Page 96 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman
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Women's Character in
Unbelieving Societies
The predominant character of women who live
in unbelieving societies, irrespective of their educa-
tion or other achievements, is clear for all to see. One
reason for this is that unbelieving societies encour-
age their women, from an early age onward, to
adopt this socially approved character by making it
attractive to them. Surrounded on all sides by the
same type of suggestions, girls usually comply with-
out a second thought. They learn how to behave
properly by observing their mothers and other
women and then internalizing the ideals they see
portrayed. They repeat their role models' expres-
sions, begin to mimic their behavior, and generally
try to emulate them. Consequently, in the absence of
other role models, they accept what they see as the
ideal woman and strive to live up to that image.
Obviously there are exceptions, for some
women recognize this misguided tradition for what
it is and refuse to adopt it. But this recognition alone
cannot free them from it. For example, they may es-
cape some of the behavioral
faults but continue to live a
conflicting and self-contra-
dictory existence because
their characters are not de-
fined by the Qur'an's
