Sexual Moral and the Quran
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Sexualization of Girls is Linked to Common Mental Health Problems in Girls and Women
February 20, 2007WASHINGTON, DCA report of the American Psychological Association (APA) released today found evidence that the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harmful to girls self-image and healthy development.
To complete the report, the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls studied published research on the content and effects of virtually every form of media, including television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, movies, video games and the Internet. They also examined recent advertising campaigns and merchandising of products aimed toward girls.
Sexualization was defined by the task force as occurring when a persons value comes only from her/his sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics, and when a person is sexually objectified, e.g., made into a thing for anothers sexual use.
Examples of the sexualization of girls in all forms of media including visual media and other forms of media such as music lyrics abound. And, according to the report, have likely increased in number as new media have been created and access to media has become omnipresent. The influence and attitudes of parents, siblings, and friends can also add to the pressures of sexualization.
See the study here
http//www.commonsensemedia.org/resources/sex_and_dating.php?id=7
Salaam Aleikum,
In the Media, it is common to represent females as objects. Sexual objects that need to be desired. The common idea that females are equal to men in the West is only true on certain issues, when it comes to objectifying persons, it is for 90% females that are presented as desirious objects. Because of this you can see a surge of young Muslim girls wearing traditional clothes as a resistance against this fall down of Moral.
On the other side you have girls of all different backgrounds who try to uphold the demand on how to look, and get pushed into roles that are created in the Media. The above study shows this gravely harms the psychological development of girls and females, and sustains also the status of women to be objects.
Freedom has been finally gained in the West after long periods of trial and error, but now they face the problem on which morals must be uphold for the betterment of society. They don't have a criterion to base their morals on, and Morality is thus determined by the majority and the elite.
As in the words of G.A.Parwez
"The only thing that could work as a deterrent in their path was the pressure of society. But when society itself is made of such individuals as have no regard for moral restrictions, they will have no difficulty in changing the law to conform to the behaviour of the immoral society itself. So the social laws are also undergoing a gradual change in he West, lowering the moral level. This has awakened their thinkers from their deep slumber and the are now discarding the concept of determinism, and leaning towards the idea of free will which, in other words, means belief in human personality."
So does the free people's again have to go through a long path of trial and error when it comes down to Moral? It took several horrendous wars before mankind woke up, but still many horrendous crimes are done around the world which are ignored.
To gain peace and stability on Earth, we need a certain formula of values. Ones that will create a stabile society. A Criterion for right and wrong. Reason has brought us a long way, but cannot guide us completely. Science can only tell what is going on, but not what to do. The above post is a scientific observation on the effect on fenale thinking. But does this conclusion effect the Moral of the West? I don't believe so. Mankind mostly only takes action after a severe confrontation with consequences of their Moral, and not the gradual confrontation.
Most religious books do have some global Moral values, but are hidden beneath tons of superstitions or unlogical dogma's, and are thus hard to pick up by society. Is there an outcome on this? When we look around, there is a Book that contains guidance, but how do we know it is correct?
The Quran has been proven to be unchanged since its revelation in the 6th century. It contains scientifical claims on nature, which are now confirmed to be true. It claims to be the only way to create peace on Earth. So we must put it to the test.
Does the Quran say anything about women being objects? Does it give us Moral values we can use?
251 Most Blessed is He Who has revealed to His servant, the Criterion of the right and the wrong so that to the entire world it might be a warning.
971 And the believers, both men and women, are colleagues/protectors/defenders one of another. They enjoin the doing of Right and forbid the doing of Wrong (The distinction between right and wrong will never be arbitrary. The Quran is the eternal Criterion of what is right and what is wrong 2185). Together, they help establish the Divine System, and set up the Just Economic Order of Zakat
The above verse clearly shows women may never to be seen as objects. They are each others equals, and have the same status in protecting and guiding one another.
2574 And who say, "Our Lord! Grant us that our spouses and children be a joy to our eyes (that they excel in character). And make us the foremost among those who walk aright."
In this verse, it is clearly to be seen that people are judged on their charachter, as both spouses and children are to be a joy in their eyes. And thus rejects the idea of women to be portrayed as sexual objects.
