🧕 DAUGHTERS in Islamic Tradition: A Deep Dive
Comprehensive Definition and Background
Definition: A ‘daughter’ in Islamic and broader Semitic traditions is denoted by the Arabic term Bint (pl. Banāt) and the Hebrew Bath (בַּת). Islam, preserving many pre-Islamic Arabian customs while distinctly reforming some practices, places an emphasis on the moral and social responsibilities toward daughters.
Etymology and Cultural Context
Etymology: The Arabic word Bint stems from the Semitic root b-n-t, reflecting similar linguistic origins across Semitic languages. The Hebrew Bath similarly holds historical significance in Jewish cultural and religious texts.
Cultural Context: Historically, pre-Islamic Arab culture devalued female births, leading to unfortunate practices like female infanticide. The Qur’an directly addresses and condemns these practices in verses that elevate the status and rights of daughters.
Qur’anic Perspective
Inheritance Rights: Islamic jurisprudence, as guided by the Qur’an (Surah an-Nisa 4:11), grants daughters specific shares of inheritance to ensure economic security: “With regard to your children, God has commanded you to give the sons the portion of two daughters, and if there be daughters, more than two, then they shall have two-thirds of that which their father hath left, but if she be an only daughter she shall have the half.”
Rights in Marriage: Traditions (Ahadith) stipulate the consideration of a daughter’s consent in marriage. One notable Hadith states: “A virgin daughter gives her consent to marriage by silence. A woman who has been previously married should express her consent verbally.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences:
- Pre-Islamic Practices: In many pre-Islamic societies, daughters faced gross inequalities, occasionally subjected to infanticide. Islam reformatively addressed these issues.
- Comparison with Modern Practices: Islamic traditions stand in contrast to contemporary debates on women’s rights within global feminist and cultural contexts.
Similarities:
- Theological Parallels: The elevation of daughter’s rights in inheritance within Islam can be seen in similar emancipation movements within other religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Bint, Girl Child, Female Offspring
- Antonyms: Ibn (Son), Walad (Child universally, often with implied male preference)
Related Terms
- Mahr: A mandatory payment, in the form of money or possessions paid or promised to be paid by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage for her exclusive use.
- Wilāyah: Guardianship; refers to the protection and oversight parents (especially fathers) have over their children.
Exciting Facts
- Educational Concept: Despite historic perspectives against female literacy, modern Islamic scholars increasingly advocate for the education of girls, echoing the progressive inclines established by early Islamic teachings.
- Prominent Daughters: Figures like Fatimah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, are venerated and serve as ethical and spiritual exemplars for Muslim women globally.
Quotations
- Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, remarked: “The bird of paradise brings fortune to every daughter, equalling the love born twice over in the garden of hearts.”
References and Suggested Literature
- Al-Qur’an: An interactive study guide to explore relevant verses.
- “Women and Gender in Islam” by Leila Ahmed.
- “The Rights of Women in Islam: From the Quran to the Hadith” by Asma Barlas.
- Sirājīyah: Classic legal text on Islamic inheritance.
Quizzes
Fatimah Muhammad
Published on: 2023-10-09
“In every daughter, there lies a reflection of God’s most cherished artistry—fractal hues of strength, grace, and endless potential. Empower our daughters, and we empower the essence of humanity.”
Explore these facets deeply and recognize the timeless value placed upon daughters within Islamic tradition. Continue your exploration and unearth more inspiring truths!
