Hazrat Malik Ghulam Farid[ra] MA, an Ahmadi missionary stationed in London, delivered a lecture on “The status of women in Islam” on 25 September 1925 in Chatham. The lecture was heard with keen interest and close attention by the audience.
A report of this lecture was published in the 25 September 1925 issue of one of the region’s leading newspapers – a joint publication serving three cities. The name of the newspaper, reflecting the three cities it covers, is the Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham News. The report is reproduced below:
“On Friday, 25 September [1925], at the Unitarian Church, Chatham, Mr Malik Ghulam Farid[ra] MA – who has for some time been engaged in the propagation of Islam in Western countries on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Community of Qadian – delivered an engaging and scholarly lecture under the chairmanship of Mr Bertram Harmer.
“Reverend Will Hayes, who posed several questions at the conclusion of the lecture, remarked that he had never before had the opportunity to hear such an erudite lecture in the Chatham Lodge.
Lecturer’s personality
“The lecture itself, as well as the lecturer, proved to be a matter of great curiosity for the Western audience. His medium stature, well-proportioned physique and scholarly countenance were all awe-inspiring. His appearance – accentuated by a close-fitting black coat and a mashhadi turban bordered with delicate embroidery – created a striking impression.
“Yet above all, it was his eloquence and fluency in the English language, coupled with a refined mode of delivery – free from the harsh inflexions typical of Eastern speech – that left the audience deeply impressed.
Condition of women before Islam
“The subject of the lecture was “The Status of Women in Islam.” Having briefly described the condition of women among various nations and civilisations prior to the advent of Islam – and after commenting upon the Christian conception of womanhood, particularly the views expressed by Saint Paul – the learned lecturer observed that even in Arabia, the cradle of Islam, the condition of women was exceedingly pitiable. Women were deprived of the freedom to act according to their own will or judgement. In every matter – no matter how unrelated it might have been to men – they were compelled to obey them. This obedience was not given out of choice or consent, nor in accordance with any moral or legal code; it was enforced solely through the coercion of men.
“A woman was regarded with such contempt that, upon birth, she often became the victim of that barbaric custom – prevalent throughout Arabia – of being buried alive. Thousands of infant girls were thus consigned to the earth immediately after birth. In short, in that land, woman was looked upon as a being of the lowest worth and the most degraded status.
“Before the advent of the Prophet[sa] of Arabia, the plight of womankind was not merely pitiable – it was worse still. Women possessed no rights of inheritance; their marriages were arranged without and often against their consent. The moral condition of society was such that even a son could marry his stepmother. For the slightest provocation, men could dismiss their wives as carelessly as one removes a fly from a cup of milk.
“In such circumstances, it was solely through the blessed advent of the Holy Prophet[sa] that the self-assumed privileges of men, together with their arrogance, pride and self-conceit, were brought back to the path of moderation. Becoming the very embodiment of mercy, he delivered womankind from her state of misery and bestowed upon her the rightful privileges that were due to her.
Status of women in Islam
“According to the Holy Quran, in the realm of faith, the status of men and women is declared to be equal. Both have been created by God; hence, it is entirely improper for either men or women to boast of superiority over the other.
“In matters of faith and spirituality, man and woman hold an identical position and both have been endowed with equal rights from their very creation. As the Holy Quran states:
[خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٰجٗا لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَكُم مَّوَدَّةٗ وَرَحۡمَةً]
[“He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them and He has put love and tenderness between you.”] (Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.22)
“The Creator, out of His grace and mercy, has brought forth man and woman from the same essence so that they may find comfort in one another. He has instilled between them affection and compassion.
“Therefore, man has absolutely no right to pride himself arrogantly upon a supposed superiority over woman – a superiority which God Almighty has never conferred upon him.
“The learned speaker then recited several verses from the Holy Quran and various sayings [of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa], providing English translations alongside, which deeply impressed the audience. The tender poetic expression:
[زیر قدم والدہ فردوس بریں است]
“‘Paradise lies under the feet of mothers,’ left a profound impact, as did the verse:
ھُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّکُمْ وَاَنْتُمْ وَاَنْتُم لِبَاسٌ لَّھُنَّ
“‘Women are a garment for men and men are a garment for women.’ (Surah al-Baqarh, Ch.2, V.188)
“In this context, it was also emphasised that the sole purpose of human creation is the worship of the Creator of the universe – and in this sacred purpose, woman stands entirely equal to man. The Holy Prophet[sa] of Islam declared that women are among the most delicate creations of God Almighty.
