Women in Islam

Before I begin, I want to pose a question to the reader: How come a female Muslim (Muslimah) is labeled “oppressed” when she decently covers her head to toe in order to dedicate herself to God. Yet same cannot be attributed to a Christian nun who does same?

We live in a world today that questions the legitimacy of Islam, and for the matter the status of women in Islam. Unfortunately, many Muslims have subconsciously (or consciously) incorporated many cultural views and practices into the religion of Islam that limit the freedom and status of women in society. As a result of this ‘incorporation’, the status of Muslim women has been comprised in most societies, largely due to the influence of men who cannot accept women as capable, intelligent, and strong women. Accordingly, Western society and the media view Islam as ‘oppressive to women’ and unfortunately does not draw the distinction that: Islam in itself is fine; its just that some of the people (the Muslims) who practice Islam misrepresent the true spirit of Islam.

Islamic history has one of the most remarkable legacies of famous women in human history. During the Age of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) to the modern times a select number of prominent women in Islamic history were involved in a wide variety of areas from scholarship, mysticism, and poetry to social patronage, war, and politics.

One of example is Fatma, daughter of Abbas Shiha, named "The Lady of her times" by the historian Al-Makrizi, who described her as having great intellect and wisdom.

There are several tales of Khawlah bint al-Azwar al-Kindiyyah (The Black Knight), a high born Bedouin warrior woman and knight of Islam. Khawlah first came to prominence when, clad all in black armor, she charged a Byzantine army leading a unit of knights who broke the enemy line and rallied the Islamic army. Only afterward, when confronted by the general of the Islamic army did she reveal that she and her followers were all female. She had avoided the general out of modesty, as proper for a woman of her rank. Khawlah married Ali, the fourth Caliph, but did not live is his household, instead she lived and trained with her warriors. Khawlah was said to be “more ferocious than a rain cloud over Yemen.”

The above shows that the status of women in Islamic societies has never been uniform or monolithic but has shifted from place to place, from age to age, and from class to social class. The greatest disparity, however, has been between the norms of the Prophetic period and those of subsequent ages. Prophetic society lacked the rigid divisions of social space that became characteristic of many traditional Islamic societies, and, as a rule, Prophetic society was more open and less patriarchal, giving women greater freedom and allowing them a conspicuous role within the matrix of social and civic life.

Despite this rich history of women in Islam, many people (Muslims and non-Muslims) consider the greatest symbol of women's oppression and servitude the veil or the hijab. As such, the focus of this article will concentrate on the significance of the Muslim woman’s dress.

The Hijab

The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman.

"So why do Muslim women have to cover their heads?" This question is one which is asked by Muslim and non-Muslim alike. For many women it is the truest test of being a Muslim. Islam did not invent the head cover. However, Islam did endorse it. The answer to the question is very simple - Muslim women observe HIJAB (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so. The Quran urges the believing men first and then the women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty and then urges the believing women to extend their head covers to cover the neck and the bosom:

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (24:30,31).

The Quran is quite clear that the veil is essential for modesty, but why is modesty important? The Quran is still clear:

"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested" (33:59).

This is the whole point, modesty is prescribed to protect women from molestation or simply, modesty is protection. Thus, the only purpose of the veil in Islam is protection. The Islamic veil, unlike the veil of the Christian tradition, is not a sign of man's authority over woman nor is it a sign of woman's subjection to man (Refer to I Corinthians 11:3-10 in The Holy Bibile). The Islamic veil, unlike the veil in the Jewish tradition, is not a sign of luxury and distinction of some noble married women. The Islamic veil is only a sign of modesty with the purpose of protecting women, all women. In fact, the Quran is so concerned with protecting women's bodies and women's reputation that a man who dares to falsely accuse a woman of unchastity will be severely punished:

"And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations)- Flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors" (24:4)

Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some requirements must be met. The first of these requirements is the parts of the body which must be covered.

"Ayesha (May Allah be please with her) reported that Asmaa the daughter of Abu Bakr (May Allah be please with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (S) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." (Abu Dawood)

The second requirement is looseness. The clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the woman's body. One desirable way to hide the shape of the body is to wear a cloak over other clothes. However, if the clothing is loose enough, an outer garment is not necessary.

Often forgotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention. Looking at the clothing of women as recently as seventy years ago, we see clothing similar to hijab. These active and hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing which consisted of long, full dresses and various types of head covering. Muslim women who wear hijab do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels and walks of life.

