without sugar. Waiter brings coffee and serves without sugar to woman. (37). In India, according to a report of McKinsey, Capitalists are earning Rs. 2000 Crore from industries of making slim. With attractive offers like Gold and Platinum Card & Corporate Membership these Weight Management Companies earn monthly 3000 to 30,000 from their customers (38). Billions are spent on seeking Internet counselling on weight loss compelling a department of Raul college of psychiatrists, that deals with diseases caused by less nutrition to raise severe objection on functioning of these websites (39). Medical science describes Anorexia Nervosa as a disease. Women suffering from this disease start fasting in fear of weight gain. 5% patients of Anorexia die. The disease is

11
(40)

very common in America and Europe

. This disease mainly starts with models, who feel

extreme pressure from their capitalist bosses for looking slim. A famous saying describes Kate Moss as she eats only a leaf of salad. An Israeli model Hila Elmalich died in November 2007 as her weight was as that of 7yrs old girl. Media projects these models as examples and masses blindly follow them. Teenage girls adopt all possible means including cigarette smoking for losing weight irrespective of their impact on their body (41). Later follows the stage of body modification. A huge industry worth 30 billion dollars is working at this front. About 2 lakh surgeons contribute to this industry. America earns around 13 billion dollar from this industry (42). Capitalistic imperialism has convinced women for changing every part of their body. Shape of abdomen is changed by typical abdominoplasty. Eyes are given new look by Blepheroplasty, Breasts by Breast Implant and Butt by Butt Implant. Shapes of nose, ear and face is changed by Octoplasty, Rhinoplasty & Rhytidectomy respectively. Fat is removed from the body by operation. Size of intestine is reduced by typical Bariatic Surgery. Skin surface is changed by dangerous laser rays. Position of lips, cheeks, chin and forehead are changed by typical browplasty and chin implant. Surgery of extremely sensitive parts (Vaginoplasty) has been generalised in Europe now. TV serials and women magazines motivate for Designer Vagina and women serve their bodies for horrible surgery by their own wish. American women disease experts have warned against this surgery
(43)

. Still

thousands of women undergo this surgery without break. Inclination towards it is also rising in India (44) and they result in nothing but destruction of health (45). Breast implant is another dangerous gift of capitalistic imperialism with serious medical complication and any such decisions must not be taken without any genuine reason (46). Capitalist imperialism continues to find ways for exploiting the weaker sex as an easy source of income. In 2002 ABC Channel started a program named Extreme Makeover in which women presented themselves with a desire to change their body shape. In this way every part of body could be self designed according to requirement
(47)

. A woman Dales

Williams filed a case against the channel that deceptive means of this channel took her sisters life. Wales felt bad of her body shape especially eyes, teeth and breast. She approached the channel and the channel doctors convinced her that her body parts will be made beautiful. Then, as per the program, discussions were conducted about her sisters

12

ugliness before and after the operation, when doctors failed to make her beautiful, she committed suicide in order to end her Ugly Figure (48). In 2006, in the USA alone, there were nearly 11 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures performed. With the population of the USA being more than 300 million, this simplistically puts the proportion of the population who had cosmetic surgery last year alone at 3.64 per cent (49 500 Crore Rupees are spend on such operations in India (50). Body piercing and tattoo fashion was made very popular in whole world. Ear and nose piercing in traditional societies used to be highly criticised and described as brutal act, but now a days, women are being convinced for piercing in their every part of their body. That is why fashion of piercing in lips, tongue, chin, eyes, eyebrows, belly and other body parts has become generalised
(52) (51)

. Indian customers have also succumbed to this business.

. In the same way tattooing fashion has been made popular by promoting it with models

& actresses. Women are easily made ready for long and painful task of tattooing. Some women love full body tattoo
(54) (53)

. In view of side effects that occur due to tattooing, Red

Cross does not accept the blood donated by women who have undergone tattooing since 6 months . Professional designers design bodies of women partially or fully using designs and colours and get a healthy amount of money. Most of the women want these costly designs to remain on their body for a longer time and that is not possible with traditional mahndi or natural product so chemicals are mixed with colours which often cause allergy, itching, and cancer. Beauty competitions are organised in a much planned way to make them acceptable among women. The Crown of Beauty Queen in fact is a Crown of Slavery to Capitalistic Imperialism. Beauty Queen has to follow the orders of their capitalist bosses like a speechless animal. All the beauty products and the cosmetic surgeries, which are to be made acceptable, are tested on their bodies. They propagate these products and its services by sharing their experiences and becoming a witness of their effectiveness.

