longliveIK
MPA (400+ posts)
Alhamdulillah
Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 272-286
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taul
Siasat.pk - Blogger
--In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
272- It is not required of thee (O Messenger., to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleaseth. Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls, and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah. Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not Be dealt with unjustly.
273- (Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah.s cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking (For trade or work): the ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their (Unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately from all the sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it well.
274- Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be fear, nor shall they grieve.
275- Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness. That is because they say; "Trade is like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (The offence) are companions of the Fire. They will abide therein (fore ever).
276- Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked.
277- Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
278- O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.
279- If ye do it not, Take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger. But if ye back, ye shall have your capital sum; Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.
280- If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time Till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew.
281- And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.
282- O ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and diminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, than a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (For evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big: it is juster in the sight of Allah, More suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves but if it be a transaction which ye carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if ye reduce it not to writing. But take witness whenever ye make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If ye do (such harm), it would be your wickedness in you. So fear Allah. For it is Good that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things.
283- If ye are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, Let the trustee (Faithfully) discharge His trust, and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it, - His heart is tainted with sin. And Allah Knoweth all that ye do.
284- To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things.
285- The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
286- On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray): Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."
--Alhamdulillah, we have just completed the reading of the Surah Al-Baqarah. May Allah help us understand the Holy Quran and act upon the guidance we receive from It.
272- It is not required of thee (O Messenger., to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleaseth. Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls, and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah. Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not Be dealt with unjustly.
273- (Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah.s cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking (For trade or work): the ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their (Unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately from all the sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knoweth it well.
274- Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be fear, nor shall they grieve.
275- Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness. That is because they say; "Trade is like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (The offence) are companions of the Fire. They will abide therein (fore ever).
276- Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked.
277- Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
278- O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.
279- If ye do it not, Take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger. But if ye back, ye shall have your capital sum; Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly.
280- If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time Till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew.
281- And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.
282- O ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and diminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, than a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (For evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big: it is juster in the sight of Allah, More suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves but if it be a transaction which ye carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if ye reduce it not to writing. But take witness whenever ye make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If ye do (such harm), it would be your wickedness in you. So fear Allah. For it is Good that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things.
283- If ye are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, Let the trustee (Faithfully) discharge His trust, and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it, - His heart is tainted with sin. And Allah Knoweth all that ye do.
284- To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things.
285- The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
286- On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray): Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."
--Alhamdulillah, we have just completed the reading of the Surah Al-Baqarah. May Allah help us understand the Holy Quran and act upon the guidance we receive from It.
patriot
Minister (2k+ posts)
Re: Discover the Holy Quran, Surah 2 Al Baqarah Verses 257-286
Salaam brother 'Taul' ,I couldn't find verses from 257-271 :?
Anyways, here they are :)
2:257 God becomes the Close Guide of those who, after due reflection, have chosen to believe in His Word (12:108). He brings them out of darkness into Light (through the Quran). Those who deny the Divine System of Life have human "authorities" as patrons to lead them from Light to darkness. Such people have chosen Fire to be their eternal companion.
2:258 Think of the one who adamantly argued with Abraham about his Lord because God had given him power. Abraham said to him, My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death." He answered, I give life and cause death. Abraham said, God makes the sun rise from the East; make it rise from the West. Thereupon the rejecter of the Truth remained dumbfounded. And God does not guide people who displace reality with falsehood.
[Nimrod Shaddad, King of Babylon, Abrahams contemporary and staunch enemy, used to proclaim divinity. Being a tyrant king he could impose or cancel death penalty. That is what he means by giving life and causing death]
2:259 (Later on, came another king in the dynasty of Nimrods, his name, Nebuchadnezzar (630-562 BC). He invaded Jerusalem, oppressed Israelites and enslaved them. One hundred years of tribulation passed before King Cyrus of Persia liberated them and reinstated them back in Jerusalem. This history bears a lesson for posterity.)
The similitude of this history is that someone passes by the ruins of a town and wonders if that town could ever come back to life again, and God causes him to die for a hundred years and then revives him. He thinks it was only a matter of a day or a part of it. He even finds his food, drink, and donkey standing beside him. God creates you in the wombs of your mothers, in bone and flesh. And when the matter became clear to him, he said, I know now that God is Able to do all things. God is the all Powerful Designer of His Laws and He does all things in the Universe in duly appointed measure. [13:18, 25:2, 65:3, 54:49]
2:260 Abraham wanted to understand the Law of Revival of nations. God asked him if he believed that it were possible. Abraham said he believed but that he wanted a practical example to educate his heart and mind. God told him to take four birds and train them in a kind manner, and then to leave them far apart on separate hilltops. And then call them; they will come in haste. Then know that God is Exalted in Power, Wise.
[At one call of Abraham, those birds came flying back to him. This is how mankind can be brought to the Word of God with decent training, giving them a new life]
2:261 (In training their people, all messengers of God advised them that) spending their wealth in the Cause of God is like sowing a seed that brings numerous shoots; each shoot with a hundred grains. This is how Gods Law of Recompense rewards men and women. God is Infinite, All-Knowing.
2:262 Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of God, and afterward do not follow their giving with reminders of their generosity or injure the feelings of the recipients; their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [17:26, 30:38. The society will return their generosity in this life as well]
2:263. Kind words and respecting peoples honor is better than charity after which their dignity is injured. God, the Rich, the Clement, provides everyone without return or obligation.
2:264. O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not cancel your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injuring the self-respect of the recipients; like those who spend their wealth for show-off. This kind of behavior contradicts the true belief in God and His Law of Recompense. Charity has been ordained to help individuals and not to hurt them and God has promised you manifold reward (93:10). But, a seed would not grow on a dusty rock, upon which rain falls and washes it clean. God does not guide those who deny such realities.
2:265 The likeness of those who spend their wealth sincerely seeking God's Approval and to strengthen their own selves, is the likeness of a lofty garden with springs. When rain strikes it, it doubles its yield, and if there is no rainfall the sprinkles are sufficient. God is ever Watcher of what you do.
[They have achieved self-actualization and made themselves truly worthy of immortality (20:76). A self that has not been developed by giving to community in wealth or labor, merely survives.
