For women in Saudi Arabia, 24 June, 2018 will always be a significant day considering the decades-long ban on women driving was finally lifted. This historic move came after years of protests by prominent female activists such as Manal al-Sharif, and Lujain al-Hathloul who campaigned for the 'right to drive'.
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| Finally the 'right to drive' for saudi women! |
What needs to be noted is that Islam has never prohibited women from driving or any other rights. Rather it is the ultra-conservative views of the patriarchal society and the clergy that often misquote Quranic verses to restrict women’s rights.
According to Saudi Arabia’s top Islamic cleric and Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin-Abdullah al-Sheikh, women would be ‘exposed to evil’ if they are allowed to drive. Considering that scenario, smartphones can have a similar effect? Not to forget TV, computer, internet, social media and so on. Where can one set a limit on what exactly is ‘evil’ or ‘harmful’ for women?
It’s because of the obfuscatory interpretation of the Islamic texts that the West and the media quite often misrepresent Islam as a repressive religion and some countries and clerics impose restrictions on and suppress the rights of women.
The Holy Bible is addressed to men only. On the contrary, the Holy Quran addresses both men and women. It talks of devout men and women to emphasize the equality of both gender with respect to their rights and duties.
"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward." ~ Noble Quran (33:35)
What is good or evil for a man is the same for a woman as well. Men and women are promised the same reward for good deeds and virtues and the same punishment for evil conduct.
“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, should he or she be faithful -such shall enter paradise and they will not be wronged [so much as] the speck on a date-stone.” ~ Holy Quran (4:124)
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| Men and women are promised the same reward for good deeds and the same punishment for evil conduct in the Holy Quran! |
In fact, plenty of Islamic laws related to women were formulated centuries after the revelation of the Holy Quran. For instance, the obligation to wear hijab, and the restrictions on a woman’s right to drive, and so on.
In Islam, women have numerous rights and are just as entitled to freedom as men are.
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| In Islam, women have numerous rights! |
Let’s go back to 585 CE. Enter Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) first wife.
Around 1400 years ago, Khadija rode camels in the same land where women can’t drive today!
She was a successful businesswoman, a wealthy landowner, and the employer of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) didn’t forbid women from ridding camels – vehicles of those times.
Dawn of a New Era! – The Backlash
Now, that Saudi Arabia has made the historical move, some bigoted zealots are not able to handle the change sportingly.
Just after the long-pending ban was lifted, a woman in Saudi Arabia named Salma al Shari was exercising her new right to drive when she was threatened by few young men to stop driving as it was 'against the will of Allah (SWT)’ as narrated by her. When she chose to ignore them, they set her car on fire. Her crime? She was driving, and helping her elderly parents to run errands.
While the majority of people have embraced the change; it is disheartening and disturbing to see how some men with chauvinistic mind-set couldn’t digest the sight of a woman driving and living the way she wants.
It is sad that such men tarnish the name of Islam. The Holy Quran strongly admonishes men who oppress or ill-treat women.
"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness..." ~ Noble Quran (4:19)
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