3021 And among His Signs is this He created for you mates from yourselves, so that you might find comfort in them. And He ordained between you love and kindness. In this, behold, are Signs for people who think. (AZWAJ = Husband + Wife, that are mates to, and complement each other towards fulfillment of each others personality).
The role of a spous is to complete one another, this purpose cannot be done if the female is approached as an object in society. This creates an unbalance in the female's role and purpose, and also her own rights.
This is why the Quran says
2430 Tell the believing men to lower their gaze, and guard their modesty. This helps them grow in character. Verily, Allah is Aware of what they do.
2431 And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and guard their modesty. That they should not display their beauty and ornament beyond what is decently and spontaneously apparent in daily lives. Hence, let them cover their bosoms with their sash (Dupatta, a light covering). And let them not display their beauty in the presence of anyone other than their husbands or fathers or husbands fathers, or their sons or their husbands sons, or their brothers, or their brothers sons or sisters sons, or their womenfolk, or their close dependents and attendants free of sexual desires. Or children who know nothing of womens privacy; and they should not strike their feet so as to reveal their hidden beauty and ornaments. And, turn to Allah together, O Believers, in order that you may succeed (in establishing a benevolent society 3359).
The Quran makes sure, mankind prevents itself to make another an object. Beauty is a gift that must be enjoined by each other, but must not be the basis on which we see a person. The display and glorification of beauty, nudeness and sexual outlook, is thus restricted to home and only to your spouses only.
3359 O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and women of the believers that they should draw loose fitting garments over their person (when in public). This is easy and proper, so that they may be recognized and not bothered. Allah is Absolver of imperfections, Merciful. (2431)
Loose fitting garments, or clothes that cover the body properly will make sure the women's personality is the one that determines her status in society.
This is why elderly women are allowed more freedom, as they have less change to be seen as objects
2460 And the elderly women who have no interest in getting married, there is nothing wrong for them if they lay aside their outer garments in such a way as not to show adornment (2431, 3333). Even so, it is best for them to maintain modesty. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
In the presence of family, the women is also allowed not to mind her outlook, as in this enviroment there is less change to be seen as an object. Due to family bonds, the female will mostly be seen as a personality.
3355 There is no blame on women to relax their privacy with their fathers, their sons, their brothers, sons of their brothers, sons of their sisters, their womenfolk or their servants. But, O Women! Be mindful of Allah for, behold, Allah is Witness to everything. (Also see 2431).
BUT the Quran makes a great difference in dressing nicely to enhance beauty, and dress that enhances sexuality.
731 O Children of Adam! Subservience and obedience to the Divine Commands ensures for you adornment and nice things in life. So enjoy Allahs Bounties, but do not commit excesses. Allah does not love the wasters.
732 Say, "Who has forbidden the beauty and nice things Allah has brought forth for His servants, and the pure clean things of your choice? Say, Such things are for those in this world who practically believe in the Divine Laws. And on the Day of Resurrection they will be exclusively for those who attained Conviction. We thus explain Our Laws for those who make good use of what they learn".
And thus the boundaries of Moral are given clearly.
3533 Hence, the Gardens of Eden of eternal bliss will they enter, therein to be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and therein to be dressed in garments of silk. (And right here in this world they will establish a society in which life will be pleasant and honorable 2223).
4453 Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, in a company affectionate they will be.
These Values are very clear and usefull for a society to perform. They give the outlines and boundaries between dress that enhances beauty, and dress that enhances sexuality clearly. And at the same time also prevents extremist visions as Burqah and extreme clothes that hides the women. These extreme clothing rules again objectifies women, making them hide their personality completely, and demolishes their individuality.
Females in society are collegue's to males. They protect another, and thus must be approached in this way in society. Any approach that destroys this view, will also destroy peace and tranquility in society. Be it the extreme sexual focus of the West, or the extreme covering focus of the East.
2110 O Mankind! Now We have revealed unto you a Book that is all about you and it will give you eminence. Will you not, then, use your sense? (2124, 2370, 4343-44).
1317 He sends down water from the height causing the riverbeds to flow according to their measure, and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. And, when they use fire to refine metals for their jewelry or equipment, foam is produced like it. In this way Allah is citing for you the example of the Truth and the Falsehood. For, as far as the foam is concerned, it passes away as scum upon the banks. While that which is of benefit to mankind, abides on earth. (The real existence on earth is of the person or the system that benefits humanity). This is how Allah uses analogies for you to understand.