Immortality is not a spontaneous gift from God; men and women are candidates for it (91:9-10). When people create their own Paradise it is ever-blooming, rain or shine. 13:3314:17, 43:77, 69:27]
2:266. Would any of you wish that he had a beautiful, bountiful garden of dates and vineyards with streams flowing underneath it, but while age catches up on him and he has feeble offspring, a fiery tornado suddenly strikes and consumes it? This is how God wants you to reflect upon the Long Term. Your contribution to the society ensures you the Garden which neither a tornado, nor a hurricane can take away from you. [15:48]
2:267. O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Spend on others the good things you have honorably earned with hard work, whether it is from the product of industry or from the produce of the earth. Do not give away something that you would not like to receive except with closed eyes. Know that God, the Rich, Owner of Praise, provides you indiscriminately and without return.
2:268. Satan, your selfish desire, scares you with poverty; that if you spend on others, you might become destitute. It teaches you stinginess to the extent of shame. God, the All-Embracing, All-Knowing promises you the protection of Forgiveness from Himself, and abundant Bounty.
[And, In the Divine Order, the society would return to you more than you spend on it]
2:269. He bestows wisdom to whom He wills (according to His Laws 12:22, 28:14). And whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted a great wealth. And only people of understanding remain mindful of what they learn.
[Making good use of their faculties helps people attain wisdom. 17:36]
2:270 Whatever you spend on others or whatever pledge to spend you make, God knows it. Those who violate human rights by withholding charity shall have none to help them.
2:271 If you disclose your charities, it is well, but if you give in secret to the needy, it will be better for you. This kind of giving has the power of erasing the imprints of your ill deeds on your selves. This Law has been decreed by God Who knows the effects of your actions on your self.
2:272 Your responsibility (O Messenger) is only to show them the Right Way (and not to make them walk it). He has established Rules for attaining Guidance. (O People) Whatever good you give benefits your own selves when you spend for the sake of God. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice. [God's Laws for Guidance: 2:2, 2:26, 4:88, 5:46,
7:52, 13:27, 14:27, 20:123, 27:2, 28:50, 31:3, 39:3, 40:34, 40:74]
2:273 And give to the needy who are suffering in the Cause of God and cannot emigrate and to those who are unable to go about the earth in search of livelihood. One, who is unaware of their condition, might think they are free from want, because they abstain from begging. But you can recognize them by certain signs though they do not beg insistently. Whatever good thing you spend on them, God is Aware of it.
2:274 Those who spend their wealth on the needy, by night and by day, secretly or publicly, have their reward with their Sustainer. They shall have nothing to fear or regret.
2:275 On the other hand are those who eat Riba (usury), in greed of money, run around like someone who has been bitten by a snake. They claim that trade is like usury. But God has permitted trade and forbidden usury. One to whom the clear Admonition has come from his Sustainer, must abstain from taking usury forthwith. What he has taken in the past, he may keep and his judgment rests with God. As for him who returns to usury, such are the companions of the Fire wherein they shall abide.
[Ash-shayitaanu-min-al-muss = Satan by his touch = Snake by its bite. Satan has been described as serpent in many texts. One who has taken usury in the past, it is better for him to return the interest he has earned, but the law shall not force him to do so. Trade is the return on labor that is Permissible, while usury is the return on money and hence, Forbidden. 53:39]
2:276 God blights usury and blesses charitable deeds with prosperity. God does not love those who defy His Laws and drag down the potential of the human society.
[Mankind will eventually realize that the interest based economic system will have to be replaced with an equitable System. Gods Laws of Economics will erase usury and nurture welfare]
2:277 Those who believe in Gods Laws, do works beneficial to the society, strive to establish the Divine Order and the Zakaat Cooperative System, have their reward with their Lord. They will have nothing to fear and no reason to be despondent.
[The government is responsible for setting up the Just Economic Order of Zakaat]
2:278 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be mindful of the Divine Laws and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are really believers.
2:279 And if you do it not, then know that you are at war with God and His Messenger. But, if you mend your ways, simply take back your capital without interest. Inflict not injustice and you will not incur injustice.
2:280 If a debtor is in difficult circumstances, let there be postponement to a time of ease. And if you give up the loan entirely as charity, it is better for you if you only knew.
2:281 And be mindful of the Day when you will be returned to God and every self will be paid what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.
2:282 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you transact a loan for any period, you shall write it down. An impartial scribe shall do the writing. No scribe shall decline to perform this duty, and write as God has taught him. The debtor, or in case he or she is incompetent, his representative shall dictate the document honestly and be mindful of his Lord, and diminish not the amount. There shall be two witnesses to the transaction from among your men. If two men are not available, then let there be one man and two women, all of them you satisfactorily consider competent as witnesses - so that even if the witnessing woman gets distracted (for example, by her baby), the accompanying woman may support and remind her. All witnesses should be such that their testimony is acceptable to all. It is the obligation of the witnesses to testify when called upon to do so. Do not tire of writing the details, no matter how long, including the time of repayment. This is equitable in the Sight of God, assures better witnessing, and eliminates any doubts you may have. When it is actual merchandise that you transfer among yourselves from hand to hand, there is nothing wrong for you if you write it not, but have it witnessed. The scribe and the witnesses must be held harmless for their services. If you harm them, it would be wickedness on your part. If you follow God's Commands He will increase you in knowledge. These are the Injunctions of God Who is the Knower of all things; intentions, events and actions.
[The second woman will not be a witness in the court of law. She is there only to support the first woman if she gets distracted, for example, by her baby. Tardhaun from Radha = Those you are satisfied with = Of your just choice = In the context: You shall choose competent men and women as witnesses. Dhall = To get distracted = Losing focus = Attention getting diverted = Mind getting preoccupied with other thoughts = Losing direction = Straying. Zakkar from Zikr = Advise = Support = Remind = Confirm = Strengthen = Remember]
2:283 If you are traveling and a scribe is not available, a collateral of some value may serve the purpose, or a bond shall be posted to guarantee repayment. If one is trusted in this manner, he shall return the collateral or the bond when due, and be mindful of God, his Lord. Do not withhold any testimony by concealing what you have witnessed. Anyone who withholds a testimony will be harming his own self, loading his heart with a dragging violation. God is Aware of all you do.