CONSUMERISM AND SOCIAL PRESSURE

The environment of Consumerism and Luxurious life, created by Capitalistic Imperialism, has affected the women most. Advertisements are made to attract women (and children).

13

Inclination towards Consumerism & Extravagance is increasing very rapidly and transforming into a psychological disease. According to expert psychiatrists, slowly human beings become addicted to spending money. Famous psychiatrist of Mumbai, Dr. Asheet Seth, says that the mind of a patient suffering from this disease, looses one Endorphins with each shopping and slowly he becomes addicted. Needlessly he is made to spend more for satisfaction. He takes credit to fulfil his desires the way an alcoholic takes a drink to get satisfied. World Health Organisation (WHO) declared this capitalists gift as Pathological Disorder. Unfortunately, Women succumb to it so often (55). The rise of suicide rates in upper and educated class of our country is being attributed to the Pressure of Consumerism & Royal Life Mania and tension produced by it. The rising competition for cars, flats, brands etc. has taken away the peace of minds (56). 24 years old Sujata , 6 months pregnant committed suicide because her MNC manager husband could not fulfil her desires as per her material standards
(57)

. The World Health Organisation says

(58)

depression will become the biggest killer of women in the coming decade.

A World

Mental Health report in 2001 found that Unipolar Depressive Disorder (consistent, long-term sadness) was the commonest malady afflicting women between 15 and 44, disabling 18.6 per cent globally. The figure is higher than that for heart disease and breast or cervical cancer. (59). Expert psychiatrists have pointed out its causes which are Lust for Luxury and Consumerism. According to Mumbai based Doctors, many urban housewives, professionals and socialites depend heavily on anti-anxiety drugs like alprazolam just to get through their day. These women take anti-anxiety pills like water, doctors say. 30 years old Sujata Divedi takes up to 50 medicines at a time. She says, I started with one pill a day because I was depressed and couldnt sleep. Then I kept increasing the dose. My days passed in a haze; I used to buy and hide the pills. I took them to steady my nerves before my husband returned home, she said. One day I took more than 200 tablets and woke up in hospital. (60). This capitalistic imperialism makes luxury the very purpose of life, thus leading to all evils spread in the world. Its only the race of Consumerism and Luxurious life that gave birth to disgusting Dowry System. Now, act of Bride Burning is not only limited to traditional backward class families but wives are being burnt in well educated, modern and happily living families also. Even IAS officer wife of an IAS officer husband is harassed for dowry. According to Delhi Commission of Women 10% of such cases are related to civilised (creamy layer) section of society. (61).

14

15

WOMAN IN ISLAM

Islam symbolizes justice and equality. Its principles eradicate injustice and exploitation

from every sphere of life. Regarding women, Islam gives detailed commandments that symbolize equality and justice. It completely abandons all those tactics that are being used by Capitalistic imperialists to exploit woman. Islam gives dignity and protection to woman with respect to her feminine characteristics, so that a Muslimah can never be deceived by the luring imperialists propaganda of Woman Liberation and Equality of Sexes. As we proceed
we will come to know that islam holds balanced approach regarding the weaker sex.

Muslim woman has no financial responsibilities.

Men and woman are different and so are there responsibilities. Islam assigns management

of all non-domestic affairs, external affairs to men and makes woman a complete in-charge
of home. This division of labour is justifiable not only in terms of biological and physiological

differences but also the socio-economic benefits that make a health society.
According to Islam, the total economic responsibility lies with men. But there exists no distinction in Quran and Sunnah in regard to woman earning her livelihood. The woman can also earn and affirm her economic independence within the prescribed limits of sharia. Islam permits

women to serve her society and civilization according to her abilities and educational qualifications. The women in the time of Prophet (saw) are the best examples for such contributions
to civilization and culture. The women own a full financial status that is no less than man. She

has right to earn, right to posses property in the form of asset, real wealth or cash. She has full right to spend her wealth in a manner she wishes so long as it is approved by sharia.
Whatever a woman earns she has the full right to spent it in the manner she wishes within Islamic limits. Neither her husband nor in-laws can force her to work (take up a job), nor they

can force her to give her earnings to them. Even for earning woman, her economic responsibility lies with her husband.

