u/Any_Marionberry3377

Please stay away from this particular subreddit, if you care about your Imaan and faith (r/truedeen). It used to be a good subreddit but its quality in terms of posts, content and community has declined. There has been several misogynist, fitna-attracting and pointless gender based posts which are particularly problematic. There are other alternatives which are much more moderated and more focused on actually being beneficial to your akhirah. Jazakallahu khayran

Please stay away from this particular subreddit, if you care about your Imaan and faith (r/truedeen). It used to be a good subreddit but its quality in terms of posts, content and community has declined. There has been several misogynist, fitna-attracting and pointless gender based posts which are particularly problematic. There are other alternatives which are much more moderated and more focused on actually being beneficial to your akhirah. Jazakallahu khayran

A lot of the times I see posts regarding topics that are beneficial to the subreddit, and with that the subreddit becomes a source for beneficial discussions and knowledge.

But there are other posts which clearly are written in order to trigger mass participation and divisive arguments which serve no purpose in improving the subreddit or the redditors themselves in the dunya and akhirah.

And to those who post such filth in the subreddit, fear Allah for what you post.

Fear a day where your hands that you used to type fitna from, and the eyes in which you observe such things will be held witness against you.

Fear a day where your Rabb will hold you to account for what khayr and shar you put forward towards.

If this message benefits you and causes you to cease in this persistent ignorance, then say Alhamdullilah and seek repentance from Allah

If not, I leave your judgement with the most High

And for the moderators and other redditors, if you see something that you know will cause fitna, then do your best to stop it, or at least in your hearts, reject it. There are many young people here who aren’t knowledgeable or aware and these harmful posts are toxic to them. So please, for the sake of Allah, do something.

I have been a lurker of this subreddit for a long time and have seen its formation, with new mods coming and old mods leaving as well as its growth throughout the years. This subreddit has the potential to be a source of great benefit, but we cannot let these posts weigh us down.

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 49
Grade: Sahih* *(authentic) according to Muslim

عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِيَدِهِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِقَلْبِهِ وَذَلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الْإِيمَانِ
49 صحيح مسلم كتاب الإيمان باب بيان أن النهي عن المنكر من الإيمان والأن الإيمان يزيد وينقص

I really enjoy looking at the subreddit and the Islamic community that post khayr and reminders. But recently, there has been an uptick in very harmful and fitan posts. If anyone knows any mods, could they please regulate the content on the subreddit again, as there are some very disturbing narratives being posted there

A lot of doubts have been spread by a lot of these “social media influencers” and Islamophobes, where they try to prove that women in Islam are not important or do not have rights. We see a lot of posts from sisters who have had doubts about Islam due to this. In this post, I have compiled evidence from the Quran and Sunnah to counter these claims. InshaAllah, it will be useful. I might have to continue the post in the comments, as the importance of women is immense in Islam.

I will begin by quoting verses from the Quran and ahadith that demonstrate the honour and status Islam gives women, before discussing some of their rights and responsibilities. Islam gave women the rights Allah prescribed for them, honoured them in the roles He legislated for them, and forbade injustice against them.

In marriage, a woman has the right to choose her husband and cannot be forced into marriage. The Prophet ﷺ said, “A widow should not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin should not be married until she gives her permission.” Her consent is required, and her marriage is contracted through her lawful wali in accordance with the Sunnah. She is also entitled to a dowry, financial support, and kind treatment. If her husband marries another wife, he must deal justly between them.

A woman may also seek separation if she cannot remain in the marriage. She may request khul’, normally by returning the dowry or agreed compensation in exchange for separation. This occurred with the wife of Thabit ibn Qays, whose request was accepted by the Prophet ﷺ, who instructed her to return the dowry. If a woman is being harmed or oppressed and her husband refuses to release her, the matter may be taken to a qualified Islamic judge.

Women’s testimony is accepted in many matters. The Quranic verse concerning financial transactions mentions two women alongside one man in a particular financial context. In other matters, such as childbirth and issues specifically known by women, the testimony of one woman may be sufficient.

Islam also guaranteed women a share of inheritance at a time when they were commonly denied it. The Quran says, “For men is a share of what parents and relatives leave, and for women is a share of what parents and relatives leave, whether little or much—a fixed share.” Although a son may receive twice the share of a daughter in certain cases, men are financially responsible for their families, whereas women are not required to spend their personal wealth on others.

Women may conduct business, own property, and undertake permissible work, and their earnings belong to them. Such work must itself be lawful and must observe Islamic requirements, including proper hijab, avoiding seclusion with opposite gender and free mixing, and fulfilling obligatory family responsibilities. They are not obligated to financially maintain the household, as that responsibility falls upon men.

Muslim women also participated in scholarship, trade, healthcare, advising others(not publicly). They taught knowledge, corrected mistakes, and gave valuable counsel. One of the clearest examples is Umm Salama رضي الله عنها advising the Prophet ﷺ during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.

The Sharia protects women’s dignity, safety, wealth, reputation, and right to justice. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” Harming, oppressing, or mistreating women is therefore contrary to Islamic teachings.