2:284 To God belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Whether you reveal what is in your mind or conceal it, God will bring you to account for it. He forgives and punishes according to his Laws. God has Power over all things and events and He has appointed due measure for everything.
[He has appointed Laws of forgiveness and retribution. 3:31, 8:29, 33:70-71, 57:28, 61:11-12, 64:17, 71:3. Wallahu ala kulli shaiyin Qadeer = God has Power over all things and events = God has appointed due measure for everything = God is Able to do all things. Shayi = Thing = Derived meaning, event]
2:285 The Messenger has full conviction in what is revealed unto him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His Books and His messengers. (They say), We make no distinction between any of His messengers. And they say, We hear and we obey, so grant us the protection of forgiveness, our Lord. The final destination of all journeys is unto You. [No distinction since all of them were sent by the same Creator and they were one in Purpose. 2:253, 17:55]
2:286 God does not take to task (and does not expect from) anyone more than ones capacity. Any challenges that come your way, afford you a chance to develop your self. For the self is what it earns and against it is only what it deserves. Pray, Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or miss the mark! Our Lord! Protect us from placing extra burden on us as those before us caused to be placed on them. Our Lord! Impose not on us anything beyond our strength. (And if we falter) pardon us, absolve our faults, and bestow Grace upon us. You are our Supreme Master, so help us prevail over the community of deniers. [9:51, 10:30. Calling religious leaders as Maulana (Our Master) is a very common but deplorable form of Shirk, associating others with God]
Salaam brother 'Taul' ,I couldn't find verses from 257-271 :?
Anyways, here they are :)
2:257 God becomes the Close Guide of those who, after due reflection, have chosen to believe in His Word (12:108). He brings them out of darkness into Light (through the Quran). Those who deny the Divine System of Life have human "authorities" as patrons to lead them from Light to darkness. Such people have chosen Fire to be their eternal companion.
2:258 Think of the one who adamantly argued with Abraham about his Lord because God had given him power. Abraham said to him, My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death." He answered, I give life and cause death. Abraham said, God makes the sun rise from the East; make it rise from the West. Thereupon the rejecter of the Truth remained dumbfounded. And God does not guide people who displace reality with falsehood.
[Nimrod Shaddad, King of Babylon, Abrahams contemporary and staunch enemy, used to proclaim divinity. Being a tyrant king he could impose or cancel death penalty. That is what he means by giving life and causing death]
2:259 (Later on, came another king in the dynasty of Nimrods, his name, Nebuchadnezzar (630-562 BC). He invaded Jerusalem, oppressed Israelites and enslaved them. One hundred years of tribulation passed before King Cyrus of Persia liberated them and reinstated them back in Jerusalem. This history bears a lesson for posterity.)
The similitude of this history is that someone passes by the ruins of a town and wonders if that town could ever come back to life again, and God causes him to die for a hundred years and then revives him. He thinks it was only a matter of a day or a part of it. He even finds his food, drink, and donkey standing beside him. God creates you in the wombs of your mothers, in bone and flesh. And when the matter became clear to him, he said, I know now that God is Able to do all things. God is the all Powerful Designer of His Laws and He does all things in the Universe in duly appointed measure. [13:18, 25:2, 65:3, 54:49]
2:260 Abraham wanted to understand the Law of Revival of nations. God asked him if he believed that it were possible. Abraham said he believed but that he wanted a practical example to educate his heart and mind. God told him to take four birds and train them in a kind manner, and then to leave them far apart on separate hilltops. And then call them; they will come in haste. Then know that God is Exalted in Power, Wise.
[At one call of Abraham, those birds came flying back to him. This is how mankind can be brought to the Word of God with decent training, giving them a new life]
2:261 (In training their people, all messengers of God advised them that) spending their wealth in the Cause of God is like sowing a seed that brings numerous shoots; each shoot with a hundred grains. This is how Gods Law of Recompense rewards men and women. God is Infinite, All-Knowing.
2:262 Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of God, and afterward do not follow their giving with reminders of their generosity or injure the feelings of the recipients; their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [17:26, 30:38. The society will return their generosity in this life as well]
2:263. Kind words and respecting peoples honor is better than charity after which their dignity is injured. God, the Rich, the Clement, provides everyone without return or obligation.
2:264. O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Do not cancel your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injuring the self-respect of the recipients; like those who spend their wealth for show-off. This kind of behavior contradicts the true belief in God and His Law of Recompense. Charity has been ordained to help individuals and not to hurt them and God has promised you manifold reward (93:10). But, a seed would not grow on a dusty rock, upon which rain falls and washes it clean. God does not guide those who deny such realities.
2:265 The likeness of those who spend their wealth sincerely seeking God's Approval and to strengthen their own selves, is the likeness of a lofty garden with springs. When rain strikes it, it doubles its yield, and if there is no rainfall the sprinkles are sufficient. God is ever Watcher of what you do.
[They have achieved self-actualization and made themselves truly worthy of immortality (20:76). A self that has not been developed by giving to community in wealth or labor, merely survives.
Immortality is not a spontaneous gift from God; men and women are candidates for it (91:9-10). When people create their own Paradise it is ever-blooming, rain or shine. 13:3314:17, 43:77, 69:27]
2:266. Would any of you wish that he had a beautiful, bountiful garden of dates and vineyards with streams flowing underneath it, but while age catches up on him and he has feeble offspring, a fiery tornado suddenly strikes and consumes it? This is how God wants you to reflect upon the Long Term. Your contribution to the society ensures you the Garden which neither a tornado, nor a hurricane can take away from you. [15:48]
2:267. O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Spend on others the good things you have honorably earned with hard work, whether it is from the product of industry or from the produce of the earth. Do not give away something that you would not like to receive except with closed eyes. Know that God, the Rich, Owner of Praise, provides you indiscriminately and without return.
2:268. Satan, your selfish desire, scares you with poverty; that if you spend on others, you might become destitute. It teaches you stinginess to the extent of shame. God, the All-Embracing, All-Knowing promises you the protection of Forgiveness from Himself, and abundant Bounty.
[And, In the Divine Order, the society would return to you more than you spend on it]
2:269. He bestows wisdom to whom He wills (according to His Laws 12:22, 28:14). And whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted a great wealth. And only people of understanding remain mindful of what they learn.