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Peace Brother Arnold,
I enjoyed your post, very interesting. I've often felt that things generally swing far to one side and then far to the other side, before they finally come to rest in the middle. I can speak directly about fashion and how I am seeing a return to a more conservative look, with an emphasis on the classics. Looser, more feminine silhouettes, longer skirts and dresses, lots of dresses. Less about looking trashy or shocking, and more about being modest. I for one couldn't be more pleased. I found this interview on youtube between Barbara Walters and Anna Wantoun, Editor of Vogue Magazine. She brings up the notion of fashion being influenced by the "mood of the country" http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEkmKyBzDOE
I respectfully quote you,
Brother Arnold "Freedom has been finally gained in the West after long periods of trial and error, but now they face the problem on which morals must be uphold for the betterment of society. They don't have a criterion to base their morals on, and Morality is thus determined by the majority and the elite."I am a bit unsettled on the idea of a book needing to be societies moral compass. Believe me, I know first hand the magnificence of the Qur'an. However, as is pointed out in the work, not everyone will get it. As the author points out in the topic I posted, "To practice non-judgment"
"Morality isn't about laws; it's about how we affect others, how we interact with the creation. Morality is about our personal participation in the ethic of Love so profoundly demonstrated in the life of Jesus.
The seat of immorality is not our sexual preoccupation; it is in a society that allows children to be malnourished. Immorality is not a breaking of the laws, it's the indifference of human beings to the plights of the poor, elderly and the sick. It is not an external force such as the devil, which makes us evil; it is our own greed and obsession with self-gratification.
The myths, sacred writings and the gospels are the inspired work of the Divine, but we must look at them in a symbolism which applies to us, not view them as our ancestors did. The universal messages they contain are much more profound then the code of "Thou shall nots" we so often emphasize from them. Love, respect, and a sense of personal messiahship need to replace the fear driven codes that are so full of projection, otherness, and indifference to human need."
I must add that you seem an especially enlightened man. I am honored to be in your company. Your sheer determination to better the world, whether I agree or disagree with how to set about doing so, is very admirable. If I thought that I could improve the current state of my country by sharing the words of the Qur'an, I would be the first to be standing on my rooftop, exclaiming it to the masses. That is just one of the beauties of Islam, unlike some Christian sects, I've not found anything in the Qur'an that tells me to go out and testify to its truth, its love, or its undeniable intelligence. Personally, I am very pleased with its logical message that it isn't for everyone.
Much peace and love to you,
lf -
Salam,
Once again, I find such opening lines a bit arrogant "American Psychological Association (APA)ireleased today found evidence that the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harmful to girls? self-image and healthy development." This reminds of a thread about Thai Chi a while back. It is as if only once the western world sees a thing, then is it then real.
So does the free people's again have to go through a long path of trial and error when it comes down to Moral? It took several horrendous wars before mankind woke up, but still many horrendous crimes are done around the world which are ignored.
This has been my contention, it is the slow crawl. It is as if every new generation must in so many ways have to re-learn moral values because we do not use a moral compass as law. A look at the "How you came to GOD Alone?" section of this site, I believe to be fascinating illustration of this. Humanity advances in science and technology but as a race we humans have advanced much less in comparison morally. Please correct me if I'm wrong, brother Arnold, but isn't it so in science when a theory is proven to be true, it becomes a law? Then why not in the realm of psychology? I believe that it does. Much like someone who might now be aware of a specific scientific law, it doesn't mean the law is and hasn't been always working in their back ground. In the same fashion, psychological law works much the same way, it just happens that an individual may not be aware of it.
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Peace,
Lilyfleur, the Quran does refer to be uphold by the world. The Prophet was sent with this Book to be the mercy of the World. But the Quran will be accepted voluntarely over time. It will and can never be forced on people. The people who follow the Quran are called Mu'min, which is in my eyes falsely translated with 'believers', as believe doesn't need proof, only upbringing or emotion. Mu'min means more 'one who is convinced and feels secure', this conviction is attained through proof. The Quran constantly challenges people with its Truth, mankind will in the end accept it.