Hijab is not merely a covering dress but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one facet of the total being.

Hijab as a form of liberation

As Dr. Katherine Bullock (a Canadian convert and community activist) observes, “The point to covering is not that sexual attraction is bad, only that it should be expressed between a husband and wife inside the privacy of the home. A public space free of sexual tensions is seen as a more peaceful place for human beings, men and women, to interact, do business, and build a healthy civilization.”. Thus, a Muslim woman is liberated from the slavery of ‘physical perfection’.

Society makes women desire to become ‘perfect objects’. The multitudes of alluring fashion magazines and cosmetic surgeries show women’s enslavement to beauty. The entertainment industry pressures teens to believe that for clothes, less is better. When we wear Hijab, we vow to liberate ourselves from such desires and serve only God.

In addition, a Muslim woman is not judged by her hair and curves. In schools and professional environments, women are often judged by their looks or bodies—characteristics they neither chose nor created. Hijab forces society to judge women for their value as human beings, with intellect, principles, and feelings. A woman in Hijab sends a message, “Deal with my brain, not my body!”

Moreover, a Muslim woman is empowered and confident. In contrast to today’s teenage culture, where anorexia and suicide are on the rise, as women attempt to reach an unattainable ideal of beauty, Hijab frees a woman from the pressure to ‘fit in’. She does not have to worry about wearing the right kind of jeans or the right shade of eyeshadow. She can feel secure about her appearance because she cares to please only Allah.

Lastly, a Muslim woman feels the bond of unity. The hijab identifies us as Muslims and encourages other Muslim sisters to greet us with the salutation of peace, “Assalamu
Alaikum”. Hijab draws others to us and immerses us in good company.

In closing, as any Muslim will tell you, Islam does not condone the oppression of women. The decision to wear hijab is not made by the father, brother, nor the husband, but made between Allah and the woman. The mass media would have you believe other wise and so I ask, shall we remain intellectually stagnant and allow the media to tell us how to think?

Or will we use that organ we’ve worked thus far to foster and hence be critical enough to analyze information relayed to us, and in fact endeavor to research the media's target, Islam?

I remind myself as I shall remind you that our ability to think critically must go beyond the parameters of the Faculty of Medicine ultimately encompassing and dictating our daily lives. The evil of speculation, the cash cow of mass media, is that not only does it inhibit thoughtful reflection and well thought out decision making, but, more importantly, when creeping subtly into our diverse and intricate social realm it has the dangerous potential to destroy the very fabric of our great society.

Miss Ramullah Namisango Kasozi, M.B.Ch.B. IV – Makerere University

REFERENCES

Ali, Mary C. “THE QUESTION OF HIJAB: SUPPRESSION OR LIBERATION” The Institute of Islamic Information and Education (III&E)

Hijab: Fabric, Fad, or Faith?. Young Muslims Publications.

Woman’s Dress in Islam by Jamal Badawi

The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

Rethinking Muslim Women and the Veil by Katherine Bullock

http://www.eternalegypt.org/EternalEgyptWebsiteWeb/HomeServlet?ee_website_action_key=action.display.module&module_id=158&language_id=1&story_id=21
http://www.astrolabe.com/products/viewitem.php?id=1464&affid=Nawawi
http://www.amaana.org/current/sittul.htm
http://www.silven.com/print.asp?case=monthlycolumn&camefrom=ezine&id=99
http://www.historyswomen.com/Admire51.html
http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/heroine1.html

Chill at Blue Mango!

On the road leading to Ntinda, as one approaches Kabira Country Club in Bokoto, a bambo-stick fence surrounds a peculiar orange and blue building called Blue Mango. At first glance, one would assume nothing more or less about the structure and continue to drive on their way towards Ntinda Market.

However, for the adventurous folk like me, I could not help but enter the bambo-stick gate one Saturday afternoon. Upon entering the compound I was welcomed with a smile by the gatekeeper and the receptionist of the hotel. Considering that I was not at Blue Mango to stay in the hotel, the receptionist kindly directed me towards the restaurant of Blue Mango.

On arriving in the premises of the Blue Mango Restaurant, I was overwhelmed by the utter beauty of the atmosphere. The compound was well manicured, the layout of the outdoor restaurant was exotic, and the swimming pool looked very tempting. In addition, the soft and subtle new-age sounds of Moby and Enya made me feel as though I was transported to a remote island. I found it hard to believe that just over the bambo-stick fence existed a hectic, fast-paced world full of stress and the obvious social problems. Thankfully, Blue Mango offered me a natural euphoria that provided me with a much-needed psychological massage.