16

Quran makes it clear as:

Men are the protectors and maintainers of woman, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spent from their means. Therefore the righteous woman are devoutly obedient (to Allah and their husband), and guard in the husbands absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. There chastity, their husbands property). (An-Nisa:34) Prophet of Allah Says The man is the shepherd of his household and is responsible for Rotaih, the woman is the shepherd of her husbands house and responsible for her flock (Muslim) For a widow or divorcee, Islam gives the responsibility to her father (guardian). In the absence of any guardian the responsibility lies in the hands of government.

FAMILY: THE REAL RESPONSIBILITY

Islam openly rejects the imperialistic notion that economic independence will lead to economic empowerment. According to Islam the first and the greatest work of a woman, in which no

one can rival her, is to rear new generations. She is prepared for that by Allah, both physically and psychologically, and she should not be occupied by anything else materialistic or moral whatsoever, as nobody can replace her in that great work on which the future of the nation and its wealth i.e. human resources depend. Islam has entrusted woman with the responsibility of being a home-maker. A woman has a noble task entrusted to her by Allah- Almighty that is of child bearing and motherhood. The woman is also the lord of her house and it is her task to take care of her family, prepare her home as a place of comfort for her husband and children. Her role is a huge responsibility and noble mission that must not be in any way neglected or under-estimated. Quran says: And among His Signs is that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people who reflect. (Ar-Rum: 21)

17

Prophet (saw) explains the essence of home making.

A certain woman called Nasiba once came to the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and said, O Messenger of Allah, men have excelled in meriting the rewards of The Hereafter. They join the Friday prayer, attend congregation and perform jihad. Then what is left for us women to do? The Prophet (pbuh) replied, O Nasiba, if your manner of living with your husband is proper and obedient, such conduct in itself is equal to all the actions performed by men, which you have just mentioned. (Kanz al-Ummal, 16/411)

JOB: OPTIONAL FOR WOMEN

The fundamental duties and rights which have been allocated to woman by Allah are in balance with the duties she has towards her family. These duties must be given precedence over other responsibilities. So a woman can go out to work only if she is able to fulfill her responsibilities as a home-maker. Hence economic engagement (job) for a woman is simply a matter of her consent and will. Thus the well balanced perspective of Islam is neither too orthodox to confine a women completely inside home neither too liberal to exploit her morality, chastity and put her under hardship of dual responsibility like that of western society. Conditions: To be fulfilled before going out for work
The optional financial responsibilities taken by woman out of her own consent has to be within the limits of sharia and they are. 1. Hijab.

A woman cannot go without hijab in front of non-mahram. She must fulfill all the six
criterias of hijab before going out for work.

Quran says: And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts. And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent An-Nur:31)

18

O Prophet (pbuh)! Tell your wives and daughters and the women of the believers to draw their veils all over their bodies. That will be better, that should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al Ahzab 59)

2. Dignified Speech

While conversing with men she should not speak in soft and tender tone. She should maintain her dignity and honour. Quran says: O wives of The Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in a honorable manner. (Al-Ahzab: 32) Prophet (pbuh) said: And the tongue- its fornication (zina) is speech (with lust) (Muslim)
3. No intermingling of sexes

There should be no intermingling of sexes. They must keep away from Non Mahram men. Prophet (pbuh) said: While coming out of mosque and on seeing men and women walking together he said to a woman be aside, you are not allowed to walk in middle (of the road), keep to the side of the road.Women were attached to the wall so that her dress were close to the wall. (Abu Davood)
4. No lonely meetings with Non Mahrams.

Prophet (pbuh) said: A man is not alone with a woman but the third one being the Satan.(Ahmad)
5. No physical touch with a Non Mahram.

