Women’s Rights

I just read the news here and here about the possibility of Saudi women drive a car. I was SOOO happy – in fact I was screaming out loud when the first time I read the news. I have to say, for many years, I’ve been against Saudi Arabia’s rule regarding the women’s rights. I’ve been complaining and sometimes angry because that’s exactly not what’s appeared in Al-Qur’an. Saudi Arabia is the centre of Islamic religion in this world, then why its law does not obey the existence of numerous verses in Al-Qur’an about the rights of women?

Al-Qur’an clearly states that men and women are equal in the sight of God in terms of rights and responsibilities.

Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds 74:38

…So their Lord accepted their prayers, (saying): I will not suffer to be lost the work of any of you whether male or female. You proceed one from another… 3:195

Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him will We give a new life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the their actions. 16:97

A lot of people have misconceptions about the role of women in Islam these days. They think that Moslem women are disadvantaged and have no freedom in this life. That’s totally not true. I believe that restrictions against women which exist in Saudi Arabia and Iran (as far as I concern) are indeed based on cultural views, NOT based on Islam, which historically were accepted by many people and (as a result) became part of the country’s law.

As a Moslem woman, I personally think that we have some advantages over men. Moslem women are not required to attend the Friday prayers, nor are we required to go to the mosque everyday. We are also exempted from the daily prayers and from fasting during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and any other accepted reasons. We are allowed to keep our maiden names after marriage, have the full right to Mahr (a marriage gift), and may get an alimony from our ex-husbands after the divorce.

During the ABC interview with the King of Saudi Arabia:

“I believe strongly in the rights of women,” the king said during his first television interview since acceding to the Saudi throne on Aug. 1. “I believe the day will come when women drive. In time, I believe it will be possible. And I believe patience is a virtue.” Walters, known for her interviews with celebrities and world leaders, was blunt in her questioning. “You cannot just make a decree that women drive? You’re the king,” she said.

“I value and take care of my people as I would my eyes,” Abdullah replied.

“Is that an answer?” Walters queried. “Yes, I respect my people, and I value their well-being,” the king said. “It is impossible that I would do anything that is not acceptable to my people.”

For me, it’s such an amazing step to be able to accept a television interview with a woman* who does not wear a single piece of hijab (headscarf) and abaya (that black clothes worn by most Arab women). I used to be against him before he became the King of Saudi Arabia; I thought he will make this country worst – creating more restrictions against women. But now I’m his supporter, I have a faith in him. The only problem is the numbers of people in the Kingdom who oppose women driving are more than those who support it. So that’s why the King doesn’t make a decree about it, although, yes, he is the King.

*By the way, I just want to make it clear. For those of you who know nothing about Saudi cultures… let me explain. It’s very very very rare for both Saudi man and woman who have no family links (husband-wife, brother-sister, and father-daughter, but sometimes NOT including cousins!) to talk face to face and eyes to eyes (hehehe). If, for instance, my family and I are invited to a house of a Saudi friend, by the time we arrive at their house, we’re “separated”. My father and brother go to the “man’s living room” with his “guy” friend, and my mom, sis, and I go to the “woman’s living room” with his wife. So there’s no way that my father talks and even sees his wife, sister, mother, whatsoever! (Vice versa) Of course there’s an exception for some families, but most Saudi families are like this.

Indonesia is (finally!) far better than Saudi Arabia concerning this issue. Although we have some problems regarding the rights of women, we have no such existed rules which state that women are not allowed to drive, must wear hijab and abaya, must not go out of the house with a man that is not her muhrim, or must not work and study in certain fields. I’m glad that our societies are more open minded than Saudi people are.

NOTE: Issues about women’s rights have become my own interests, because I’ve experienced it and lived in Saudi community for years. And I think I’m a supporter of feminism too - but I’m still in “the right track”. I do believe that man is the leader of the household, without a doubt. And I hope this story is useful for all of you!

Related articles: Women in Islam