The World Organization for al-Azahr Graduates held a workshop on “Women and their Status in Islamic Law” for 50 female students from various nationalities, including Nigeria, the Philippines, Indonesia, Libya, and Burkina Faso, at the Organization’s headquarters in Cairo.
Dr. Hamdallah al-Safti, a member of the Organization, said that Islam established fundamental rules in how men should treat women. Reviewing these rules, we find wise legislation that weighs rights and duties more precisely than a gold scale, neither favoring one side with extra rights nor oppressing the other with additional responsibilities.
Moreover, he emphasized that Islam does not discriminate between men and women, but rather assigns rights and duties to each. It allows women to work in all professions that suit their nature. He explained that women are pillars of societies, primarily responsible for family stability, which results from a happy marital life. Women prepare children to be good citizens for societies, especially since the righteousness of families is the foundation for the righteousness of societies.
Al-Safti also said that Islamic philosophy differs from Western philosophies in that it directs individuals towards their responsibilities rather than their rights. This approach ensures that giving, not taking becomes the dominant characteristic in societies, thus promoting compassion, empathy, and humanity while eliminating aggression and greed.
In conclusion, he affirmed that the noble human values and honoring of humanity, both women and men, as presented in the message of Islam, is a call to elevate all humanity to reach the highest ranks of humanity.
