In the Name of Allah the Most Compassionate

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful Women Within Islam The Practice and the Journey

Where Muslim Men and Women Stand Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious (The Holy Qur'an- 49: 13)

Where Muslim Men and Women Stand Islam as a Practice is the manifestation of one’s faith

Where Muslim Men and Women Stand Islam as a Practice Faith Hope Way of Life Love Belief Comfort Goal

Muslim Defined One who submits one’s will to its “natural” law Types of Muslims Plants Celestial Bodies Angels Animals People

The Islamic Context The Creator is All Merciful and All Knowing The Privilege of Being a Human Being

The Islamic Context Balance Within the Universe Accountability

The Goal of Muslims Worship Love

The Goal of Muslims Worship and Love the One Creator Muslims Love a Multitude of Creations

Pillars of Islam n Declaration of Faith n Prayer n Fasting n Obligatory Charity n Pilgrimage to Mecca

Pillars of Faith n The Oneness of God n Angels n Prophets and Messengers n Authentic Scripture n Predestination n Afterlife- Day of Judgment

Islamic Sources The Holy Qur’an Ahadeeth Scholarly Applications

Islamic Sources Explained The Holy Qur’an n Actual Word of God n Classical Arabic n n Revealed via the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad- Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him Revealed over a twenty-three year period

Islamic Sources Explained The Holy Qur’an So her Lord accepted her with a good acceptance and made her grow up beautifully and gave her into the charge of Zachariah. (The Holy Qur’an- 3: 37)

Islamic Sources Explained The Holy Qur’an Whenever Zachariah entered the sanctuary to (see) her, he found with her food. He said: O Mary! When did this to come you? She said: It is from Allah. Surely Allah gives to whom He pleases without measure. (The Holy Qur’an- 3: 37)

Islamic Sources Explained Ahadeeth Words, sayings, and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him

Islamic Sources Explained Hadeeth The Prophet said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists,

Islamic Sources Explained Hadeeth but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the nights. ”

Scholarly Application Never deceive anyone, even if they deceive you. Fidelity and uprightness are two of the highest virtues. Even if following this advice brings you loss, which it usually does, always be faithful and upright. M. Fethullah Gulen

Examples Muslims Follow Prophets and Messengers Angels Devout Individuals

Framework for Muslims Hadeeth Qur’an Scholars “Good Examples”

Muslim Women

Muslim Women

Muslim Women

Did You Know… The first command given in the Qu’ran was “read” The first person to accept Islam was a woman Many Muslim women do not take their husband’s last name after marriage A husband’s money is both his money and his wife’s money, yet the wife’s money is her money

Examples of Piety From Among Muslim Women Eve Asiya Mary Khadija Aisha Fatima

Commonalities Among Muslim Women Eve Asiya Mary Devotion Khadijah Aisha Fatima

Women Within Islam Baby Girls And when the infant girl that was buried alive is questioned; For what crime was she (so) killed? (The Holy Qur’an-81: 8 -9)

Women Within Islam Equity Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to a happy life. (The Holy Qur’an- 16: 97)

Women Within Islam Equity If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith they will enter paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them. (The Holy Qur'an- 4: 124)

Women Within Islam Hijbab -The Cover "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). (The Holy Qur'an- 33: 59)

Women Within Islam Hijbab -The Cover That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed" (The Holy Qur'an- 33: 59)

Women Within Islam The Cover ‘O Asmaa! When a girl reaches puberty, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands (Abu Dawood)

Women Within Islam Various Rights The right and duty to obtain education The right to have their own independent property The right to work to earn money if they need it or want it Equality of reward for equal deeds

Women Within Islam Various Rights The right to express their opinions and be heard The right to provisions from the husband for all her needs and then some The right to negotiate marriage terms of her choice

Women Within Islam Various Rights The right to obtain a divorce The right to keep all her own money (she is not responsible to maintain any relations) May refuse any marriage proposal that is not pleasing

Challenges Facing Muslim Women Cultural Expectations “Historical Expectations” Outside Controversies Being in the world and not of the world

Why People Are Created O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other. (The Holy Qur'an- 49: 13)

Why People Are Created Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous among you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (The Holy Qur'an- 49: 13)