Of course, what I just described can appear to be too good to be true. After all, I am entitled to my own opinion and my own embellishments. But if you feel like experiencing a "natural euphoria" and "shaking off" those "work-day blues", go to Blue Mango Restaurant with some friends and enjoy the rain forest theme.

You will be looked after by the friendly staff, who never hesitate to fulfil your requests. The natural logwood frame appearance of the furniture, and the added large ocean blue cushions, offer a simple, yet confident, and comfortable appearance to the seating area. As a result, one will be at ease and melt into the tropical breeze.

For those of you who want to get away from the regular local food (i.e. matooke, rice, posho, & beans), the menu at Blue Mango offers an intriguing and diverse meals; from Italian cusines to their famous Mexican dishes. And after eating your delicious meal, you have the option of: relaxing in the TV lounge to read or watch movies (from their video library); play a game of pool; or lay down and rest by the pool side on the pool chairs. Once you have allowed your food to digest, feel free to take a swim in their refreshing sky-blue pool.

If you feel that you cannot still leave the wonderful oasis, stay a bit and enjoy the many evening programs (e.g. Karaoke) that Blue Mango has to offer.

So, if you feel like pampering yourself and treating yourself to a "psychological massage", spend a day at Blue Mango so that you can kiss your daily worries good-bye!

Gate Crashers

On a warm spring-like day on the rolling hills of Kibuli, another historical event was taking place at Kibuli Muslim Hospital. The land that is now called Kibuli, was donated by the late Prince Badru Kakungulu in the 1930's with the sole purpose of creating institutions that would support and improve the status of the Muslim community at large. The opening of the new Out-Patient Complex (OPC) with a Casualty Department on the beautiful day of the 23rd of July, crowned ten years of hard work.

Under the initiative of concerned Muslims around Kibuli Mosque, with the guidance and support of the late Prince Badru Kakungulu, twenty years ago Kibuli Muslim Hospital (KMH) started as a small Out-Patient Department with very few staff and limited facilities. Later on In-Patients facilities were added with a fifty-nine bed capacity and a small theatre; this was up to 1995 and by then it was Kibuli Nursing Home. Today Kibuli Muslim Hospital has become a fully-fledged Hospital with a 145 bed capacity, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. The hospital servers from 100,000-120,000 patients annually. In addition, KMH has a staff of 150 covering all the departments, 35 visiting specialists and consultants who help run KMH. As a result, currently KMH is a Health Sub-district which has been assigned the responsibility of Makindye East where it carries out Primary Health Care (PHC) activities with the collaboration of Kampala City Council, Makindye Division and UNEPI.

Thus, this past Saturday marked the reality of a dream at KMH with the opening of the first phase of the Out-Patient Complex. The opening ceremony was filled with beautiful decorations, many "thank you speeches" and attended by many dignitaries, that included the likes of Prince Khaasm Nakibinge Kakungulu and Mr. Haider Somany, on behalf of the Somany Family (major donors to the construction of the new complex).

Yet, despite the expensive cars that rolled at the entrance of the gate to the complex, and the high-profile guests that attended the event, and the beautifully dressed compound of the new Out-Patient Department, a glaring, but somewhat cereal, irony floated in the atmosphere. Many villagers from the surrounding area were straining their necks and faces through the surrounding fence to get a peep of what was ensuing. Sadly, most of the on-lookers in the periphery were from the nearby slums that encircle KMH. It felt as though poverty was trying to feel and smell of what was to be wealthy.

One could observe that Kibuli is home to many schools (of all levels), training institutions, and hospital. However, it is also the home to many slums that contain many migrants who cannot afford the services (e.g. education, health, vocational training) that Kibuli has to offer. Consequently, due to the limited income of the residence in the slums, few can afford to eat one meal a day. As a result, there is a tendency of these residents to self invite themselves to community events with the hope of at least acquiring a meal (be it lunch or dinner).

These so-called "Gate Crashers" were prevalent at the opening of the new OPC, who were not at the event to hear the guest of honour's speech, but merely there to get free lunch. It was evident that some of the invited guests of the event found the presence of the "Gate Crashers" not welcoming and felt as though they were "cramping the style" of the event. Others just pretended that they did not exist. While the rest just felt sorry for and could not help but offer them a better view of the event by offering a seat. Despite the ill looks from the invited guests and threats from security, the "Gate Crashers" continued to attend the event feeling that they had every right to be at the event since it was happening in their community.

