A few days earlier, I watched a movie. In it, burglars wanted to mug a valuable diamond. It was enclosed in multiple layered boxes, enfolded in a fine cloth, and not accessible to everyone. The reason behind such covering was the preciousness of the diamond.

Have you ever seen any royal dutchess and queens roaming around and mingling with civilians?

No! The first rule of Royal protocol is never to touch them. Ordinary citizens are not permitted to come close to them, shake hands or sit with them.

Similarly, Allah Ta’ala determined the protocol of Muslim women. Each woman is precious like a priceless pearl. Thus, in Islam, women are bound to keep themselves secure, so they may not get harassed or hurt.

As mentioned in Quran e Hakeem:

“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw down their shawls over them. That will make it more likely that they are recognized, hence not teased. And Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.”

(Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse-59)

Additionally, Islam delineates the significance of different titles given to a woman. Whether she is a mother, daughter, sister, or wife, their men are accountable for them.

For instance, the position of a mother is more dignified even preceding that of a father. It is testified by one of the Prophet’s (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) Hadith:

“A man came to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), tell me, which of the people has most right to my good companionship?’ He said: ‘Yes, by your father, you will certainly be told.’ He said: ‘Your mother,’ He said: ‘Then who?’ He said: Then your mother.’ He said: ‘Then who?’ He said: Then your mother.’ He said: ‘Then who?’ He said: Then your father.’ .

(Sunan Ibn Majah 2706)

Also, multiple Hadith are explaining the merits of supporting one’s daughters and sisters. A great reward is saved for those who struggle for the needs of a widow. Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,

“The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best behavior, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives”.

(Riyad as-Salihin 278)

So, it is clear. Islam understands the significance of women and makes men responsible for their safeguard. May Allah guide us and make us obedient to His commands. Aameen