Prophet (pbuh) said: It is better for you (men), that a metal rod be plunged into your head than touching a female who is not lawful for you. (Tibrani).

19

6. No use of Perfume for outing.

Prophet (pbuh) said: Verily a woman who applies perfume and passes by a gathering is like an adulterous. (Trimizi)
7. Lastly the working place should not be such that there is no consideration of her

feminine characteristics and virtues.

PORNOGRAPHY AND ISLAM:

Pornography is the representation of erotic behavior as in books, pictures and films, intended to cause sexual excitement. It has always been one of the popular elements of capitalist economic system. Pornography bears some causal relationship to the level of sexual violence, sexual coercion or unwanted sexual aggression. Womens emergence from
homes, the free mixing of sexes and pervasiveness of pornography adds up to the situation

in which sexual excitement is inevitable. Hence to eradicate this evil of illegal sexual relationship, Islam has taken special action and closed all the doors to it. Islam strictly forbids all such relationship outside the boundary of Nikah, be it consensual or without consent. This act has been declared highly objectionable sin which rightfully deserves a harsh punishment. Islam even takes a step ahead and prohibits any advocacy of other forms of this evil. Not only sex but also pornography in form of pictures or literature, even sex fantasies are strictly prohibited in Islam. Quran says: Verily Allah enjoins Al-Adl and Al-Ihsan and giving to kith and kin, and forbids Al-fahshah (e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, and Al-Munkar, and AlBaghy (i.e. all kind of oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed. (An-Nahl: 19) Islam not only prohibits looking at woman but also prohibits detailed description of her beauty.

20

Prophet (pbuh) said: O women! A woman should not describe another woman to her husband thereby a picture of that woman forming in his mind. (Muslim) Islam prohibits all forms of trades related to pornography or promoting it. Even supporting, advocating or buying shares of such companies are haram. Quran warns of strict punishment for people indulging themselves in such trades. Quran says: Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not. (An-Nur: 19)

BEAUTY AND BEAUTIFICATION AND ISLAM

In Islam external beauty has no role in deciding ones honor and personality. The real beauty is Taqwa- the piety. Quran says: verily the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) with At-Taqwa (The pious). (Al-Hujurat: 13) Prophet (pbuh) said: A women is married for four things i.e. her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So you should marry the religious women. (Muslim)

CONDITIONS FOR BEAUTIFICATION

1. She should beautify herself only for her husband. Beautifying her for any other man is Haram for her. Quran absolutely condemns it. Quran says: And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance (Al-Ahzab)

21

2. The makeup should not be used to conceal her age and appearance. She should not use artificial means for it. (e.g. artificial hairs)

Quran says: Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will rouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah. And whoever takes Satan as a Wali (protector) Instead if Allah, has surely suffered a manifest loss.(An-Nisa: 119) Prophet (pbuh) said: Allah has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as change the features created by Allah. Why then should not I curse those women the Prophet has cursed? And that is in Allahs book, i.e. His Saying: And what the Apostle gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain (from it). (Bukhari)

3. It is not permissible to use such materials for beautification which may cause harm to her body and health. Quran says: And spend in the cause of Allah and do not throw yourself in destruction, and do well. Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers) (Al-Baqara: 195) And do not kill yourselves. (An-Nisa: 29) On the basis of above mentioned ayat, Muslim scholars prohibit plastic surgery except for some medical reason. These principles of Islam completely uproot the basic fundamentals of Extreme Makeover industries through which the capitalist are exploiting women.

EXTRAVAGANCE AND ISLAM

Simple living and high thinking is the philosophy of Islam.

22

Prophet (pbuh) said: Living simple is among the signs of Iman. (Abu-Dawood) Quran says: And eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly Allah Likes not Al-musrifun (one whose wastes by extravagance) (Al-Araf: 31)

If Allah has blessed you with extra wealth Quran ordains not to waste but to give charity to poor and needy. Quran says: And give to the kinsman his due and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.Verily the spendthrifts are the brothers of the devils and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord. (Al-Isra: 26, 27) So in the light of above teachings there is no place for apprehension for the lifestyle or the standards of living which has been setup by the capitalist exploiters among the women of our age. A Muslim woman is the one who spends in the path of Allah and is addicted to help others.

