Islam has honoured women, given them the purest of rights, granted them the best of privileges, adorned them with modesty and blessed them in so many ways! So, why is that so many non Muslims looks down on Muslim women with the infamous label: oppressed?
I am a Muslim woman and let me tell you what true liberation is.
Liberated are not the women who shamelessly strip themselves and pose for magazines and cars to make sales. Liberated are not those women who feel insecure with themselves so much so to the extent that they spend billions of dollars on cosmetic makeovers just so look more presentable to the world. Liberated are not those women who dress provocatively so they a man would flash them a 'You're so hot' comment. Liberated are not those women who dress immodestly and who needs a man to tell her that she is beautiful to make herself feel precious. Liberated are not those women who throw themselves into casual flings so they feel 'wanted'. Liberated are not those women who need makeup to boost their self-esteem, party the night away so that they can fit in with the society or wear revealing clothes to make themselves feel beautiful. Liberated are certainly NOT those women who are always searching for ways to becomes more beautiful, more presentable and more attractive by slaving behind man, material goods and fashion.
Liberated are those women who choose to cover themselves modestly to obey God and not bow down to the whims and pleasures of man. Liberated are the women who respect themselves and their bodies and who don't allow their respect to be stripped by fashion designers. Liberated are the women who desire Paradise and who are aware of the fact that there is indeed life after death. Liberated are the women who understand the meaning of life, the value of their life and the beauty of it. Liberated are the women who are proud of their modesty and of their faith and who are proud to represent their religion in their life every single moment of their life. Liberated are the women who understand the value of their womanhood and keep their beauty hidden only for those who matter in their life. Liberated are the women who realize that their children are a blessing from their Lord and who are thankful for it. Liberated are the women who rely on Allah alone all throughout their lives and don't rely on man or worldly attention to get them through this life. Liberated are the women who don't rush behind the glitter and glamour of the world, but set their goals in the Hereafter. Liberated are the women who love their sisters and treat them with love and care- not as competition. Liberated are the women dress modestly, like the honourable and respectful women before them- the wives and daughters of our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam.
Liberated are the women of Islam.
So, think twice before you call a Muslim woman oppressed. God has blessed us with freedom, we know what liberation is and we enjoy it with the best of freedom. Alhamdulillah!