Talaq and khul‘
“The Holy Quran provides a detailed exposition of the rights and status of women. Contrary to former times, a man can no longer separate from his wife merely on the basis of personal whim or caprice. However, divorce may be permitted in certain unavoidable circumstances – such as moral misconduct, incurable incompatibility, or barrenness – for these are conditions in which the mutual harmony and companionship between husband and wife become difficult to sustain and the fundamental purposes of marriage can no longer be fulfilled.
“Undoubtedly, in such cases, a man may lawfully dissolve the marriage. Yet, if under similar circumstances a woman were not granted the right to separate herself from a husband with whom she finds no compatibility, or who is incapable of procreation, or who is so immoral and neglectful as to disregard his virtuous wife altogether, then such a denial would amount to injustice.
“Islam, however, has precluded this injustice altogether. Just as it has permitted men, under certain unavoidable conditions, to dissolve the marital bond, so too has it granted women the right to seek separation when such conditions arise. In this way, Islam has expounded the principles of equality in rights and status with remarkable clarity.
“Nevertheless, Islam regards divorce as a detestable act. It is clearly stated that although the laws concerning talaq (divorce initiated by the husband) and khulʿ (dissolution initiated by the wife) have been set forth, these matters remain displeasing in the sight of God Almighty.
“The learned lecturer further explained that even when divorce becomes inevitable and no alternative remains, men are instructed to part from their wives with dignity and honour and to pay them their mahr (dowry) in full without delay. Likewise, if a woman seeks separation through khulʿ, she too must part respectfully – relinquishing her claim to the dowry and other similar rights, as an expression of fairness and goodwill toward the other party.
Islam and the identity of women
“In Islam, a woman possesses full and independent ownership of her property and even after marriage, she retains her personal identity and her own name.
“This stands in stark contrast to the condition of women in Europe – where, despite the popular claim of equality between men and women, a woman, upon marriage, loses even her maiden name and, with it, her individual identity. She becomes absorbed entirely into the person of her husband, her existence virtually merging with his.
“In Islam, however, a woman continues to preserve her name, her individuality and her personal existence after marriage, just as she did before it – indeed, even more securely.
“Within the domestic sphere, if the man is granted any measure of superiority, it is only in his capacity as the breadwinner. Just as the stability of a nation requires a sovereign, for without a head no state can function, so too must every household have a leader to ensure harmony and order. Since it is the man who bears the responsibility of providing for and maintaining the family, Islam has conferred upon him the position of headship within the home. Had this responsibility of provision been placed upon women, the leadership would naturally have been theirs.
Life of the Holy Prophet
“Thereafter, the learned lecturer narrated several episodes from the blessed life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad[sa], illustrating his theme so convincingly that his words left a lasting impression upon the audience. These incidents, which he explained with remarkable clarity, remain as instructive today as they were in the past – and shall continue to offer timeless lessons to people of every race and nation, whether of the East or the West.
“While recounting these events, the erudite speaker referred to the marriage of Khadijah al-Kubrara[ra], observing that the Holy Prophet[sa] contracted his first marriage at the youthful age of twenty-five with a lady fifteen years his senior. Throughout his domestic life, no instance can be found that suggests any lasting discord or unresolved dispute between him and his noble wives. On the contrary, the Prophet[sa] held women in the highest esteem, honouring them in both word and conduct. His consideration was so profound that even when his own daughter entered his presence, he would rise to his feet in respect.
“At this point, the learned speaker cited several traditions (ahadith) to illuminate this aspect further, mentioning one in which the Prophet[sa] declares, ‘He who does not honour and revere them – that is, his mother – has no connection with me.’
“Concluding his lecture, Mr Malik[ra] stated that Islam has bestowed upon women rights far greater than any European nation, despite modern circumstances, has yet been able to grant them.
Vote of thanks
“At the conclusion of the lecture, the audience expressed heartfelt gratitude to the lecturer, passing a unanimous vote of thanks for his scholarly and enlightening discourse. Several questions were then put forward regarding the subject, to which Mr Malik[ra] responded with admirable competence and satisfaction. Among those who participated in the discussion were Mrs Light and Reverend Will Hayes – both well-known local figures.”
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 31 October 1925 issue of Al Fazl)