A QUESTION
One may well ask that how we regard the capitalistic civilization wronged and Muslim communities guided, when the perversion has entered the later also. The response would be that the argument is ill judged because our comparison of western and Islamic civilizations makes the judgment on the basis of standards versus behaviour. The rot of Muslim society is because of deviation from Islam while the rot of western civilization is the result of putting into practice the deviant principles they believe. The evil of Muslim societies stems from the gap between principles and practice whereas the evils of western societies are a result of clash between principles and realities. Western civilization of our times has developed principles independent of religious guidelines to govern social life maintaining that modern principles are superior to old principles but they have failed badly and created the crisis world never faced before.

23

THE MESSAGE
While the solution of Muslims is to go back to their past and adhere to principles given in Quran and Sunnah but if the west retracts to its past it will return to same principles on which it still adheres in letter. So, O Muslims hold hard the rope of Allah or face His wrath and O westerners ponder on your moral bankruptcy and come back to the pattern decreed by Divine. Otherwise the world would perish and we will be left with nothing but despair.

24

Our Demands
Besides creating awareness amongst the general population regarding the exploitation of women we should also put forward the following demands from the government. 1. Laws regulating the working conditions should be passed and these laws should strictly apply to all companies. Women should get privacy at work place and her feminine requirements should be considered fully. 2. Pornography, indecent literatures, indecent websites and films should be totally banned. Media should be strictly controlled. For this sensor board and press council should come forward. All form of trade and companies dealing with pornography should be banned. 3. To keep check on cosmetic products there should be proper authority just like drug authority and accordingly cosmetic laws should be made.
4. Laws should be made to check the fake luring advertisements. Similarly indecent

reality shows should be checked.

REFERENCES
1) The Hindu March 04, 2006, Most call centres prefer to hire women 2) Factories (Amendment) Bill 2005 3) Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Rotating Night Shifts and Risk of Breast Cancer in Women Participating in the Nurses' Health Study (2001) 93(20): 1563-1568. 4) Sharan A Chung et. Al.: Journal of Womens Health, July 2009, 18(7), 965-977 5) Times of India 02-08-1993 6) Times of India, Bangalore, 27th July 2006, Tania used to call up daily, recalls father

7)

Times of India December 19-2005 'Odd shift timings worry BPO workers'

25

8) Times of India 9) The Telegraph 07 September 2011, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1530907/Call-centres-are-blamed-for-a-risein-loose-living-among-Indias-affluent-new-elite.html 10) The Telegraph, Calcutta, May 14,2006
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060514/asp/opinion/story_6215232.asp

11) The Telegraph 07 September 2011, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1530907/Call-centres-are-blamed-for-a-risein-loose-living-among-Indias-affluent-new-elite.html 12) As quoted in Shirin Kudchedkar et. al. violence against women, women against violence p.28-48 Delhi Pencraft (1988) social and personal requirements causes their healthcare to get ignored. 13) Nusrat Ahmad study on, Preventive Health Care and Corporate Female Workforce ASSOCHAM Research Bureau, New Delhi, 2009.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13377740/Preventive-Health-Care-and-Corporate-Female-WorkforceABB

14) Ajanta Chakraborty, Long Days, Longer Times of India 8th September 2009 http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-08/kolkata/28102415_1_chronicinsomnia-stress-sleeplessness 15) Ajanta Chakraborty, Long Days, Longer Times of India 8th September 2009 16) UNODC, 2004; National Survey on Extent, Pattern and Trends of Drug Abuse in India United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime; Mew Delhi 17) http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html 18) http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html 19) NewYork Times May 20, 2001 Naked Capitalists: There's No Business Like Porn Business 20) No shoes, No shirts, No worries New York Times, 17-04-08 21) Eric Jang, as quoted in Bhai Chand Patel, Book Review Tickle them Pink Outlook, Oct.5, 2009, p.90, New Delhi. 22) Donna Conrad, A conversation with Ruth Bernhard Photovision Vol. 1, No. 3 23) Theory and Practice: Pornography and Rape in Going to far: The Personal Chronical of a Feminist p.126 Feminist..p.126 24) Are women Human Interview with the Cathrine MacKinnon,Guardian London, 12-042006

