The world leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, has called for fairness, equality and justice for Muslim women as well as a stop to the misrepresentation of the Islamic practice of polygamy.
Addressing women at the ongoing 59th Annual Islamic Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, the spiritual leader said women are precious and a symbol of humility, who are often abused and treated unfairly by some men under the guise of polygamy.
He stated that since Islam accepts polygamy as a way of life enshrined in the holy Quran, men should refrain from polygamous marriage if they cannot fulfil the conditions attached to it.
According to him, the Holy Prophet said, “The best among you are those who are best to their wives. Therefore, each man must strive to be among the best by upholding justice and compassion towards his spouse.” This teaching reminds us that goodness begins in the home. True piety is reflected in how one treats their spouse with love, respect, and kindness.
Polygamy is a Just Perspective
He explained that the issue of unfair and unjust treatment has been one of the common allegations raised by opponents of Islam regarding polygamy, but this criticism is unjust, as Islam placed conditions and limitations on an already widespread practice.
In the words of the Khalifah, “The permission granted in Islam for polygamy is under specific circumstances, such as the welfare of orphans and justice between wives. It is not an open license but a conditional and regulated matter grounded in fairness and responsibility.”
Virtues at home
Hazrat Masroor Ahmad also urged women to fulfil their responsibilities at home and become an excellent example to the Islamic community, as true righteousness is demonstrated through good conduct with one’s family.
Reflecting on the moral decadence in society today, the spiritual leader admonished every woman and girl to safeguard themselves from the moral disorders of today’s society.
Huzoor (aba) noted that just as women face injustices, some men also experience mistreatment from their wives. However, this does not justify wrong behaviour in return. Both men and women must act with wisdom, righteousness, and patience.
Compassion and Friendship
Hazrat Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, stated that it is completely wrong to treat women as inferior, as some people deal with their wives harshly, which is against the teachings of Islam.
A husband should treat his wife like a loving friend, noting that the relationship between husband and wife should be based on love and mutual respect. “If a man does not fulfil the rights of his wife and treat her with compassion, how can he hope to attain closeness to Allah?”, he noted.
Encouraging Purdah
The spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya community has thrown his weight behind the use of purdah in conjunction with the dictates of Allah and the practice of the Prophet, who advocated for women to cover themselves with modesty. He warned that no gender should cast wrongful gazes at the other, and both should cover themselves modestly.
Quoting from the Holy Quran, he said, “Allah has commanded that we maintain purdah between genders for the betterment of society. We must strive to give preference to religion over the glitz and glamour of the world”.
Living a Righteous life
He admonished Ahmadi Muslim women to reflect upon the exemplary lives of righteous Muslim women in history, who led lives of piety, courage, and service for excellent moral and spiritual reformation.
“Strive to understand the true beauties and teachings of Islam. Let your heart and actions reflect the light of this beautiful faith. Become among those who sincerely profess the Oneness of Allah and live your life under the banner of Islam, upholding its values with honour and devotion,” the spiritual leader noted.