Diana Hamade
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F Baasleem
The UAE is an Islamic country and in being so adheres to Islamic jurisprudence as derived from its religious books, the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallim).
Not all countries in the world follow Islamic jurisprudence, so naturally there would be differences in the legal systems practiced around the world. As a country that takes pride in its religion, it would be foolish to expect the UAE to change the laws which are in accordance to those laid down by Almighty Allah just to suit the laws of other nations because for one, they call for the equality of gender! One need only look at the violence and abuse numbers against women in countries that claim equal status for women in everything!
Patriarchal structures, legal authority over women and a woman's testimony being only half of that of a man on court are all a part of Islam and these were not introduced by ordinary men but was revealed by God himself to His Last Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa sallim)who practised it himself. Man cannot compare his own wisdom to that of God and there are reasons why God made these laws the way they are. The reason why women should not be left to travel far distances alone and the role of a wali or guardian in marriage have a paramount role in a woman's short-term and long-term safety and security. They are in the best interests of women whether we understand it or not and are meant to protect a woman and give her respect and good standing in the society. Now, if man takes advantage of that, doesn't treat her with respect, doesn't educate her, doesn't give her her due rights in Islam or abuses her, then the system and laws are not to be blamed but the irresponsible men are to be caught and tried under law.
I too had feminist ideas once upon a time and thought that Islam was all primitive and out-dated and only led to abuse of women with its laws partial to men. But alhamdulillah, today I am an enlightened woman, liberated with the knowledge of the wisdom behind Allah's laws and the rights that Islam has given a woman, many of which I never knew. That knowledge alone has given me the courage to demand my rights when I don't get them.
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