The following verses show some of the different ways Islam honours and protects women.

The first verse (31:14) commands gratitude towards parents, especially mothers, for the hardships they endure in pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. The second verse (30:21) describes marriage as a relationship of tranquility, love, and mercy.

The third verse (2:187) compares spouses to clothing for one another, representing mutual support, protection, and closeness. The fourth verse (4:34) establishes the husband’s responsibility of leadership, protection, and financial maintenance within the family.

The fifth verse (4:19) forbids inheriting or coercing women against their will and commands husbands to live with them kindly. The final verse (24:23) warns of severe punishment for falsely accusing chaste women, thereby protecting their honour and reputation.

Together, these verses show that Islam honours women as mothers, wives, daughters, and individuals, granting them dignity, provision, care, and legal protection.

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Quran 31:14)

“And among His signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.” (Quran 30:21)

This verse describes marriage as a relationship based upon tranquility, love, and mercy.

“They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them.” (Quran 2:187)

This verse describes the mutual support, protection, love, and respect that should exist between spouses.

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [in support] from their wealth.” (Quran 4:34)

“O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them,

unless they commit a clear immorality [adultery].

And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them—perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” (Quran 4:19)

“Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment.” (Quran 24:23)

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported: A person came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked, “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?”

He ﷺ said, “Your mother.”

He again asked, “Who next?”

“Your mother,”

the Prophet ﷺ replied again.

He asked, “Who next?”

The Prophet ﷺ said again, “Your mother.”

He again asked, “Then who?”

Thereupon, he ﷺ said, “Then your father.”

(Bukhari 5971, Sahih Muslim 2548b, and Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 5)

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best behaviour, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 1977—Hasan; Tirmidhi 3895—Hasan Sahih Gharib; Mishkat al-Masabih 3264)

Daughters are a blessing in Islam, and caring for them with patience and kindness is a means of protection from the Fire.

Uqbah bin Amir said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, “Whoever has three daughters and is patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink, and clothes them from his wealth, they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 3669—Sahih)

Malik reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: “He who brought up two girls properly until they grew up, he and I would come together very closely on the Day of Resurrection,” and he interlaced his fingers to explain the point of nearness between him and that person.

(Sahih Muslim 2631)

It was narrated from Mu’awiyah bin Jahimah As-Sulami that Jahimah came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight in jihad, and I have come to ask your advice.”

He said: “Do you have a mother?”

He said: “Yes.”

He ﷺ said: “Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.”

(Sunan An-Nasa’i 3104—Sahih)

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: “He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter, if he witnesses any matter, should speak in good terms about it or remain silent. Act kindly towards women, for woman was created from a rib, and the most crooked part of the rib is its top. If you attempt to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it, its crookedness will remain. So act kindly towards women.”

(Sahih Muslim 1468a)

It was narrated that Aishah رضي الله عنها said: “The Messenger of Allah never beat any of his servants or wives, and his hand never hit anything.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 1984—Sahih)

Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ was on a journey, and he had a black slave called Anjasha who was driving the camels very fast while women were riding on them. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Waihaka—may Allah be merciful to you—O Anjasha! Drive slowly with the glass vessels!”

(Bukhari 6161)

Caring for widows and the poor is also given an immense reward.

Narrated Safwan bin Salim: The Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah’s cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays throughout the night.” Abu Hurairah also narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said the same.

(Bukhari 6006)

Narrated Abdullah bin Mas’ud: I asked Allah’s Messenger ﷺ, “O Allah’s Messenger! What is the best deed?”

He replied, “To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times.”

I asked, “What is next in goodness?”

He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.”

I further asked, “What is next in goodness?”

He replied, “To participate in jihad in Allah’s cause.”

I did not ask Allah’s Messenger ﷺ anymore, and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.

(Bukhari 2782)

Women were also trusted for their wisdom and advice. During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Umm Salama رضي الله عنها gave the Prophet ﷺ advice that helped resolve a difficult situation.

Narrated Al-Miswar bin Makhrama and Marwan: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said to his Companions, “Get up, slaughter your sacrifices, and shave your heads.” By Allah, none of them got up, and the Prophet ﷺ repeated his order three times.

When none of them got up, he left them and went to Umm Salama رضي الله عنها and told her of the people’s attitude towards him. Umm Salama said, “O Prophet of Allah! Do you want your order to be carried out?

Go out and do not say a word to anybody until you have slaughtered your sacrifice and called your barber to shave your head.”

(Bukhari 2731)

Ibn Hajar comments on this and says that it demonstrates the permissibility of consulting a virtuous woman and shows the virtue and great wisdom of Umm Salama رضي الله عنها.

Translation: “And in it is the virtue of consultation, and that action, when combined with speech, is more impactful than speech alone. However, it does not imply that action is always more impactful than speech. It also indicates the permissibility of consulting a virtuous woman, and the virtue of Umm Salama, and her great wisdom.”

(Fath Al-Bari by Ibn Hajar, 6/648)

Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrated from the Prophet ﷺ that the women of Jannah will sing: “We are fine and beautiful women, wives of a noble people, looked upon with eyes of comfort! And among their singing is: We are women everlasting, never to die; we are women in safety, never to fear; we are women here to stay, never to leave!”