Consequently, lunch followed the closure of the ceremony and one could only imagine how happy the "Gate Crashers" felt when it was being served. Lucky for them, there was not such a tight security controlling the entrance of guests into the eating area. As a result, the "Gate Crashers" found it easy to infiltrate the area and stand in line for lunch so that they could satisfy their daily hunger for food. In the end, though some people found it offensive, I was happy to see that some hungry stomachs got filled. After all, they are human and deserve to eat!

However, the presence of the "Gate Crashers" brings to light certain questions we as a society need to ask ourselves regarding social welfare. What do we need to do to make basic needs (health and education) accessible to the poor? How can we ensure that individuals eat at least two meals a day? How can we avoid creating communities where "have-nots" peep through the fence of the "have's"?

These and many more questions must be discussed at the local level political system so that a civil responsibility, and civil pride, is eventually established to reduce the amount of "Gate Crashers" at events.

The girl in the blue dress.

As I left medical school to head to my room at main campus yesterday, approaching the main intersection in Wandegeya, I noticed a girl (probably around 15 years old) walking aimlessly, in the middle of the road with no concern for the afternoon rush hour. On close examination, I realized that her lower lip was literally split into two with all kinds of body fluids spilling from the injury. Her face and arms had scrapes and she was covered in dirt. Based on her appearance, I assumed she must have been in a road traffic accident. Sadly, she was also barefooted and walking down Bombo road with a long blue dress.

As she approached the side of the road I was on, her eyes met mine. For that moment in time, I was able to see the sadness and desperation in the girl's eyes. Its like time stopped for just a moment to allow me to empathize of how poverty can affect ones life. Through her eyes I could see the great cry for help. She was saying "help me, help me, take me out of my misery", but no one was listening. Yet, for some reason, I could do nothing, nor say anything. I was in utter shock. It was like I was in some sort of immovable trance. I kept thinking to myself that I should be giving first aid to this girl, maybe refer her to Mulago, or at least assist her to seek medical attention, but my mouth could not open. Why didn't i do anything? Was I being selfish? Proud? I am a medical student trying to become a doctor and therefore I should have had some sort of compassion for the girl to at least help her. But I didn't! Maybe its because I feared the possible transmission of blood borne infections and therefore I didn’t want to touch her without any medical gear. Or, maybe its because I have become so used to the sight of poverty that I have learned to numb myself when I see a disadvantage person on the street.

After our eyes parted, as I crossed the street to get on the opposite side of Bombo road, I could still see the girl walking through the traffic along the other side of Bombo road. Though she was walking against traffic, and would literally walk towards a vehicle, no person or vehicle inquired about the state of this girl. Vehicles kept maneuvering around her so that they could avoid hitting her. Pedestrians continued to walk and seemed occupied with getting home to prepare for dinner. It seemed as though no one noticed this girl except me! Why were people ignoring her plea for help?

Who was this girl? Did she have a family? What had happened to her? How did she reach to such a state of mind that she didn't care if she was walking through traffic? These questions kept going through my head as I left Bombo road to enter the warm comforts of my room.

Coming to Uganda has given me an inside look of poverty and the consequences it creates. One such consequence of poverty is apathy. The experience of seeing that girl, and looking into her eyes, prompted me to re-evaluate myself and to determine whether or not apathy had entered my personality. There must have been close to 200 people in the busy intersection looking at the same girl in the blue dress. Yet no one...I mean no one...showed any interest in helping out that girl! Why didn't I do anything? Still rings in my head! I should of done something! I'm in medicine for goodness sake! Yet I did nothing except stare and look at the girl with sadness like everyone else.

But to defend my behavior, I wanted to do something but I just didn't know how! I do care about the homeless and sick and helping the poor; that is why I am in medicine! I don't want to think that apathy has got a hold on me. While living in Toronto, for most of my life, I was involved in many programs and initiatives that sought to aid the poor.

However, here in Kampala I have not encountered such programs and initiatives that I can be a part of. There are just too many people on the streets and too many people who don't care about them! I guess I just have to try to find some way in which I can be more proactive in helping out the less fortunate so that I do not fall victim to apathy.

I would like to think that next time, when I see a girl in a blue dress, I can help her. Allah only knows!

COBES 2005 - Oh what fun!!

