Message From ICNA Sisters President, Sumaira Afzal

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah, On Hijab Day, we celebrate the beauty, strength, and deep meaning behind it—a symbol of faith, modesty, confidence, and empowerment. The hijab is more than a beautiful head cover; It is a statement of our commitment to our creator, a...

Empowered Women at ICNA Convention 2023

Alhamdulillah for the recently concluded ICNA Convention 2023, it was an incredible success, bringing together passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds. Inspiring speakers, stimulating discussions, and engaging workshops left attendees motivated and energized....

Türkiye and Syria Earthquake

In the wake of the catastrophic 7.8 earthquake and resulting aftershocks that have claimed thousands of lives in Türkiye, Syria and the surrounding region, ICNA Sisters would like to extend our deepest condolences to those impacted by this tragedy. ICNA Sisters...

Message From ICNA Sisters President, Sumaira Afzal

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيمIn the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Another year has come to honor the Hijab, it is time to reflect and ponder on how the hijab helps shape our lives.  As it is constantly stated that 'hijab is much more than a piece of...

The Synergy Between Islam & Science for Living a Balanced Life

We all strive to live a well-balanced life, some due to health problems, and others for personal goals. Some reach for self-help books while others turn to meditation. As Muslims, it is vital to indulge in some form of tazkiyah, or purification of the soul. Science...

Message from ICNA Sisters President, Sumaira Afzal

"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"  بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ​​In honor of the World Hijab Day, I took some time to reflect on what the hijab really means for us Muslim Women in America. The cliché that 'hijab is much more than a cloth we wrap...

Message from ICNA Sisters President

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتهMy Dear Sisters,It is with a deep sense of duty and trust of my fellow sisters that I assume the responsibility as President of ICNA Sisters USA. The collective effort of Pleasing Allah (SWT) cannot be achieved until we all become one...

An Era Of Knowledge And Struggle Concludes

Today is a day of extreme sadness and loss for the Muslim Ummah. The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) sadly announces the passing away of Maulana Yusuf Islahi from this world today.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

By Presidential proclamation, March celebrates Women’s History Month and honors women. One stands to wonder, why women’s history and why in March? It started in 1908 when thousands of women, fed up with poor working conditions, marched throughout New York City in...

ICNA Observes the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

​By Presidential proclamation, March celebrates Women’s History Month and honors women. One stands to wonder, why women’s history and why in March? It started in 1908 when thousands of women, fed up with poor working conditions, marched throughout New York City in protest. They decided to return the next year and make it official. In 1909, the first Women’s Day was held in New York and soon after Europe followed suit and the observance became international, reaching into other countries as well. In 1981, the US congress passed a bill designating the week of March 7 th as Women’s History Week. In 1987, the US Congress officially declared the month of March as Women’s History Month. The day and the month have become a global observance, with various countries celebrating it much more than the country of its origin, the USA. But does this auspicious recognition include Muslim women?

As Muslim women who are inclined towards socio-economic, moral activism in our struggle to be witnesses unto mankind, many of us are left wondering about how this month fits into our narratives. Women’s History Month presents opportunities for us to connect with our sisters from other faiths, to dispel misinformation about women in Islam, and to work towards establishing justice, within our Muslim communities as well as our general population. After all, Islam does elevate women and brings them out of oppression, and the responsibility also falls on Muslim women as well as Muslim men to spread this message far and wide. “And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women.” (2:226) “Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life.” (16:97) 

While we should avoid getting caught up in catchy slogans and vulgarity that creeps up in events and marches at times, we cannot deny the oppression and mistreatment of women within the Islamic sphere. It is imperative that we understand that the oppression and injustices in Islamic communities do not come from Islam. Many a time women do not know the rights given to them in the religion. Islam liberated women from the oppression so prevalent at the time. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught the Muslims, “Fear Allah in respect of women.” Sahih Muslim. He (peace and blessings be upon him) consulted women and weighed their consult seriously. In Islam, a woman is independent, able to make her own contracts, such as the freedom to choose her husband, attend the mosques without blame or hindrance, involvement in business transactions, and seeking knowledge and teaching it to others, even to the men. They are fully-functioning, autonomous members of the society. Till this day, many a woman are following in the footsteps of the righteous women before them, active in various spheres of life.

This month presents an opportunity for us to initiate dialogue and educate the masses. Women are the backbone of our communities and without them societies would collapse. Education and empowerment of women will lead to stronger communities and healthier, impactful futures for generations to come. “O mankind! Be mindful of your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from this pair scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Revere Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and revere the wombs (that bore you); for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

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read more

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