Parenting is the job of a father and a mother. In Islam, there is a twist.

Onward to adulthood, our father started to impart wisdom to us. One thing he repeatedly told me and my siblings — never hurt your mother! Why? Because paradise lies beneath her feet. This is from a hadith (collection of traditions/sayings of Prophet Muhammad that guides every Muslim aside from the Holy Quran) which relates how al-Sulami went to Prophet Muhammad.

Saying “O messenger of Allah, I desire to go out and fight and I have come to consult you.” The Prophet asked, “Do you have a mother?” He replied, “Yes.” The Prophet told him, “Stay with her, because paradise lies beneath her feet.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 3104).

It is not Mother’s Day but I am sharing this in celebration of International Women’s Month and how the above underscored how our father ingrained in us the stature of women in Islam. Contrary to the belief of many, women in Islam are not oppressed, abused or disregarded. They are held in high esteem with rights, responsibilities and dignity in both spiritual and societal aspects.

Islam sees women as equals with men while recognizing their biological and social differences. Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35 (chapter/verse from the Holy Quran) states that Allah gives forgiveness and great reward to Muslim men and women for positive qualities and for often remembering Allah. This emphasizes the equality of reward for both genders when they practice righteousness.

During the time of our grandparents, women usually stayed home to take care of the family’s needs. Likewise, our mother chose to simultaneously take care of us, continue with her studies and proceed to have a career of her own. She has chartered her own destiny up to the present. We see here the same rights granted to men in Islam as women have the right to be educated, earn their own keep and receive inheritance.

Another misconception about Muslim women is the matter of arranged marriages. Imam Ahmad an-Nasa’i, who collected hadiths, talked about a woman who was married off by her father to someone without her consent. The woman went to Prophet Muhammad who responded, “Marry whom you wish.” “Do not force your daughters to marry someone they dislike.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 2096)

Hijab? It is simply a veil worn by Muslim women to cover the hair and neck as a symbol of modesty, not repression. The practice of wearing a veil did not emanate from Islam. Christians even before the advent of Islam had worn the same. In fact, older Catholic generations will remember that a veil was required when going to church.

There is only one Islam but there are many countries with a Muslim population with different cultures/traditions. Muslims practice the religion guided by the Holy Quran, but usually this is within the milieu of their cultures/traditions. For Filipino Muslims, we have maintained our Filipino way of life so long as it does not violate the principles of our religion. This is how it is supposed to be.

It is noteworthy at this point to reaffirm the timeless value of women in general. Specially mothers who keep the family together while juggling work and even studies. Theirs is a tough act. Whether as a housewife or a career woman, what a woman is able to accomplish is worth acknowledging.

Celebrating Women’s Month gives them the recognition due them for strengthening families and communities. We men should make it a daily practice to give respect and support to women.

On a personal note, thank you to all the women who shaped my life. I am who I am because of you. Happy Women’s Month, today and always!