Women intellectually deficient?

[Confused0122]

Salam..
In Behishti Zewar, or Heavenly Ornaments in English, the author says that if a girl is shameless, she shouldn't be taught to write because she might write things to men.. He also says that women are intellectually deficient when compared to men.. How is this proven? Shouldn't all people be given an education regardless of sex since islam is about equality? It is up to the person whether he/she wants to use it positively or negatively and they will deal with Allah s.w.t. in the afterlife. Additionally, he said that women should be allowed to acquire islamic knowledge and basic things but not other subjects because if those subjects are required so that a woman can become employed and work, it is "fruitless" and against shariah because women aren't allowed to work with men and her husband should provide for her.. This is not the case all the time. What if her husband taunts her when providing food for her or she doesn't even have a husband? Are women not supposed to work because of non mahram men? Men work with na mahram women in offices and so forth, shouldn't women be able to do the same. Allah s.w.t. sees and knows if a woman is merely trying to earn a living or if she has bad intentions in her heart. Somebody please clarify!

 

[Abdu-l-Majeed]

:wasalamex

Everyone can make such claims, not everyone can support them. I think you shouldn't pay attention to that, until you see someone coming out with proofs. You don't need to find proofs for his statements.

PS: If women are deficient in intelligence, then 'Aisha, radiyallahu anha, wouldn't be one of the most learned persons in the history of Islam. Shaykh al Islam Ibn Taymiyya had a few female professors.

 

[Confused0122]

THank you brother but there is also a hadith I believe that goes something along the lines of: The Prophet (the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said: "Yes." He said: "This is because of the deficiency of her mind."
That's the only reason it hits me so hard.. because I believe that maybe Allah s.w.t. thinks like that of women when in reality, it isn't our fault for being created a certain way.

 

[Musaafirah]

Sis,
I have the book and personally don't agree with alot of the things the person says. (Was given it as a gift...)
And as the bro above said, look at the example of Aisha (RA). Masha'allah such knowledge.
Personally, I think they were merely the dudes opinions, aside from that, the book does have beneficial aspects.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it stated somewhere that;
'Gaining knowledge is compulsory upon every Muslim male and female.'
So, gaining knowledge is essential. What matters is what you do with it, for which you will be accountable.
I'm sorry if I haven't been of help sis.

 

[Confused0122]

Thank you sister.. Yes it does say that but the guy interprets it as islamic knowledge, knowledge of deen, not one such as college in america that would aid in getting a good job and supporting yourself.

 

[Abdu-l-Majeed]

THank you brother but there is also a hadith I believe that goes something along the lines of: The Prophet (the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said: "Yes." He said: "This is because of the deficiency of her mind."
That's the only reason it hits me so hard.. because I believe that maybe Allah s.w.t. thinks like that of women when in reality, it isn't our fault for being created a certain way.

Sis,

sometimes it happens to me too that Shaytan comes and says such things. But we don't know much about our religion and it's easy for Shaytan to say such things to us.

Take a look at this: http://madeenah.com/article.cfm?id=1134 and this: http://www.ahlalhdeeth.com/vbe/showpost.php?p=16567&postcount=10

 

[islamirama]

THank you brother but there is also a hadith I believe that goes something along the lines of: The Prophet (the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said: "Yes." He said: "This is because of the deficiency of her mind."
That's the only reason it hits me so hard.. because I believe that maybe Allah s.w.t. thinks like that of women when in reality, it isn't our fault for being created a certain way.

In Islam, one male witness equals two females: The Quran says (what means): "And get two witnesses out of your men. If there are not two men, then a man and two women such as you choose [maybe in place of two men as the witnesses]; so that if one of the women errs, the other one will remind her..." [Quran 2:282]


Here again, many people tend to denounce Islamic principles as unjust to women. They tend to interpret this requirement as proof of men's superiority over women. Again, this assumption is not true. In fact, various psychological and biological studies conducted on the psyche and hormonal functions of women, have proved that men generally tend to react more rationally and less emotionally, than women.


In cases of crime, for example, torn bodies and pouring blood are more likely to spur an emotional reaction among women than among men. This reaction is alone capable of distorting the female's perception and/or memory.


On the other hand, men are also bound by rules concerning their testimony. For instance, they must not be parents, friends or enemies of the accused. Can we then conclude that, if it was the case for women, that male parents and friends of the accused must be considered inferior too? Of course, they are not.