[Making good use of their faculties helps people attain wisdom. 17:36]
2:270 Whatever you spend on others or whatever pledge to spend you make, God knows it. Those who violate human rights by withholding charity shall have none to help them.
2:271 If you disclose your charities, it is well, but if you give in secret to the needy, it will be better for you. This kind of giving has the power of erasing the imprints of your ill deeds on your selves. This Law has been decreed by God Who knows the effects of your actions on your self.
2:272 Your responsibility (O Messenger) is only to show them the Right Way (and not to make them walk it). He has established Rules for attaining Guidance. (O People) Whatever good you give benefits your own selves when you spend for the sake of God. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice. [God's Laws for Guidance: 2:2, 2:26, 4:88, 5:46,
7:52, 13:27, 14:27, 20:123, 27:2, 28:50, 31:3, 39:3, 40:34, 40:74]
2:273 And give to the needy who are suffering in the Cause of God and cannot emigrate and to those who are unable to go about the earth in search of livelihood. One, who is unaware of their condition, might think they are free from want, because they abstain from begging. But you can recognize them by certain signs though they do not beg insistently. Whatever good thing you spend on them, God is Aware of it.
2:274 Those who spend their wealth on the needy, by night and by day, secretly or publicly, have their reward with their Sustainer. They shall have nothing to fear or regret.
2:275 On the other hand are those who eat Riba (usury), in greed of money, run around like someone who has been bitten by a snake. They claim that trade is like usury. But God has permitted trade and forbidden usury. One to whom the clear Admonition has come from his Sustainer, must abstain from taking usury forthwith. What he has taken in the past, he may keep and his judgment rests with God. As for him who returns to usury, such are the companions of the Fire wherein they shall abide.
[Ash-shayitaanu-min-al-muss = Satan by his touch = Snake by its bite. Satan has been described as serpent in many texts. One who has taken usury in the past, it is better for him to return the interest he has earned, but the law shall not force him to do so. Trade is the return on labor that is Permissible, while usury is the return on money and hence, Forbidden. 53:39]
2:276 God blights usury and blesses charitable deeds with prosperity. God does not love those who defy His Laws and drag down the potential of the human society.
[Mankind will eventually realize that the interest based economic system will have to be replaced with an equitable System. Gods Laws of Economics will erase usury and nurture welfare]
2:277 Those who believe in Gods Laws, do works beneficial to the society, strive to establish the Divine Order and the Zakaat Cooperative System, have their reward with their Lord. They will have nothing to fear and no reason to be despondent.
[The government is responsible for setting up the Just Economic Order of Zakaat]
2:278 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Be mindful of the Divine Laws and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are really believers.
2:279 And if you do it not, then know that you are at war with God and His Messenger. But, if you mend your ways, simply take back your capital without interest. Inflict not injustice and you will not incur injustice.
2:280 If a debtor is in difficult circumstances, let there be postponement to a time of ease. And if you give up the loan entirely as charity, it is better for you if you only knew.
2:281 And be mindful of the Day when you will be returned to God and every self will be paid what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.
2:282 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you transact a loan for any period, you shall write it down. An impartial scribe shall do the writing. No scribe shall decline to perform this duty, and write as God has taught him. The debtor, or in case he or she is incompetent, his representative shall dictate the document honestly and be mindful of his Lord, and diminish not the amount. There shall be two witnesses to the transaction from among your men. If two men are not available, then let there be one man and two women, all of them you satisfactorily consider competent as witnesses - so that even if the witnessing woman gets distracted (for example, by her baby), the accompanying woman may support and remind her. All witnesses should be such that their testimony is acceptable to all. It is the obligation of the witnesses to testify when called upon to do so. Do not tire of writing the details, no matter how long, including the time of repayment. This is equitable in the Sight of God, assures better witnessing, and eliminates any doubts you may have. When it is actual merchandise that you transfer among yourselves from hand to hand, there is nothing wrong for you if you write it not, but have it witnessed. The scribe and the witnesses must be held harmless for their services. If you harm them, it would be wickedness on your part. If you follow God's Commands He will increase you in knowledge. These are the Injunctions of God Who is the Knower of all things; intentions, events and actions.
[The second woman will not be a witness in the court of law. She is there only to support the first woman if she gets distracted, for example, by her baby. Tardhaun from Radha = Those you are satisfied with = Of your just choice = In the context: You shall choose competent men and women as witnesses. Dhall = To get distracted = Losing focus = Attention getting diverted = Mind getting preoccupied with other thoughts = Losing direction = Straying. Zakkar from Zikr = Advise = Support = Remind = Confirm = Strengthen = Remember]
2:283 If you are traveling and a scribe is not available, a collateral of some value may serve the purpose, or a bond shall be posted to guarantee repayment. If one is trusted in this manner, he shall return the collateral or the bond when due, and be mindful of God, his Lord. Do not withhold any testimony by concealing what you have witnessed. Anyone who withholds a testimony will be harming his own self, loading his heart with a dragging violation. God is Aware of all you do.
2:284 To God belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Whether you reveal what is in your mind or conceal it, God will bring you to account for it. He forgives and punishes according to his Laws. God has Power over all things and events and He has appointed due measure for everything.
[He has appointed Laws of forgiveness and retribution. 3:31, 8:29, 33:70-71, 57:28, 61:11-12, 64:17, 71:3. Wallahu ala kulli shaiyin Qadeer = God has Power over all things and events = God has appointed due measure for everything = God is Able to do all things. Shayi = Thing = Derived meaning, event]
2:285 The Messenger has full conviction in what is revealed unto him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His Books and His messengers. (They say), We make no distinction between any of His messengers. And they say, We hear and we obey, so grant us the protection of forgiveness, our Lord. The final destination of all journeys is unto You. [No distinction since all of them were sent by the same Creator and they were one in Purpose. 2:253, 17:55]
2:286 God does not take to task (and does not expect from) anyone more than ones capacity. Any challenges that come your way, afford you a chance to develop your self. For the self is what it earns and against it is only what it deserves. Pray, Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or miss the mark! Our Lord! Protect us from placing extra burden on us as those before us caused to be placed on them. Our Lord! Impose not on us anything beyond our strength. (And if we falter) pardon us, absolve our faults, and bestow Grace upon us. You are our Supreme Master, so help us prevail over the community of deniers. [9:51, 10:30. Calling religious leaders as Maulana (Our Master) is a very common but deplorable form of Shirk, associating others with God]
foqia khan
MPA (400+ posts)
A Commentary on the Quran 2:82
Why Two Women Witnesses?
A question that repeatedly arises is that concerning the 'Position of Women in Islam'. Muslim scholars have been able with great success - despite the onslaught of distortion and mis-representation - to demonstrate the true position of Muslim women; especially of women's liberation in the advent of Islam. The Islamic ruling on issues such as inheritance, the right to earn, the right to own property etc. have reinforced this position and have been prescribed by Allah - the One True God - long before Western nations even thought of such concepts!
The issue of two women witnesses in place of one man is the concern of the present treatise. As will become clear to the sincere and objective reader, the intellectual status of a Muslim woman is neither marred nor degraded by the commandment that if two Muslim male witnesses are not available then one Muslim male and two Muslim females should be invited to witness. Rather, this injunction is in perfect harmony with the nature and psychology of the woman as will become evident through quotations from psychologists, psychiatrists and medical research.
The passage of the Holy Quran (Baqarah 2:282) in which the above-mentioned requirement is made has usury, capital and debtor difficulties as its theme. Allah grants guidelines in matters relating to monetary obligations. Then business transactions are dealt with. In this section, the requirement to commit all transactions into writing is stated most emphatically (Reduce them to writing...). The section after this describes the responsibility of the scribe, or in modern parlance, the person responsible for drawing up the agreement. The following section describes the responsibility and the obligation of the person incurring the liability. The section after this explains how if the party that is liable cannot effectively draw up the contract - out of being deficient or weak mentally, or being unable to dictate - then his or her guardian should help draw out the contract and choose two suitable witnesses to observe. It must be understood that this situation arises if it is not possible for the liable party to draw out the contract by him/herself. The condition to put things into writing is still supreme.
The next section then explains that two men should be called to witness and if two men are not available (And if there are not two men...) then a man and two women. The legislation then continues and reminds most emphatically that one should not be complacent about putting ALL agreements into writing - no matter whether these agreements are major or minor as this is more JUST in the sight of Allah and more reliable as evidence. The passage of the Quran further explains that for practical reasons it may not always be possible to commit on-the-spot agreements into writing. In this case, it is also recommended that it be witnessed. The section which follows then lays down the guidelines which should be followed in the event that no witnesses are present.
The purpose in giving the above outline is to draw attention to the fact the question of women witnesses relates, in this instance, to commercial agreements and is not a STATEMENT ON THEIR STATUS.
Let's look at the section under investigation in more detail. Allah said:
And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her... (Baqarah 2:182)
A number of questions (as well as eyebrows!) are raised when this section of the passage is read. The questions often posed include:
* Do women have weaker memories than men?
* Why should two women be needed in the place of one man?
* Are women inferior to men?
One must remember that Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was neither a physiologist, a psychiatrist and nor a surgeon. He was an illiterate and could neither read nor write. He passed on the revelation exactly as he received it. Allah, the Creator, with His infinite wisdom gave the directives best suited to humankind. He is the Creator, therefore, He knows man better than a man himself.
In this scientific age we can explore the significance of this legislation. A great deal has been discovered since the early days of Islam. And each day of advancement brings about a better understanding of the last and final revelation from the Creator, Allah to the creation, humankind.
As women, we are aware of the cyclical psychological strains that a woman has to encounter every month. The symptoms during early pregnancy, ante-natal and post-natal depressions, the phenomenon of menopause, the physiological and psychological problems due to infertility and last but not least the psychological problems faced after miscarriage.
It is under these situations that women can experience extraordinary psychological strains giving rise to depression, lack of concentration, slow-mindedness and SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS. Let us examine these episodes in a bit more detail and with medical references from the scientific world. PMT is an umbrella term for more than 140 different symptoms and there is a lot of evidence that it causes a lot of unhappiness in many women, and consequently, to their families.
Psychiatry in Practice, April 1983 issue states: "Forty percent of women suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome in some form and one in if our women have their lives severely disrupted by it. Dr Jill Williams, general practitioner from Bury, gives guidelines on how to recognize patients at risk and suggests a suitable treatment."1
In the same issue, George Beaumont reporting on the workshop held at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in London on pre-menstrual syndrome, says: "Some authorities would argue that 80 percent of women have some degree of breast and abdominal discomfort which is pre-menstrual but that only about 10 percent complain to their doctors - and then only because of severe tenderness of the breasts and mental depression... Other authorities have suggested that pre-menstrual syndrome is a new problem, regular ovulation for 20 years or more being a phenomenon caused by 'civilization', 'medical progress', and an altered concept of the role of women."2
In its examination of the occurrence of physical and psychological change during the period just prior to the onset of menstruation we read in Psychological Medicine: "Many studies have reported an increased likelihood of various negative affects during the pre-menstrual period. In this affective category are many emotional designations including irritability, depression, tension, anxiety, sadness, insecurity, lethargy, loneliness, tearfulness, fatigue, restlessness and changes of mood. In the majority of studies, investigators have found it difficult to distinguish between various negative affects, and only a few have allowed themselves to be excessively concerned with the differences which might or might not exist between affective symptoms."3
In the same article dealing with Pre-menstrual Behavioral Changes we read: "A significant relationship between the pre-menstrual phase of the cycle and a variety of specific and defined forms of behavior has been reported in a number of studies. For the purpose of their review, these forms of behavior have been grouped under the headings of aggressive behavior, illness behavior and accidents, performance on examination and other tests and sporting performance."4 The lengthy review portrays how female behavior is affected in these situations.
In 'The Pre-menstrual Syndrome', C. Shreeves writes: "Reduced powers of concentration and memory are familiar aspects of the pre-menstrual syndrome and can only be remedied by treating the underlying complaint." This does not mean, of course, that women are mentally deficient absolutely. It just means that their mental faculties can become affected at certain times in the biological cycle. Shreeves also writes: "As many as 80 percent of women are aware of some degree of pre-menstrual changes, 40 percent are substantially disturbed by them, and between 10 and 20 percent are seriously disabled as a result of the syndrome."