As we do need a Moral compass, but this moral compass is in line with the build up of our psyche. It coincides directly with the laws of our psyche. This can be seen, as you say, that now people move back to clothing that closer to modesty. The Quran confirmes that this is the best way, which through experience is acknowledged by mankind.
Our ancestors approached the Revelations from a worship point of view, believing acknowledging God is the main purpose of existence. The Quran says a perfect society where we can develope ourselves is the main purpose. Life is a fitnah, which means 'purifying gold', and indeed, through experience we are purified of wrong behaviour. But through Revelation, this fitnah, purifying, is experienced as pleasant, as progress, by rejecting Revelation, this purifying is done through the hard way, like eating the from the tree of Zaqum.
When this article on sexual outlook in the media and female psyche was published in Holland, most people agreed with it. People's Moral compass is the same for everybody, but people tend to ignore it under influence of several factors. The Quran is here to remind us of our true Moral headings.
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Salam,
Thanks Brother Arnold for post it here!
The updates of moral values are important and need to be done now and then.
I agree that the fashion has been better, it's more easy to find looser clothes than before.
This spring the tunika is one of the popular wearings and tunikas are loose in its outfit.
And i must say that i like when people dress nicely both males and females.
No complaint if you want your jogging pants on you at home but in public, dress up but modest of course that's better.
Peace
Sis Majidah -
Peace,
Lilyfleur, the Quran does refer to be uphold by the world.
Peace Brother Arnold,
I'm sorry, I do not understand. Can you tell me where to find this in the Qur'an?
...as believe doesn't need proof, only upbringing or emotion. ...'one who is convinced and feels secure', this conviction is attained through proof.
I've heard this here (FM forum) before. Again, can you please refer me to this idea of PROOF -vs- EMOTION in the Qur'an? I am under the impression, as I remember reading it before, that the Qur'an explains that people will come to believe based on intelligence, fear, or love. Why is it that I keep hearing that some believe it a necessity to PROVE that the Qur'an is of God? And also, where in the Qur'an does God relegate His believers to different ranks?
As we do need a Moral compass, but this moral compass is in line with the build up of our psyche. It coincides directly with the laws of our psyche. This can be seen, as you say, that now people move back to clothing that closer to modesty. The Quran confirmes that this is the best way, which through experience is acknowledged by mankind.
I know that in the Old Testament there is a mention in Deuteronomy that says briefly, 'If anyone should think to himself, "I will do well enough if I follow the dictates of my heart,"...' But where in the Qur'an does it recommend against trusting your heart?
Our ancestors approached the Revelations from a worship point of view, believing acknowledging God is the main purpose of existence. The Quran says a perfect society where we can develope ourselves is the main purpose.
Again, where exactly, because I understood the Qur'an as stating that we are here solely to worship Allah. And clearly, in truly doing that, society is improved, imho.
Life is a fitnah, which means 'purifying gold', and indeed, through experience we are purified of wrong behaviour. But through Revelation, this fitnah, purifying, is experienced as pleasant, as progress, by rejecting Revelation, this purifying is done through the hard way, like eating the from the tree of Zaqum.
I've never heard that before, it's quite nice.
The Quran is here to remind us of our true Moral headings.
Can't disagree with that. However, there are those who don't believe in the books who are quite moral. Sometimes as much so than some I've met that do believe. I sincerely appreciate your assistance. God bless.
Peace,
lf -
Salaam Lilyfleur,
To answer your questions I will refer to you 2 important writers that will answer everything
About the need for proof I refer to you this site
http//www.rationalreality.com/
On the left you will see 2 important articles on this subject
-CRITICAL RATIONALISM&KORAN
-KORAN AND SELF-REFERENCEAnd this book that will explain the neccesity for a Divine Moral compass for society
http//www.tolueislam.com/Parwez/ICR/ICR.htm
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Peace Brother Arnold,
Thank you for the links. I will refer to them. And as a side note, after I read another post here (re tomb of Jesus), it occurred to me why it is important to prove the authenticity of the Qur'an. Not to say that I totally get it now, but I definitely now see at least one reason why it's important. Thanks again.
Peace,
lilyfleur