26

25) O, Christine. "Asian Mail-Order Brides, the Threat of Global Capitalism, and the Rescue of the U.S. Nation-State." Feminist Studies 32.2 (2006): pp. 395-419 26) Seth Lubove: A patent on porn, Forbes, 04.02.2003 27) Andry Patrizio All the News thats fit to strip, WIRED August 2001 28) Returns May 05-2009 29) New Rights for Dutch Prostitutes New York Times, 12-08-2001 30) Unwire.org/unwire/19990730/4073_story.asp 31) The Nature and Extent of the sex Industry in New Zealand Ministry of Justice, New Zealand 2008 32) J.Rudin (2009) Body Mania, Psychology Today, January 1992, reviewed in July 2009 33) www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/research/fdapetition.php 34) Hawala Sabiq 35) www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/research/topbrands.php 36) Dr. Ray Sahelian M.D,Orlistat Diet Pill www.raysahelian.com/orlistat.html 37) Obese or Obsesses? The Hindu, Nov. 4, 2004 38) Sona Wadhwa, Lightness of Wellbeing Outlook November 11-2002 39) Boming pro-Anorexia Websites, Times of India 19-09-2009 40) Upasna Mallick Anorexia and Fashion Industry the Views Paper April 18-2009 41) Saarni et. al International weight Loss and Smoking in Young Adults; Intl. journ. of Obesity (2004) 28, 796-802 42) Ritu Sharma Cosmetic Surgery Finding Home in the Indian Market, Chilli Breeze, September 2008 43) ACOG, Vaginal Rejuvenation and Cosmetic Vaginal Procedures, Obset. Gynecol. (Sept.2007) 737,738 44) Debarati Patil, Pune women are undergoing Vaginal, Midday 09-07-2009 45) Sreyashi Dutta Cosmetic Surgery Market Frost & Sullivian 30th Dec.-2008 46) Cosmetic Surgery in Britain under Fire in The Medical News September 22-2008 47) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/extreme_makeover 48) Ugly women sues TV Show Indian Express Sep. 20-2005 49) Michael Gortan, What is a Surgeon not a Surgeon, Surgical News Vol-8 No.10, 2007 50) Ritu Sharma et. al Cosmetic Surgery Konceptanalytics, asm summer P.62 51) Racquel Kirsch Body Piercing, the McGill Tribune 31st Oct 2010 52) Shilpi Kumar, The Business of Body Art, DARE, 31st Aug. 2009

27

53) Pamphlet Tattoos, Body Piercing and other skin Adornments by American Academy of Dermatology (2004) 54) http://www.donateblood.com.au/faq#10n223 55) Priyanka Sinha, Speditis, Outlook Money, Oct. 7, 1998 56) In an Outpost of Global Economy: Work and Workers in Indias Information Technology Industry. Edited by Carol Upadhya and A.R. Vasavi; Routledge, London, New Delhi; 2008. 57) Heart Break House, Telegraph May 08-2007 58) As quoted in Catharine Paddock Women who have migraine Medical News Today; 10-1-2007 59) The World Health Report 2001 p29-30 60) The Telegraph, May 08, 2007, http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070508/asp/nation/story_7748935.asp 61) Rumu Banerjee, Times of India Sep. 13, 2005

28

Must Read books on Woman in Islam

1. Ideal Muslimah (Muslim Woman) By: Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi 2. Islam and the Muslim woman today by Maryam Jameelah 3. Purdah & the Status of Woman in Islam by Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi 4. Islam: The Empowering of Women by Aisha Bewley 5. Woman in Islam by Dr. Jamal Badwi 6. Woman between Islam and western society by Maulana Waheedudin Khan 7. The status of Woman in Islam by Dr. Yusuf al Qardhawi 8. Fiqh of Marriage in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah By: Dr. Saalih ibn Ghaanim al-Sadlaan 9. Islam and modernism by Maryam Jameela 10. You can be the Happiest Woman in The World by Dr. Aadi al Qarni 11. Muslim Woman And Economic Enterprisesby Maulana Jalal udin Umari