Furthermore, women face the problem of ante-natal and post-natal depression, both of which cause extreme cycles of depression in some cases. Again, these recurring symptoms naturally affect the mind, giving rise to drowsiness and dopey memory.
On the subject of pregnancy in Psychiatry in Practice, October-November 1986, we learn that: "In an experiment 'Cox' found that 16 percent of a sample of 263 pregnant women were suffering from clinically significant psychiatric problems. Eight percent had a depressive neurosis and 1.9 percent had phobic neurosis. This study showed that the proportion of pregnant women with psychiatric problems was greater than that found in the control group but the difference only tended towards significance."5
Regarding the symptoms during the post-natal cycle Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "The third category of puerperal psychiatric problems is post-natal depression. It is generally agreed that between10 to 15 percent of women become clinically depressed after childbirth. These mothers experience a variety of symptoms but anxiety, especially over the baby, irritability, and excessive fatigue are common. Appetite is usually decreased and often there are considerable sleep difficulties. The mothers lose interest in the things they enjoyed prior to the baby's birth, and find that their concentration is impaired. They often feel irrational guilt, and blame themselves for being 'bad' wives and mothers. Fifty percent of these women are not identified as having a depressive illness. Unfortunately, many of them do not understand what ails them and blame their husbands, their babies or themselves until the relationships are strained to an alarming degree."6
"... Making the diagnosis of post-natal depression is not always easy. Quite often the depression is beginning to become a serious problem around three months postpartum when frequent contact with the health visitor is diminishing. The mother may not present with depressed mood. If she comes to the health centre presenting the baby as the patient, the true nature of the problem can be missed. When the mother is continually anxious about the baby in spite of reassurance, then the primary health care worker needs to be aware of the possibility of depression. Sometimes these mothers present with marital difficulties, and it is easy to muddle cause and effect, viewing the accompanying low mood as part of the marital problem. Sometimes, only when the husband is seen as well does it become obvious that it is a post-natal depressive illness which has led to the deterioration in the marriage."7
Again there is a need to study the effects of the menopause about which very little is known even to this day. This phase in a woman's life can start at any time from the mid-thirties to the mid-fifties and can last for as long as 15 years.
Writing about the pre-menopausal years, C.B. Ballinger states: "Several of the community surveys indicate a small but significant increase in psychiatric symptoms in women during the five years prior to the cessation of menstrual periods... The most obvious clinical feature of this transitional phase of menstrual function is the alteration in menstrual pattern, the menstrual cycle becoming shorter with age, and variability in cycle length become very prominent just prior to the cessation of menstruation. Menorrhagia is a common complaint at this time, and is associated with higher than normal levels of psychiatric disturbance."8
On the phenomenon of menopause in an article in Newsweek International, May 25th 1992, Dr. Jennifer al-Knopf, Director of the Sex and Marital Therapy Programme of Northwestern University writes: "...Women never know what their body is doing to them... some reporting debilitating symptoms from hot flashes to night sweat, sleeplessness, irritability, mood swings, short term memory loss, migraine, headaches, urinary inconsistence and weight gain. Most such problems can be traced to the drop-off in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, both of which govern the ovarian cycle. But every woman starts with a different level of hormones and loses them at different rates. The unpredictability is one of the most upsetting aspects. Women never know what their body is going to do to them..."
Then there are the psychiatric aspects of infertility and miscarriage. On the subject of infertility, Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "Depression, anger and guilt are common reactions to bereavement. In infertility there is the added pain of there being nobody to grieve for. Families and friends may contribute to the feeling of isolation by passing insensitive comments. The gynecologist and GPs have to try to help these couples against a backdrop of considerable distress."9
On the subject of miscarriage the above article continues: "Miscarriage is rarely mentioned when considering abortion. However, miscarriage can at times have profound psychological squeal and it is important that those women affected receive the support they need. Approximately one-fifth of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion and the effects are poorly recognized. If however, the miscarriage occurs in the context of infertility, the emotional reaction may be severe. The level of grief will depend on the meaning of pregnancy to the couple."10
Also, the fact that women are known to be more sensitive and emotional than men must not be overlooked. It is well known, for example, that under identical circumstances women suffer much greater anxiety than men. Numerous medical references on this aspect of female behavior can be given but to quote as a specimen, we read in 'Sex Differences in Mental Health' that: "Surveys have found different correlates of anxiety and neuroticism in the two sexes. Women and men do not become equally upset by the same things, and being upset does not have the same effect in men as in women. Ekehammer (1974; Ekehammer, Magnusson and Ricklander, 1974) using data from 116 sixteen-year-olds, did a factor analysis on self-reported anxiety. Of the eighteen different responses indicating anxiety (sweating palms, faster heart rate, and so on) females reported experiencing twelve of them significantly more often than males. Of the anxiety-producing situations studied, females reported experiencing significantly more anxiety than males reported in fourteen of them."11
It is in light of the above findings of psychologist, psychiatrists and researchers that the saying of Allah, the Exalted:
And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - SO THAT IF ONE OF THEM ERRS, THE OTHER CAN REMIND HER... (Baqarah 2:182)
can be understood. One must also bear in mind that forgetfulness can be an asset. A woman has to be put up with children presenting all kinds of emotional problems and a woman is certainly known to be more resilient than man. The aim of presenting these research findings on a number of aspects related with the theme is to indicate that a woman by her biological constitution faces such problems. It does not however make her inferior to man but it does illustrate that she is different. Viewed in this way, it can only lead one to the conclusion that Allah knows His creation the best and has prescribed precise laws in keeping with the nature of humankind.
Allah, the Creator is - as always - All-Knowing and man (or the disbeliever in Allah and the final, perfected, revealed way of life, Islam) is - as usual - either ignorant and arrogant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnotes:
Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18. As has been mentioned above the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was neither a psychologist nor a psychiatrist. Rather, he merely conveyed the truth that was revealed to him. It is in the context of this quotation and the one before it that the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) can be understood: "Treat your women kindly. The woman has been created from a rib, and the most curved part of a rib is its upper region. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it as it is, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly." And in another narration: "If you try to straighten her you will break her and breaking her means divorce." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim). This is very important advice for the man - for him to have patience and not to try to 'reform' the behavioral pattern of the woman during these times i.e. 'to straighten her'. He will not be able to do that, as it is biological in origin. Instead, he should maintain and protect his relationship with her by showing kindness.
