13 Plus Centuries behind!
-
The Quran A Reformist Translation is getting ready for the publication, by God's will. Here, I would like to share with you one of its footnotes
060012 Verse 6012 informs us about the rights and privileges enjoyed by women in early muslim community during the life of Prophet Muhammad. In that verse, the Prophet acknowledges women's right to vote, by taking the pledge of believing women to surrender themselves to God alone and lead a righteous life. The word "BaYA'" used in the verse implies the political nature of the pledge; they accepted the leadership of the Prophet individually, with their free choice. This verse is not about some pagan or mushrik women embracing islam, but it is about the muslim women publicly announcing their allegiance to Muhammad who became a founder of a federally secular constitutional government in central Arabia. This is a historical document that muslim women were not considered default appendices of the their decision-making husbands, brothers, fathers or male guardians, but muslim women were treated as independent political entities who could vote and enter into social contract with their leaders. Unfortunately, many of the human rights recognized by islam were later one by one taken away from individuals, especially from women, by the leaders of Sunni and Shiite religions. They replaced the progressive and liberating teaching of the Quran and practice of the early muslims with reactionary and enslaving teachings, thereby resurrecting the dogmas and practices of "the days of ignorance." It took humanity centuries to recognize for women their God-given rights. For instance, the US recognized the right of women to vote in 1919 by passing the 19th Amendment. Exactly, 13 centuries after it was recognized by the Quran.
As for the region that once led the world in human rights and freedom, it is more than 13 centuries behind! After women, the men too lost their dignity to elect their leaders. What a regression!