Women nowadays are mistreated, disrespected and misjudged. As far as I recall, that is not what our Prophet (pbuh) taught us to do. In fact, he taught us quite the opposite. Before Islam, women were treated in a lowly manner and were disrespected. Whenever a girl would be born in a family, it was though of as an object of shame. When our Prophet (pbuh) came, he put an end to all these misguided practices. It is unfortunate that some of these practices and mindsets persist even to this day.
Sexism is a rampant issue the world over. But especially in Pakistan, women and their rights are most harshly exploited. They are confined to live within four walls, tagged in their own minds as inferior creature. A lady has to think twice before stepping out of her house because things like safety or respect for women are not to be found here. Cruel and harsh people hurt their own sisters and mothers. Women’s own husbands, let alone strangers, treat their wives like rags. This is sheer illiteracy.
So, to prevent all this, we need to raise our voices and give women the respect they deserve. This can only be done by educating people and spreading awareness to combat outdated mindsets.
RIZWAN KAREEM
Karachi
