𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (488)

Response to the Misconception that Islam Is Harsh toward Women Question: Our sister asks: “Why are the rulings in Islam seemingly strict upon women, and yet the Prophet ﷺ said that most of the inhabitants of Hell are women?” Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah: The rulings in Islam are not strict upon women—where, indeed, is the severity? On the contrary, there is leniency in many aspects. For example, when a woman menstruates, she is exempt from prayer and fasting until she becomes pure again. After purification, she is required to make up only the fasts—not the prayers. Likewise, in the case of ‘aqīqah (the birth sacrifice), only one sheep is prescribed for a girl, whereas two are prescribed for a boy. Is this strictness? Certainly not—it is leniency. Even in matters such as blood money (diyah), her share is fifty (camels), which is half that of a man’s. This is not a sign of severity but of concession and compassion. Furthermore, she is commanded to obey her husband, to remain steadfast in the worship of her Lord Almighty, to stay in her home, and to avoid that which Allāh has prohibited. All of this is part of Allāh’s ease and facilitation for her. He did not burden her with tasks that harm or overstrain her. She is not required to work among men or to provide for her husband; rather, it is the husband who bears the responsibility of maintenance. This is part of Go Allāh’s honour and mercy toward her—He has made the husband the one who serves, strives, and labors to provide for her needs, while she attends to the affairs of the home and the upbringing of the children, preparing for her husband such things as food and other necessities. In reality, therefore, she is both one who serves and one who is served—she serves her husband within the limits of her capacity and what the Shari'ah prescribes, while the husband serves her through great effort, labour, and sacrifice in seeking provision for her and their children. As for the statement of the Prophet ﷺ that “women constitute the majority of the inhabitants of Hell,” the Prophet himself explained the reason for this. In one of his sermons, he said: “O assembly of women! Give charity and seek much forgiveness, for I have seen that you are the majority of the people of Hell.” A woman asked: “Why is that, O Messenger of Allāh?” He replied: “Because you frequently curse and are ungrateful to your husbands. If a man were to show kindness to one of you for an entire lifetime, and then you saw something displeasing from him, you would say, ‘I have never seen any good from you.’” This refers to most, not all, women, and it is something observable in human behaviour. It is well known that many women, when angered by their husbands, tend to forget their previous kindness and say, “You have never done any good for me,” and so on—except for those whom Allāh has guided. As for cursing and harsh speech, it is indeed common among some women—insults directed at husbands, children, or others. Thus the Prophet ﷺ said, “You frequently curse,” meaning you often engage in hurtful or offensive speech. The term la‘n (cursing) can refer broadly to vile or reprehensible speech, not only the explicit phrase “May Allāh curse so-and-so.” For instance, in the Qur'ān, Allāh refers to the “accursed tree” (ash-shajarah al-mal‘ūnah) [al-Isrā’: 60], meaning a tree that is condemned and detested. Likewise, Allāh described the tree of Zaqqūm as the food of the sinner [Ad-Dukhān: 45–46], denouncing it. Such condemnation is referred to as la‘n (cursing). Therefore, when women are said to “curse frequently,” it means they often engage in negative and hurtful speech—against their husbands, children, relatives, or neighbours. Generally, this arises from ignorance and weakness of faith. Nevertheless, among women are also many virtuous, righteous, and good-hearted individuals. https://t.me/womensbenefits/1198