Translation: Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, the wives of Paradise will sing for their husbands with the most beautiful voices that no one has ever heard. Among their singing is: We are fine and beautiful women, wives of a noble people, looked upon with eyes of comfort! And among their singing is: We are women everlasting, never to die; we are women in safety, never to fear; we are women here to stay, never to leave!”

The Prophet ﷺ said that a woman who dies because of pregnancy or childbirth receives the reward of a martyr, by Allah’s permission.

(Sunan Abi Dawud 3111)

In a hasan hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Women and perfume have been made dear to me, and the comfort of my eyes has been placed in prayer.”

(Sunan An-Nasa’i 3939)

Islam did not only grant women the right to seek knowledge but made necessary religious knowledge an obligation upon them and upon all Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” This includes both men and women, each of whom must learn the religious knowledge necessary to correctly fulfil their obligations.

Islam encourages women to increase in beneficial knowledge, as reflected in Allah’s words: “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’” (Taha: 114), and: “You have been given of knowledge only a little” (Al-Isra: 85).

Additionally, the Mothers of the Believers preserved and transmitted what was recited in their houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Allah says: “And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom” (Al-Ahzab: 34). Men and women would come to them to ask about religious matters, and they played an essential role in spreading knowledge.

Aishah رضي الله عنها played a significant role in this regard, as Muslims would seek her guidance on legal and religious matters. She reminded them of the truth in matters of disagreement. She was known for her expertise in hadith, fiqh, genealogy, poetry, and other fields of beneficial knowledge. Similarly, her sister Asma رضي الله عنها and other knowledgeable women among the Companions and those who followed them were known for their transmission of hadith and beneficial knowledge.

Muslim women did not limit themselves to religious sciences, poetry, and language; they also contributed in areas such as medicine and nursing. Among the women who cared for the sick and wounded were Umm Atiyyah al-Ansariyyah, Umm Sinan al-Aslamiyyah, Nusaybah bint Ka’b, and other women among the Companions and early Muslims.

Women also taught beneficial knowledge, transmitted hadith, advised others, treated the sick, conducted permissible trade, and served the Muslim community within the limits established by the Sharia.

Allah honoured women and legislated rights and duties for them, just as He legislated rights and duties for men. Justice in Islam does not mean that the rights of the two sexes are equal, in Islam the rights are equitable(based upon justice)

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
 
I understand that there has been recent posts targeting several topics relating to marriage, relationships, pasts and certain ideologies that have influenced a lot of the younger generation.

I understand that these are major issues that many people are worried about and constantly feel pressured by.

Things like:
• “Does he/she have a past? How do I know they haven’t committed Zina and they aren’t lying to me?”
• “If I prescribe to [insert ideology here] then it would give me better understanding of myself and the world, regardless of the fact that it does contradict elements of my beliefs”
• “Most of the opposite gender is completely off track in terms of being religious and are being lead astray!”

These things are valid issues and they have affected the community quite a lot. But what I have seen is that posts that are more likely than not unhelpful in discussing the issue and is utilised instead to cause heated debates and further friction and name calling.

Understandably people are concerned and rightly so, but is slandering, backbiting and lacking empathy really healthy for us in these discussions?

When will our talks become more constructive and meaningful, then just petty talk that wastes our time and energy.

Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6412
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنْ النَّاسِ الصِّحَّةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ
6412 صحيح البخاري كتاب الرقاق باب لا عيش إلا عيش الآخرة

We as muslims are in a perilous state, as the Prophet ﷺ stated in Sunan Abi Dawood 4297 “…rather you will be many in that day, but you will be scum like such flowing down a torrent. Allah will remove your esteem from the chests of your enemies, and Allah will insert feebleness in your own hearts…” We out of our own volition have become weak, and we must recognise that it a consequence we have to bear as a whole. We must be able to support ourselves, enjoin good and forbid evil amongst ourselves, but with correct intentions and akhlaq.

Don’t let yourselves fall into one of the two extremes, being too lenient or being too firm, but find the middle path. Remember that your manners most likely are the first thing that people see, before they see your religious knowledge or experience. Explaining them something that is Islamically sound such as the obligation of the hijab but in a way that is ridiculing the other person only harms your responsibility of al-wala wal-bara.

Understand that:
• Many modern day Muslims are westernised (us included) and may not understand or have as much knowledge as those who have studied the deen for years
• Your approach to them may have to be flexible their needs without have you compromise your standards on yourself and the deen
• There will be people you come across that will be stubborn, angry and/or unwilling to engage. At some point you just have to just disengage, make Dua for them and hope for the best

As those who are knowledgeable enough to start spreading dawah or at least are willing to share resources that contain knowledge, then please understand these ideas and always remember our manners, the most appropriate way to address an issue in our community as well as having the correct authentic sources to back it up.

Insha’Allah this will be of benefit and will encourage us all to approach our community with the correct mindset.

جَزَاكُمُ ٱللَّهُ خَيْرًا