Muslim men don't seem keen on giving women a break, handing them backhanded compliments at every chance they get.
The latest culprit of such misogynistic views is Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, who attempted to flatter Muslim women by describing them as "rewards" to men.
As the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Naik has been described as "perhaps the most influential Salafi ideologue in India." This explains his regressive interpretation of women in Islam.
In a tweet posted on May 18, Naik suggests three things that happen when a Muslim girl is born. The bullet points are all unashamedly associated with men.
"When she grows up and marries a man, she completes half his religion"
Naik says "this is the status of our women in Islam"
However, we beg to differ.
There is no denying that Islam asserts gender roles by portraying men as providers and "maintainers of women".
But when it comes to the fundamental pillars of Islam and spiritual duties as well as promised rewards, men and women are seen as equals.
Generally, Islamic law does not discriminate between genders in the regulations pertaining to prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, doing good deeds... It also promises all Muslims, men and women, similar rewards and punishments.
"Whose acts righteously, whether male or female and is a believer, we will surely grant him a pure life; and We will surely bestow on such their reward according to the best of their work." [Quran 16:9]
Challenge: "Explain a woman's worth in Islam without associating her with a man"
"How about we respect women because they're human beings?"
"Women aren't born just to serve men"
"Was this meant to be uplifting?"
"Women's existence as a reward system for men"