Since the beginning of Problem Based Learning (PBL) curriculum at the Faculty of Medicine at Makerere University in September 2003, Community Based Education Services (COBES) program has been implemented with the main objective of allowing PBL curriculum students to appreciate Family Medicine and Community Based health activities in the community. As a result, students have been given the opportunity to work, live, and study in their respective COBES sites throughout selected districts of Uganda.

Through COBES, students can appreciate how the Government of Uganda tries to implement Primary Health Care (PHC) via the Uganda National Minimum Health Care Package (UNMCHP). It follows that COBES presents a tool for our (the students) community internship and enables the PBL curriculum students to:

1-Practice "Reality Education"
2-Implement Priority National Health Programmes advocated by the UNMCHP
3-Promote Community empowerment and Equity in Health
4-Acclimatize to the districts and communities.

The photos below are images of "PART 2 of COBES" in the Kawempe Division, Kampala District. Other photos of other districts will follow :-)

Click here to view more photos of COBES 2005!

COBES 2005 - PBL Group for Kawempe Health Center. 

COBES 2005 - Kawempe - Pharmacy students discussing the daily activities. 

COBES 2005 - Faculty of Medicine PBL students in Kawempe visiting the children of N/Nkata Primary and Nursery School in Kati Falawo Zone. 

COBES 2005 - Kawempe Health Center - Branden Pfferferkorn (visiting medical student from the University of Wisconsin - Madison) at the Immunization Center 

COBES 2005 - Kawempe Division - The Pharmacist students talking with a Traditional Healer

Nice effort, but you need MORE MUSCLE!

Yet again, the 2nd year PBL students (The Seniors) from the Faculty of Medicine insisted on avenging their bruised egos by challenging the 1st year PBL students (The juniors) for a football match this past Saturday (14th May) at Nsibirwa football field.

Unfortunately, I missed the first 35 minutes of the match, however, word is that "supposedly" both sides were working well and none of the teams seemed to be dominating the match. Opportunities did exist for the seniors to gain some dominance, yet again, the strikers failed to see the space that existed between the two wooden posts!

The rest of the first half reminded me of a very long lecture, where one cannot appreciate the information being presented. Likewise, on the pitch, neither side looked particularly interesting nor had a stranglehold on possession of the ball. As such, the second half ended uneventfully and scoreless.

The second half began with a lot more energy from both sides. It must be mentioned, that I was very impressed with the juniors because they had uniforms that unified them as a team. Furthermore, they had amazing team spirit as demonstrated by the amount of supporters who came out to see the team play, and the amount of noise they generated was eye-catching. In truth, I feel that the team spirit demonstrated by the juniors, in some subconscious way, may have had an affect on the game of the seniors.

Despite the loud noise coming for the 1st years, the seniors were surprisingly composed during the first part of the second half. They were often splendidly measured in the passing, forcing the juniors to run for the ball. The defence looked comfortable, which at times frustrated the juniors. And the tackles were well played and executed, which tended to disrupte the 1st year rushes.

Sadly, between the 70th to the 80th minute of the match, the seniors defense looked a bit edgy and there was an excess of silly fouls which allowed the juniors to dominate the game. This domination became threatnening because their existed many shots on-target. When the seniors managed to enter the 1st year half, the juniors brilliantly set-up many offside traps that halted the senior penetration.

Despite that, both teams played at gentlemanly combative distance, but I couldn't help but wonder if the juniors would be able to humble their seniors!

The last ten minutes of the match was a nail-bitter. There was continuous nervous defending on both sides that created mind blowing moments of "how could you miss that shot!" reactions. Neither team seemed to be confident enough to tap the ball in the net when the ball was practically served to them in front of the net!

Unfortunately, the game ended in a 0-0 draw with both teams looking happy that the match ended.

I must admit, that the seniors looked more fit and more organized compared to their first match. However, it seems that they did not entirely follow "Ramullah's Formula for Winning Football Matches".

Lets just hope, that during their four weeks in their respective COBES sites the 2nd years will add more muscle to their game (and body) so that they can be ready for the recess term matches :-)

Sincerity

Learn to call on Allah,

In the dark,

While Riding on a bus,

Or sitting in a park

Learn to do it when,

Alone in a room,

Or staying up late,

Staring at the moon

And if someone boasts about,

What he did for Allah,

And asks you to tell him,

What you did for Allah

Just Say, "Why should I tell you"

If I did it for Allah?"

Anonymous