Islam and women (dress code, tradition, elder, prophet, experience)

[Melody]

I started to put this as part of a response in another thread, but decided it might seriously off track that thread. I look forward to responses, particularly from educated muslim women or western women who converted.

I see Islam as a religion for men. I see nothing in the religion that would appeal to a woman. My only experience with western women who have converted to Islam, are those I ran across in the battered women's shelter. These women either married muslims or their husbands converted and coerced them into doing the same. With rare exception, all had some history of prior abuse by a parent or spouse and were undergoing counseling to deal with the low self-esteem issues. One woman actually told me, when I asked why a western woman would choose such a religion, that she didn't have a problem with being treated as a second class citizen because she always felt she wasn't worth much anyway.

So my question becomes...why would any educated woman choose islam?

[Faint]

Originally Posted by Melody

So my question becomes...why would any educated woman choose islam?

Good question...I've wondered that myself. I can give you some answers, but they will apply to your religion as well.

[Khalid Muhammad]

I have to say melody, very laudable working in a shelter for battered women. Was this as a result of your faith?

[Melody]

Originally Posted by Faint

Good question...I've wondered that myself. I can give you some answers, but they will apply to your religion as well.

Faint, please confine the responses to Islam. I realize there are people who interpret Scripture in a way that makes women seem to be second class citizens, but obviously there is no comparison. Christianity does not require women to cover their entire bodies, be under the aegis of their husbands, eldest sons or some other male, etc.

If you want to start another thread on christianity and women, feel free. ;-)

[Melody]

Originally Posted by Khalid Muhammad

I have to say melody, very laudable working in a shelter for battered women. Was this as a result of your faith?

Hi Khalid,
My faith came to me much later. I've always had a need from the time I was a young child to help others and give back to the community. I've done volunteer work since I turned 14. My personal inclination has always been towards the elderly and women who, for whatever reason, find themselves without a support system.

[jamaesi]

Christianity does not require women to cover their entire bodies, be under the aegis of their husbands, eldest sons or some other male, etc.

There you go.

Please point out in the Qur'an where it says that all women must cover their entire bodies- or even where they should cover their hair.

[Khalid Muhammad]

I think in the Quran it requests that women 'guard their modesty', I think covering comes from the advice of the prophet through his Sunnah (tradition) and via tradition in a wider sense.

(P.S. and actually christianity did require these things, in the past. Even today nun's wear something approaching the Muslim dress code.)

I have a habit of volunteering. I did volunteer to help some people with learning difficulties, but found it very difficult. Depressing and I'm not sure I have the right temperament.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by jamaesi

There you go.

Please point out in the Qur'an where it says that all women must cover their entire bodies- or even where they should cover their hair.

I don't know Jamaesi, but that seems to be the interpretation by many islamic clerics who, one would think, know the Qu'ran inside and out.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by Khalid Muhammad

(P.S. and actually christianity did require these things, in the past.

Well obviously dress codes change over time, but I do not thing it was "christianity" that required it so much as the fashions/mores of the time.

But we're getting off track. My OP asked, what does Islam offer to an educated woman or western woman which would make them wish to convert.

[Khalid Muhammad]

I don't think there are any revert women on the forum (I may be wrong) so you may be waiting a long time for an 'emic' answer. You might try an Islamic forum for an answer or 11.