Finally, one should note that there are matters where a woman is the only witness required. These are related to areas where women are the experts, for example, in issues of breast feeding, bringing up children and the question of kinship (who is her child's father).


http://islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=119872

 

[Confused0122]

thank you.. what about this hadith: Volume 4, Book 52, Number 73:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa:

Allah's Apostle said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of swords."
-------------------------------------
many non muslims ask abuot this and say that islam isnt a religion of peace, but quite the opposite.. what can i do?

 

[Abdu-l-Majeed]

thank you.. what about this hadith: Volume 4, Book 52, Number 73:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa:

Allah's Apostle said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of swords."
-------------------------------------
many non muslims ask abuot this and say that islam isnt a religion of peace, but quite the opposite.. what can i do?

Ukhti-l-kareemah, You have some good stuff here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/2282452/Answers-to-Non-Muslims-Common-Questions-About-Islam#

 

[islamirama]

thank you.. what about this hadith: Volume 4, Book 52, Number 73:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa:

Allah's Apostle said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of swords."
-------------------------------------
many non muslims ask abuot this and say that islam isnt a religion of peace, but quite the opposite.. what can i do?

What about the hadith: Paradise is under the feet of your mother? How many non-Muslims know that one?

Misquoted narration #3 ​

Bukhari: Allah's Apostle said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of swords." (Volume 4, Book 52, Number 73)​

This narration is quoted by some in order to depict Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as someone who glorified violence and killing. However, if the full saying is quoted in context, that image is immediately banished. The full saying is found in another narration:

...Allah's Apostle in one of his military expeditions against the enemy, waited till the sun declined and then he got up amongst the people saying, "O people! Do not wish to meet the enemy, and ask Allah for safety, but when you face the enemy, be patient, and remember that Paradise is under the shades of swords." Then he said, "O Allah, the Revealer of the Holy Book, and the Mover of the clouds and the Defeater of the clans, defeat them, and grant us victory over them."(Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 266l)
​

This narration makes it abundantly clear that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught his followers to hate violence and never desire conflict with the enemy. However, in the event of a battle, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his companions to be patient and informed them of the reward promised by God to those who die fighting oppression and injustice. This saying should be presented in its full context so that the reader may see that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a man who desired peace and patiently endured the struggles thrust upon him by his enemies. As Dr. Jamal Badawi mentioned about this narration:

The hadith deals with the situation where Muslims are forced to the battlefield as the last resort to defend themselves in which case the use of the sword may be necessary and martyrdom (self-sacrifice) is rewarded with Paradise. (SOURCE)​

I suggest you visit this link:

http://www.load-islam.com/artical_det.php?artical_id=414&section=wel_islam#1

 

[Confused0122]

Thank you.

 

[aamirsaab]

Quran 2:282 relates to business transactions.

Look up the full verse, it actually tells you.

 

[YusufNoor]

THank you brother but there is also a hadith I believe that goes something along the lines of: The Prophet (the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said: "Yes." He said: "This is because of the deficiency of her mind."
That's the only reason it hits me so hard.. because I believe that maybe Allah s.w.t. thinks like that of women when in reality, it isn't our fault for being created a certain way.

please listen to this lecture by Mufti Menk. it will, In Sha'a Allah, ease your mind!

Muslim Women! Are they Oppressed?
http://www.nazirakoob.com/menk/Vol1.html#Part8

 

[themuffinman]

the hadiths regarding the sword is taken out of context. prophet muhammad was peace loving yes and he loved peace but he also preached to fight against injustice and opression and thats what makes islam great it teaches us to depend ourselves. islam is a religion of peace but it doesnt teach us to suffer peacefully. were followers of muhammad not ghandi

 

[akulion]

Salam alaikum,

The The "deficiency" in mind/brain has been explained by the Prophet (s) as "the witness of two women = witness of 1 man"...now one must question why is this the case to get an answer.

The reasoning behind it is because women by their "created nature" are more nurturing and emotional, which in some cases makes them more liable to "sway" to protect those elements which they may feel more closer to (i.e. kids, loved ones)

Luckily for us, we have evidence from science to support this through studies conducted independently at UCLA and University of Pennsylvania.

In a recent research it was proven that the brains of men and women react differently when put in stressful situations or if pain is administered.

"Although researchers found some overlapping areas of brain activation in men and women, several areas of male and female brains reacted differently when given the same pain stimulus. The female brain showed greater activity in limbic regions, which are emotion-based centers. In men, the cognitive regions, or analytical centers, showed greater activity."[1]

"The female limbic regions may be more responsive under threat because of their importance in triggering a nurturing and protecting response for the young, leading to a more emotion-based response in facing pain and stress."[1]

In both those cases the female brain activated the "emotional component" of the brain and was more "negotiating and nurturing". In terms of "creation" by the very created nature of the woman she is more nurturing and negotiating toward elements surrounding her due to the fact she needs those traits to ensure the safety of her offspring.

