Issue of gender equity in Indonesia has been concerned and blown up by several feminists such as Musdah Muria, Aminah Wadud, and others. They attempt to “fight” for woman’s right and persue their ideas to the government into policies and rules. The legislative institution thus now are considering their idea whether it is accepted or not.

Feminism has come up from the experience of some women in the world. Those who were discriminated by their husband, family, and any institutions attempted to fight for such fairness they wanted to obtain. Some of the women felt empathy for something happening with their girlfriend so they gathered in the name of empathy and solidarity to fight for gender equity. In addition, some of discrimination ruling was enacted by  the nation even from the Western before Islam came up. They treated women as a slaves, punished them discreditably, and other bad treatment. It was so awful.

But unfotunately, what they have fought is sometimes not acceptable in shariah’s principles. They claim that inheritance has to be equal between man and woman, lesbian or homosexual is allowed, woman has her right to work everywhere and everytime they want without permission from her husband and others. And can you imagine what is the worse implication will happen? The crucial institution called family is in danger to be extinct and finally, human generation is no longer. Naudzubillah.

Nevertheless, Islam has its own concept about gender equality. Concept of gender equity in Islam is universely the most appropriate for all. There are several fundamental matters which have to be known and applied related with gender equality (Hafidhuddin, 2012 by Twitter). Firstly, men and women in Islam are literally equal to conduct his or her best deed such written in Quran 16:97.

“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their action” (16:97)

In addition, there is one more ayat explaining about the detail of good deeds which can be implemented by both men or women such in Quran 33:35.

“For muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s rememberance, for them Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (33:35)

From both of two ayat, we can conclude that the Lawgiver has determined that men and women have the same opportunity to obtain best reward from Allah. There is no discrimination and both men and women could seriously fight for the great rewards from Allah. As long as they are pious and do their best, Allah will equally give them forgiveness and great rewards. Masya Allah.

Secondly, both men and women cooperatively have their social role in society in purpose to build just system of life and create such peaceful life and barakah (love and affection) from Allah. Both men and women have to be cooperative to strengthen ukhuwah (frienship) thus it will impact with successful development in society. This elaboration has been explained in Quran (9:71).

“The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, pay zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” (9:71)

In this ayat, Allah asks His believers to direct in good deeds and forbid the evil. Both men and women in this ayat have same opportunity to estabilish the community, hence the power of economic, social, and politic will be much stronger. It is implied in term of paying zakah. Zakah collected will not be a great number if there is only men’s role or women’s role.

On contrary, hypocritical cooperation among men and women will also impact unfavorable implication such as implied in Quran (9:67).

“The Hypocrites, men and women, are alike: they enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and tighten their purse’s strings. They have forgotten Allah: so He hath forgotten them. Verily the Hypocrites are rebellious and perverse.” (9:67)

Finally, in Islam, the relationship among men and women are like “garments” which cover and protect each other such as stated in Quran (2:187).

“.....they are your garments and ye are their garments......” (2:187)

Inevitably, we have to confess that there are some differences among men and women. But the differences are in term of function and it does not mean discrimination. If men and women are able to conduct their own fuctions and role properly, consequently life will occur well. For example a man as a father earning money for his family has same reward with a woman as a wife educating and caring her children. So, Islam has emphasized and regulated everthing based on human’s function and efforts. They will get everything from what they have done without discrimination among men and women. Moreover, women are allowed to work outside the home but they have get permission from their husband. This is the way of Islam to protect women since husband is responsible for his wife. So, Islam is fair and beautiful, isn’t it? J

In my conclusion, the issue of gender which is carried by feminists and capitalist should  be paid more attention since if the rules of gender equity is validated, there will be much more awful implications coming. So be careful and be a smart muslim :)