By: Shamshad.M.Khan
Source: islamicweb.com
Why Two Women Witnesses?
A question that repeatedly arises is that concerning the 'Position of Women in Islam'. Muslim scholars have been able with great success - despite the onslaught of distortion and mis-representation - to demonstrate the true position of Muslim women; especially of women's liberation in the advent of Islam. The Islamic ruling on issues such as inheritance, the right to earn, the right to own property etc. have reinforced this position and have been prescribed by Allah - the One True God - long before Western nations even thought of such concepts!
The issue of two women witnesses in place of one man is the concern of the present treatise. As will become clear to the sincere and objective reader, the intellectual status of a Muslim woman is neither marred nor degraded by the commandment that if two Muslim male witnesses are not available then one Muslim male and two Muslim females should be invited to witness. Rather, this injunction is in perfect harmony with the nature and psychology of the woman as will become evident through quotations from psychologists, psychiatrists and medical research.
The passage of the Holy Quran (Baqarah 2:282) in which the above-mentioned requirement is made has usury, capital and debtor difficulties as its theme. Allah grants guidelines in matters relating to monetary obligations. Then business transactions are dealt with. In this section, the requirement to commit all transactions into writing is stated most emphatically (Reduce them to writing...). The section after this describes the responsibility of the scribe, or in modern parlance, the person responsible for drawing up the agreement. The following section describes the responsibility and the obligation of the person incurring the liability. The section after this explains how if the party that is liable cannot effectively draw up the contract - out of being deficient or weak mentally, or being unable to dictate - then his or her guardian should help draw out the contract and choose two suitable witnesses to observe. It must be understood that this situation arises if it is not possible for the liable party to draw out the contract by him/herself. The condition to put things into writing is still supreme.
The next section then explains that two men should be called to witness and if two men are not available (And if there are not two men...) then a man and two women. The legislation then continues and reminds most emphatically that one should not be complacent about putting ALL agreements into writing - no matter whether these agreements are major or minor as this is more JUST in the sight of Allah and more reliable as evidence. The passage of the Quran further explains that for practical reasons it may not always be possible to commit on-the-spot agreements into writing. In this case, it is also recommended that it be witnessed. The section which follows then lays down the guidelines which should be followed in the event that no witnesses are present.
The purpose in giving the above outline is to draw attention to the fact the question of women witnesses relates, in this instance, to commercial agreements and is not a STATEMENT ON THEIR STATUS.
Let's look at the section under investigation in more detail. Allah said:
And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her... (Baqarah 2:182)
A number of questions (as well as eyebrows!) are raised when this section of the passage is read. The questions often posed include:
* Do women have weaker memories than men?
* Why should two women be needed in the place of one man?
* Are women inferior to men?
One must remember that Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was neither a physiologist, a psychiatrist and nor a surgeon. He was an illiterate and could neither read nor write. He passed on the revelation exactly as he received it. Allah, the Creator, with His infinite wisdom gave the directives best suited to humankind. He is the Creator, therefore, He knows man better than a man himself.
In this scientific age we can explore the significance of this legislation. A great deal has been discovered since the early days of Islam. And each day of advancement brings about a better understanding of the last and final revelation from the Creator, Allah to the creation, humankind.
As women, we are aware of the cyclical psychological strains that a woman has to encounter every month. The symptoms during early pregnancy, ante-natal and post-natal depressions, the phenomenon of menopause, the physiological and psychological problems due to infertility and last but not least the psychological problems faced after miscarriage.
It is under these situations that women can experience extraordinary psychological strains giving rise to depression, lack of concentration, slow-mindedness and SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS. Let us examine these episodes in a bit more detail and with medical references from the scientific world. PMT is an umbrella term for more than 140 different symptoms and there is a lot of evidence that it causes a lot of unhappiness in many women, and consequently, to their families.
Psychiatry in Practice, April 1983 issue states: "Forty percent of women suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome in some form and one in if our women have their lives severely disrupted by it. Dr Jill Williams, general practitioner from Bury, gives guidelines on how to recognize patients at risk and suggests a suitable treatment."1
In the same issue, George Beaumont reporting on the workshop held at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in London on pre-menstrual syndrome, says: "Some authorities would argue that 80 percent of women have some degree of breast and abdominal discomfort which is pre-menstrual but that only about 10 percent complain to their doctors - and then only because of severe tenderness of the breasts and mental depression... Other authorities have suggested that pre-menstrual syndrome is a new problem, regular ovulation for 20 years or more being a phenomenon caused by 'civilization', 'medical progress', and an altered concept of the role of women."2
In its examination of the occurrence of physical and psychological change during the period just prior to the onset of menstruation we read in Psychological Medicine: "Many studies have reported an increased likelihood of various negative affects during the pre-menstrual period. In this affective category are many emotional designations including irritability, depression, tension, anxiety, sadness, insecurity, lethargy, loneliness, tearfulness, fatigue, restlessness and changes of mood. In the majority of studies, investigators have found it difficult to distinguish between various negative affects, and only a few have allowed themselves to be excessively concerned with the differences which might or might not exist between affective symptoms."3
In the same article dealing with Pre-menstrual Behavioral Changes we read: "A significant relationship between the pre-menstrual phase of the cycle and a variety of specific and defined forms of behavior has been reported in a number of studies. For the purpose of their review, these forms of behavior have been grouped under the headings of aggressive behavior, illness behavior and accidents, performance on examination and other tests and sporting performance."4 The lengthy review portrays how female behavior is affected in these situations.
In 'The Pre-menstrual Syndrome', C. Shreeves writes: "Reduced powers of concentration and memory are familiar aspects of the pre-menstrual syndrome and can only be remedied by treating the underlying complaint." This does not mean, of course, that women are mentally deficient absolutely. It just means that their mental faculties can become affected at certain times in the biological cycle. Shreeves also writes: "As many as 80 percent of women are aware of some degree of pre-menstrual changes, 40 percent are substantially disturbed by them, and between 10 and 20 percent are seriously disabled as a result of the syndrome."
Furthermore, women face the problem of ante-natal and post-natal depression, both of which cause extreme cycles of depression in some cases. Again, these recurring symptoms naturally affect the mind, giving rise to drowsiness and dopey memory.
