'Comparing Muslim women to jewellery locked in a box insults Islamic history, women’s dignity'

By A Representative 

Dr Shujaat Ali Quadri, Convener of the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), has criticised reported remarks by Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar in which Muslim women were compared to gold jewellery that should be kept safely locked in a box to preserve its shine and value. He also objected to the reported warning that women entering the public sphere could lead to “great destruction.”

Dr Quadri said the comparison reduces women to objects and is inconsistent with the history of Muslim women, many of whom made significant contributions to commerce, scholarship, education, healthcare, social service, public affairs and other areas.

“Muslim women are not pieces of jewellery whose value depends upon being hidden. They are human beings with dignity, intellect, rights and responsibilities. Their contribution to society cannot be measured by how effectively they are kept away from public life,” Dr Quadri said.

He cited several women from Islamic history as examples of female participation in economic, intellectual and public life. Among them, he mentioned Hazrat Khadija (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was a successful and respected businesswoman and trader. He said her commercial activities and social standing demonstrated that Muslim women have historically exercised economic independence and influence.

Dr Quadri also referred to Hazrat Ayesha (RA), who became a prominent scholar of early Islam. She taught both men and women, transmitted a large body of Hadith and played an important role in the intellectual and public life of the Muslim community.

He further cited Hazrat Nusaybah bint Ka’ab, who participated in the defence of Prophet Muhammad during the Battle of Uhud, as an example of a Muslim woman undertaking public responsibility in a time of crisis.

Dr Quadri also referred to Rufaidah al-Aslamiyyah, who is remembered in Islamic tradition for caring for the wounded and providing medical assistance, saying her example reflected the historical contribution of Muslim women to healthcare and community service.

He mentioned Fatima al-Fihri, traditionally credited with founding the Al-Qarawiyyin institution in Fez, Morocco, as another example associated with the history of Islamic education. He also pointed to women who exercised political authority, including Shajar al-Durr, who ruled Egypt, and Razia Sultan, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate in India.

“If a woman appearing in public is inherently a source of ‘great destruction’, then what do we make of Khadija (RA), Ayesha (RA), Nusaybah (RA), Rufaidah, Fatima al-Fihri, Shajar al-Durr and Razia Sultan? Are we going to erase these women from our history simply because their lives do not fit a particular patriarchal interpretation?” Dr Quadri asked.

Dr Quadri said concerns about protecting women from exploitation, harassment and discrimination were legitimate, but argued that such concerns should not be used to deny women agency, education, employment or participation in society.

“The answer to the challenges faced by women is not to lock them inside a box. The answer is to build a society where women can live with dignity, safety, education and equal opportunity,” he said.

He also urged religious scholars and community leaders to exercise greater responsibility when addressing issues concerning women.

“Our young generation needs an Islam of knowledge, confidence, justice and dignity. We must teach our children the achievements of Muslim women rather than presenting women as objects whose ‘value’ depends upon remaining hidden. Islam’s history is far more empowering and intellectually rich than such a narrow portrayal,” Dr Quadri said.