ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Status of Women As Seen From the Quran Women' Treatment By Unbelievers In a society which is governed by superstition, ignorance and self interest of the elite, the female gender is oppressed to the fullest extreme and she is always considered as a lowly being in comparison to men. Her rights are usurped by the influential class and she seldom has the opportunity to voice her grievances.

The Qur'an detests such a mentality which considers females to be of a lower worth than males, for we are clearly told that in the sight of God, every human child, regardless of race, gender, or social affiliation is equally honored and worthy of respect: "And indeed We have honored every Human Child.." (17:70) The Qur'an informs us that in a society of unbelievers, the female gender is despised and a son is preferred over a daughter.

In Sura Al Nahl their mentality is identified: "When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) a female (child) his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt or bury it in the dust? Ah!

what an evil (choice) they decide on?" (16:58-59) In such a society, the female gender is not only despised, but she is also deprived of the nourishment that was to be meant equally for her as well as her male counterpart.

The unbelievers are identified to restrict females from the sustenance that was meant for the consumption of both the genders, on the basis of self made traditions: "They say: "What is in the wombs of such and such cattle is specially reserved (for food) for our men and forbidden to our women; but if it is still-born then all have share therein.

For their (false) attribution (of superstitions to God) He will soon punish them: for He is full of wisdom and knowledge." (6:139) Such is the treatment imparted by the unbelievers to the feminine gender.