What women in Islam can do for themselves
Syed Naquib Muslim goes into a serious study of the issues involved
At the International Conference for Population & Development ( ICPD ) held in Cairo in 1994, member-states consensually agreed to create "a state of complete, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to the functions and processes." The conference reminded all that it was imperative for conscious individuals to equip themselves with knowledge, ability and resources to plan and to preserve reproductive health, such as choice of sexual partners, ability to negotiate safe sex practices, decision about the number of children, and raising healthy children. RH encompasses all aspects of sexuality and reproductive needs during the various stages of the life cycle, health needs of individuals, couples and families. In the Muslim countries, the concept of reproductive rights (RR) of women is almost new. UNFPA and WHO have taken a number of initiatives in the form of projects for awareness-building on RH. But the question remainsis there any Islamic view on the practices of reproductive health? The book Islam and Women's Reproductive Rights, was originally written in English by Mas'dar F. Mas'udi, an Indonesian scholar, and later rendered into Bangla by Shahjahan Faruque, a Bangladeshi citizen. Although it comprises only eighty-six pages, this small book has been built in five chapters, the fifth one being the biggest. In the introductory chapter note, Dr. Sabrina Sa'dly, a professor of Women's Studies in Jakarta, explains elaborately the background of this informative publication. Here she has explained the methods the writer has pursued in unfolding the messages on women's RR from the Islamic perspective. To present a complex and controversial subject like RR to religious Muslim women, particularly to those who are uneducated, is of course an uphill task. Prof. S'adly states that one of the main reasons for the persistent inequality between men and women is lack of knowledge about what Islam dictates on women's rights. She has laid hollow through stories the myth that it is the principal obligation of women to gratify men sexually. Rather showing concern for women's security, complementarity of men and women is to be considered for a healthy and harmonious family life. What the Holy Quran and Hadith say about RR and RH have been presented in plain language in the form of dialogues and that has made the presentation more engrossing as well as appealing to the curious reader. In chapter one, the reader comes across a conversation between two women---Sarah and Nafisa. Nafisa claims that her husband helps her in kitchen work because both work outside ; they discuss during their free time the RH concepts they have learnt from training courses. Chapter two explains the significance of the Holy Qu'ran in guiding Muslims to lead their lives following universal, ethical and spiritual principles. It contains ample references to Surah Al-Mayidah ( 5: 38) and Surah Al-Na'hl which declare that men and women will enjoy equal rights in every sphere. In chapter three, the writer refers to Surah Al Na'hl ( 58-59) which forbids conjugal partners to discriminate between male and female children. The chapter refers to a number of ayats, including Surah Hujirat, Al-Nisa and clarifies the ambiguity about who actually misled Adam and Eve. It was Satan, not Adam or Eve. It also resolves the conflict of opinions about female leadership through rich reference from the Hadith and opinions of Islamic scholars and researchers. Chapter four, the largest, refers to seven fundamental guidelines that directly or indirectly relate to the exercise of reproductive rights by women. Written in a tale-telling fashion in contrast to the conventional descriptive way, the book reveals truths and messages through stories. Islam advises marriageable adults to go for responsible choices. The reference to Surah Lukman ( 31:14) regarding suckling the baby is worth noting for everyone, including imams of mosques who are to propagate the messages to the devotees. The argument that reproductive decisions are the outcome of joint deliberations of the husband and wife are hinted at through various instructions put in various Quranic verses. This chapter contains valuable guidance on the choice of appropriate conjugal partners (Surah Al-Ru'm), how to give birth to normal babies, birth control practices (Surah Baquara ( 2: 222), how to handle obstetric complications and divorce modalities from the Islamic perspective. ( Surah Nisa 4: 19/ Surah Baquara, 2: 241) The concluding chapter discusses fair play vis-à-vis man-woman relations ; it affirms that no partner is superior to the other ; husband and wife should be treated as equal partners in decision-making regarding conjugality and child birth. Reproductive rights education several benefits: i) women will exercise reproductive rights and employ themselves in productive workforce ; ii) husbands will be sympathetic with and supportive of their wives iii) domestic violence and incidence of sexual harassment will be reduced ; and the incidence of early marriage and preference for sons will be reduced. This document attests to the fact that Islam embraces all facets of earthly as well as heavenly life. It strikes a note of caution to those orthodox religious leaders who often speak on assumptions as the book exposes substantive evidence quoting from authentic sources. On the whole, it is a valuable educative guide for those who want to know about the Islamic viewpoint on reproductive rights; it will help in improving consciousness among both Muslim and non-Muslim youths and adolescents in this country. This publication by The Asia Foundation has appeared at a time when numerous rural women, unaware of their reproductive rights, are dying prematurely from obstetric complications. It will meet the needs of trainers as well as trainees to let them internalize the meanings and messages of women's reproductive health from an Islamic perspective. The Asia Foundation's initiative in bringing out this document and gearing up efforts to popularise the messages is praiseworthy. Copies of this book should be in the hands of religious leaders who address devotees on Friday prayers. Husbands, mothers-in-law who dominantly influence family decision-making, and half-educated midwives,media persons, HRD practitioners, UP chairmen, members and ward commissioners should be the real targets for education on RR. Both UNFPA and WHO may co-ordinate programmes for propagation of the messages this book seeks to convey.
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