Whereas the male brain reacted by activating an area of the brain which makes our reactions more efficient and alert also known as "fight of flight" behavior. Once again by the very nature of men they turn more analytical and stay more composed as opposed to women reacting more emotionally.

So in conclusion all I can say is that women may be lacking (i.e. deficient) in the aspect of not reacting more logically as opposed to men. However at the same time men are deficient in their emotional component where they remain more "detached" as opposed to women. So really one is neither better than the other or superior but rather a complimentary pair. where a male and female in the true sense "complete" each other.

Subhan allah

Anyways this was my 2 cents.

The articles on the original research are:
Men Are From Mars
Neuroscientists Find That Men And Women Respond Differently To Stress
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0403-men_are_from_mars.htm
Gender Differences In Brain Response To Pain
[1]http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031105064626.htm

 

[sur]

THank you brother but there is also a hadith I believe that goes something along the lines of: The Prophet (the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said: "Yes." He said: "This is because of the deficiency of her mind."
That's the only reason it hits me so hard.. because I believe that maybe Allah s.w.t. thinks like that of women when in reality, it isn't our fault for being created a certain way.

Female memory goes up with higher estrogen levels.
Female memory fluctuates with menstrual cycle......
After menopause, estrogen level drops.....


Female are known to be more emotional & emotions play greater role in their behaviour than reality..........!!!!! Correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[Whatsthepoint]

Female memory goes up with higher estrogen levels.
Female memory fluctuates with menstrual cycle......
After menopause, estrogen level drops.....


Female are known to be more emotional & emotions play greater role in their behaviour than reality..........!!!!! Correct me if i'm wrong.

There is no practical evidence to suggest women have a weaker memory than men.

 

[Banu_Hashim]

This is an abstract of an article in "The Journal of Islamic Studies" (University of Oxford Press) of a famous Muslim Philosopher; Ibn Rushd (Averroes).

The abstract doesn't go into the specifics of his views but you read the actual article you'll see that his views on women are very different from an Islamic point of view to those of Western Scholars such as Plato and Aristotle.

http://jis.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/1/1

 

[Khalisah]

Although I have no proof for what I am about to say, but in general I have always found, women are more into 'story-teling' where as men are into facts. Even as children, girls will love a some-one reading a story book, where everything is much more exagerated and cute and, where as boys will be happy reading a book on facts.
Could this show that when asking a woman for evidence she may re-tell it like a story and also perhaps add/remove information to make it more appealing/graphic etc.. Where as IN GENERAL men will only lay out facts. In my family men only speak mininally, so they would rather just give facts and be done with it, so as not prolong conversation. I am sure there are exceptions! That is just my opinion I guess.

 

[sur]

There is no practical evidence to suggest women have a weaker memory than men.

Post below is one example by woman herself... Though it's not about "Memory" it's about emotional aspect of females. Why women are stereotyped for "gossiping around". They would modify what they here & pass it forward & it goes on till fact is badly distorted. At least i see this going on around in my family, so i do have a practical evidence to convince me.

Although I have no proof for what I am about to say, but in general I have always found, women are more into 'story-teling' where as men are into facts. Even as children, girls will love a some-one reading a story book, where everything is much more exagerated and cute and, where as boys will be happy reading a book on facts.
Could this show that when asking a woman for evidence she may re-tell it like a story and also perhaps add/remove information to make it more appealing/graphic etc.. Where as IN GENERAL men will only lay out facts. In my family men only speak mininally, so they would rather just give facts and be done with it, so as not prolong conversation. I am sure there are exceptions! That is just my opinion I guess.

& about memory deterioration in low estrogen phases during menstrual cycles & after menopause:-
http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/news/item/?item_id=20786

....in PRE-menopausal(Young) women...........McGill University have documented a significant decrease in working memory among women whose estrogen levels were suppressed by chemicals,.......

That low estrogen stage occurs every month among females with menstrual cycles.....



http://www.nymemory.org/menmemandmoo.html

Menopause symptoms due to estrogen deficits, include memory problems

Obese produce more estrogen in fat under skin so have less memory loss after menopause coz their estrogen levels drop less.
This is one of best medical research sites.......
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=14749133