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Some basic rules addressed by God are:
Rules of communication: [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy may become your best friend.
While this commandment holds true for both men and women, it serves to pinpoint that we cannot force our views on anyone, religious or otherwise. This means that if you cannot even speak badly to each other, then you certainly cannot act badly; leaving no justification for violence at all—violence not only physical, but also verbal assaults. Moreover communication is key to getting God’s message across, if we are not able speak nicely then how are we going to spread God’s message.
Clothing: the commandment is very clear. [33:59] O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen their garments. Thus, they will be recognized (as righteous women) and avoid being insulted. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[24:31] And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary. They shall cover their chests…
[7:31] O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid….
This clarifies that covering women from head to toe has not been advocated by God. The ‘Hijab’ (veil that covers the head) and the long flowing garments that are adopted by traditional Muslim women are originally clothes worn by the women of Arabia, where they would serve as a cover from sand storms and the harsh sun. So what started out as a regional requirement now serves as a tool for men to control and silence women. Nowhere does God tell us to dress differently, as that would lead to alienation from mainstream society, leading to prejudice based on clothing. This would in turn encourage isolation that leads to further alienation.
Illegal prohibitions: [5:87] O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that are made lawful by GOD, and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors. Salat constitutes a prime source of nourishment for the soul. Over the centuries men have added several Illegal prohibitions that stop women from attaining that growth. Well-known prohibitions include not being allowed to pray or fast or attend the congregational prayer during menstruations.
[62:9] O you who believe, when the Congregational Prayer (Salat Al-Jumu'ah) is announced on Friday, you shall hasten to the commemoration of GOD, and drop all business. This is better for you, if you only knew.
Nowhere does God tell us that the Jumu’ah is only meant for men and not women.
Divorce: God’s perfect system even accounts for divorce, which shows that God is aware that there will be divorces. However He has made provision for the divorcees too.
[2:241] The divorcees also shall be provided for, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.
In God’s system both the men and women are equal as far as religion is concerned: God does not make gender distinctions. [33:35] The submitting men, the submitting women, the believing men, the believing women, the obedient men, the obedient women, the truthful men, the truthful women, the steadfast men, the steadfast women, the reverent men, the reverent women, the charitable men, the charitable women, the fasting men, the fasting women, the chaste men, the chaste women, and the men who commemorate GOD frequently, and the commemorating women; GOD has prepared for them forgiveness and a great recompense.
Islam does not raise the status of men above that of women or vice versa in matters of religion. To the contrary, both are held equally responsible for their actions in this life and the hereafter. Following God’s commandments will lead to contentment that is required for a healthy society—a society without prejudice and gender-based discrimination.
RD
[5:35] O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD and seek the ways and means to Him, and strive in His cause, that you may succeed.
The 28th annual conference of the United Submitters International was held in Tucson, Arizona on August 16-18, 2013. It was wonderful to gather together with fellow submitters from around the world, but the absence of Brother Abdullah was deeply felt. He has opened and closed these conferences for more than twenty years, and he was missed.
This year the Friday sermon was delivered by Brother Sam of Tucson. He spoke of striving in the cause of God and being steadfast in our striving. These are important reminders for us all. It was good to see many familiar faces, and it’s always such a joy to meet the submitters attending the conference for the first time. Everyone has their own story on how they came to receive the message, and it’s an inspiration for all of us to hear it from them.
The talks over the three days were, as always, inspiring, heartwarming and fun. It’s a great blessing to have submitters sharing their experiences and outlooks. There is so much that we can learn from one another when we are willing to listen and grow. Topics ranged from the ego to iron to other planets in our solar system to a live demonstration from a trained dog, one of God’s true submitting creatures. It was great variety, and the talks were delivered with enthusiasm and passion.
The zikr was led by many beautiful singers among us, and it was so enjoyable. It lifts your spirit to share with so many others your joy of worshiping God and striving in His cause. It is truly a unifying experience to sing the praises of our Lord. [15:98-9] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators. And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.
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