On the subject of pregnancy in Psychiatry in Practice, October-November 1986, we learn that: "In an experiment 'Cox' found that 16 percent of a sample of 263 pregnant women were suffering from clinically significant psychiatric problems. Eight percent had a depressive neurosis and 1.9 percent had phobic neurosis. This study showed that the proportion of pregnant women with psychiatric problems was greater than that found in the control group but the difference only tended towards significance."5
Regarding the symptoms during the post-natal cycle Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "The third category of puerperal psychiatric problems is post-natal depression. It is generally agreed that between10 to 15 percent of women become clinically depressed after childbirth. These mothers experience a variety of symptoms but anxiety, especially over the baby, irritability, and excessive fatigue are common. Appetite is usually decreased and often there are considerable sleep difficulties. The mothers lose interest in the things they enjoyed prior to the baby's birth, and find that their concentration is impaired. They often feel irrational guilt, and blame themselves for being 'bad' wives and mothers. Fifty percent of these women are not identified as having a depressive illness. Unfortunately, many of them do not understand what ails them and blame their husbands, their babies or themselves until the relationships are strained to an alarming degree."6
"... Making the diagnosis of post-natal depression is not always easy. Quite often the depression is beginning to become a serious problem around three months postpartum when frequent contact with the health visitor is diminishing. The mother may not present with depressed mood. If she comes to the health centre presenting the baby as the patient, the true nature of the problem can be missed. When the mother is continually anxious about the baby in spite of reassurance, then the primary health care worker needs to be aware of the possibility of depression. Sometimes these mothers present with marital difficulties, and it is easy to muddle cause and effect, viewing the accompanying low mood as part of the marital problem. Sometimes, only when the husband is seen as well does it become obvious that it is a post-natal depressive illness which has led to the deterioration in the marriage."7
Again there is a need to study the effects of the menopause about which very little is known even to this day. This phase in a woman's life can start at any time from the mid-thirties to the mid-fifties and can last for as long as 15 years.
Writing about the pre-menopausal years, C.B. Ballinger states: "Several of the community surveys indicate a small but significant increase in psychiatric symptoms in women during the five years prior to the cessation of menstrual periods... The most obvious clinical feature of this transitional phase of menstrual function is the alteration in menstrual pattern, the menstrual cycle becoming shorter with age, and variability in cycle length become very prominent just prior to the cessation of menstruation. Menorrhagia is a common complaint at this time, and is associated with higher than normal levels of psychiatric disturbance."8
On the phenomenon of menopause in an article in Newsweek International, May 25th 1992, Dr. Jennifer al-Knopf, Director of the Sex and Marital Therapy Programme of Northwestern University writes: "...Women never know what their body is doing to them... some reporting debilitating symptoms from hot flashes to night sweat, sleeplessness, irritability, mood swings, short term memory loss, migraine, headaches, urinary inconsistence and weight gain. Most such problems can be traced to the drop-off in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, both of which govern the ovarian cycle. But every woman starts with a different level of hormones and loses them at different rates. The unpredictability is one of the most upsetting aspects. Women never know what their body is going to do to them..."
Then there are the psychiatric aspects of infertility and miscarriage. On the subject of infertility, Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "Depression, anger and guilt are common reactions to bereavement. In infertility there is the added pain of there being nobody to grieve for. Families and friends may contribute to the feeling of isolation by passing insensitive comments. The gynecologist and GPs have to try to help these couples against a backdrop of considerable distress."9
On the subject of miscarriage the above article continues: "Miscarriage is rarely mentioned when considering abortion. However, miscarriage can at times have profound psychological squeal and it is important that those women affected receive the support they need. Approximately one-fifth of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion and the effects are poorly recognized. If however, the miscarriage occurs in the context of infertility, the emotional reaction may be severe. The level of grief will depend on the meaning of pregnancy to the couple."10
Also, the fact that women are known to be more sensitive and emotional than men must not be overlooked. It is well known, for example, that under identical circumstances women suffer much greater anxiety than men. Numerous medical references on this aspect of female behavior can be given but to quote as a specimen, we read in 'Sex Differences in Mental Health' that: "Surveys have found different correlates of anxiety and neuroticism in the two sexes. Women and men do not become equally upset by the same things, and being upset does not have the same effect in men as in women. Ekehammer (1974; Ekehammer, Magnusson and Ricklander, 1974) using data from 116 sixteen-year-olds, did a factor analysis on self-reported anxiety. Of the eighteen different responses indicating anxiety (sweating palms, faster heart rate, and so on) females reported experiencing twelve of them significantly more often than males. Of the anxiety-producing situations studied, females reported experiencing significantly more anxiety than males reported in fourteen of them."11
It is in light of the above findings of psychologist, psychiatrists and researchers that the saying of Allah, the Exalted:
And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - SO THAT IF ONE OF THEM ERRS, THE OTHER CAN REMIND HER... (Baqarah 2:182)
can be understood. One must also bear in mind that forgetfulness can be an asset. A woman has to be put up with children presenting all kinds of emotional problems and a woman is certainly known to be more resilient than man. The aim of presenting these research findings on a number of aspects related with the theme is to indicate that a woman by her biological constitution faces such problems. It does not however make her inferior to man but it does illustrate that she is different. Viewed in this way, it can only lead one to the conclusion that Allah knows His creation the best and has prescribed precise laws in keeping with the nature of humankind.
Allah, the Creator is - as always - All-Knowing and man (or the disbeliever in Allah and the final, perfected, revealed way of life, Islam) is - as usual - either ignorant and arrogant.
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Footnotes:
Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18. As has been mentioned above the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was neither a psychologist nor a psychiatrist. Rather, he merely conveyed the truth that was revealed to him. It is in the context of this quotation and the one before it that the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) can be understood: "Treat your women kindly. The woman has been created from a rib, and the most curved part of a rib is its upper region. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it as it is, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly." And in another narration: "If you try to straighten her you will break her and breaking her means divorce." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim). This is very important advice for the man - for him to have patience and not to try to 'reform' the behavioral pattern of the woman during these times i.e. 'to straighten her'. He will not be able to do that, as it is biological in origin. Instead, he should maintain and protect his relationship with her by showing kindness.
By: Shamshad.M.Khan
Source: islamicweb.com
