In today’s world, women are faced with the challenge of excessiveness in femininity. This challenge manifests in two extreme patterns: the oppression of women, where they are viewed as inferior and denied their rights, and the attempt to erase femininity altogether, where women try to be like men and abandon their roles as wives and mothers.
Hazrat Zahra (SA), the daughter of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH), is a perfect and comprehensive role model for women. Her life is a testament to the balance between the role of women at home and in society. She was a devoted wife and mother, yet she was also actively involved in her community and played a key role in spreading the message of Islam.
The life of Hazrat Zahra (SA) shows that women can be active in society without abandoning their roles as wives and mothers. She was a skilled teacher, a compassionate caregiver, and a strong advocate for justice. Her life is a shining example of how women can balance their domestic and social responsibilities.
In today’s world, women are often forced to choose between their roles as wives and mothers and their desire to be active in society. However, Hazrat Zahra (SA) shows that this is a false dichotomy. Women can be devoted wives and mothers while also being active and engaged members of their communities.
Throughout history, philosophers and psychologists have proposed various theories and explanations for achieving happiness and satisfaction in life. Some have suggested that attaining pleasure, purposefulness, activism, meaningfulness, intimacy, success, and positive emotions are key to happiness. However, these theories have undergone significant changes and reforms over time, leaving many wondering how to achieve true happiness and satisfaction.
One effective strategy for achieving happiness and satisfaction is to have a role model. The Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH), Hazrat Zahra (SA), and the Infallible Imams (AS) are all perfect role models for living a life according to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
The Ahl al-Bayt (AS) are manifestations of the peak of faith and peace in the face of hardships and suffering in life. Imam Hadi (AS) has described the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) as the best role models in areas such as knowledge, wisdom, mercy, philanthropy, charity, and altruism, virtues, humility, sincerity, love for God, truthfulness, patience, honesty, connection with God, faith in the hereafter, purity, righteousness, faith, and benevolence.
Knowing these role models with these characteristics naturally inspires love, passion, and devotion, creating the ground for real happiness and achieving real satisfaction.
Many women in all eras and for various reasons have been involved in either extreme with regard to their role as females. Some women have been viewed as the second sex, denied dignity, oppressed, and forced, with their only duty being to bear children and take care of the house. On the other hand, some women have tried to be like men, free from the constraints of motherhood and wifehood, enjoying similar rights with men in society, allowed to have full-time jobs, take on management positions, hate having children, and only seeking social growth and progress.
Empirical evidence has shown that in none of these two views about women have women experienced true happiness, satisfaction, and success. In other words, the mentioned extreme models have always had dangerous consequences for the women of Muslim societies and have driven them away from true models such as Hazrat Fatimah (SA).
Being afraid of a particular role model and inclination toward another one do not reflect freedom. Two types of mental inculcations usually take place: 1- A free and active woman is similar to men in society, and this is not acceptable in Islam, and, therefore, she should avoid any social activity, and should turn to seclusion, and 2- Islam is against women staying at home and that a woman should study, work, and have social activities; the outcome of which lack of interest in getting married and having children.
Surprisingly, many Muslim women think that they must engage in social activities in Western styles (such as having a full-time official job). However, women should know having social activity does not necessarily mean being similar to men. Moreover, they should recognize their countless female talents and capacities and know that they have the ability to simultaneously play their roles as wives and mothers
