Page 172 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

170

better than themselves. And do not find fault with one another or in-
sult each other with derogatory nicknames" (Surat al-Hujurat: 11).

Those women who are shaped by the unbelief that rules their soci-
eties do not hesitate to ridicule people for their shortcomings or to mock
others, because they do not think of the Hereafter. They do not consider
this behavior as wrong, but rather as a kind of humor. Often this mock-
ery is not even verbal, but is expressed by making faces, rolling one's
eyes, imitating their mannerisms, or whispering about them. Believing

women shun such activities, because they know that Allah requires
them to live according to the Qur'an's morality.
In another verse, Allah reminds people not to speculate or gossip
about others: "O you who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed, some
suspicion is a crime. Do not spy and do not backbite one another.
Would any of you like to eat his brother's dead flesh? No, you would
hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most
Merciful" (Surat al-Hujurat: 12).
Believing women live dignified lives. Instead of mocking others,

they try to help. They compliment people who are successful, instead of
succumbing to envy and gossip. And, when in the company of unbe-
lieving people who might somehow offend them, they do not compro-
mise their integrity or dignity.

Muslim Women Have a Strong

Character and Willpower

The values of unbelief usually identify power with such things as
money, fame, prestige, or status, for each of them is believed to confer

power on that particular person. In fact, even one who acquires the pa-
tronage of such a person considers himself or herself to be powerful. In

Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman