Women can seek guidance from Quran for different stages of life

Story by  Eman Sakina | Posted by  Aasha Khosa | Date 08-03-2024
A Muslim woman in prayers
A Muslim woman in prayers

 

Eman Sakina

The experience of a woman works as a beautiful wheel. The wheel of life, that carries us on our journey from birth through to womanhood and beyond. As we grow and develop as women, there are different life stages we experience that work alongside the makeup of our body to help us work through the challenges we may face and the love we feel. 

The different life stages present different energy and of course, different changes to our body, which of course impacts the things we do and the way we approach our day-to-day life.

Friday Musings

The journey of womanhood is a multifaceted odyssey, characterized by a succession of phases that shape a woman's identity, aspirations, and experiences. From the innocence of youth to the wisdom of old age, each phase presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. How women navigate these phases speaks volumes about their resilience, strength, and capacity for growth.

Despite the many obstacles they may encounter, women in Islam are resilient and resourceful. They find strength in their faith, their families, and their communities, and they continue to strive for a better future for themselves and their loved ones. While the wheels of hard life may turn relentlessly, women in Islam are not passive observers—they are active agents of change, shaping their own destinies and challenging the status quo.

Childhood and Adolescence: Discovering Identity

The journey begins in childhood, a time of innocence and wonder, where girls begin to discover their identity and place in the world. As they transition into adolescence, they grapple with the complexities of identity formation, navigating peer pressure, societal expectations, and the tumultuous waters of self-discovery. Despite the challenges, this phase is marked by resilience, as young women learn to embrace their unique qualities and assert their individuality.

Education and Career: Pursuing Dreams

As women enter adulthood, they embark on a journey of education and career development, striving to fulfill their aspirations and make their mark on the world. Despite facing barriers such as gender bias, workplace discrimination, and societal expectations, women continue to push boundaries and break stereotypes. With determination and resilience, they pursue their passions, acquire knowledge, and build careers that reflect their talents and ambitions.

Marriage and Motherhood: Balancing Responsibilities

For many women, marriage and motherhood represent significant milestones in their journey, accompanied by a myriad of joys and challenges. Balancing the demands of family life with personal aspirations can be a delicate dance, requiring patience, compromise, and resilience. Despite the obstacles, women navigate this phase with grace, drawing strength from the bonds of love and the joys of motherhood, while also pursuing their own goals and ambitions.

Midlife and Beyond: Embracing Change

As women enter midlife and beyond, they face the inevitability of change, both in their bodies and in their roles within society. Menopause, empty nest syndrome, and aging present new challenges and opportunities for self-discovery and reinvention. Despite the physical and emotional upheaval, women approach this phase with courage and resilience, embracing the wisdom that comes with experience and finding new ways to contribute to their communities and society at large.

Coping Strategies and Resilience:

Throughout the various phases of life, women employ coping strategies and resilience mechanisms to navigate challenges and setbacks. Drawing upon their inner strength, support networks, and faith, women find ways to overcome adversity, adapt to change, and emerge stronger and more resilient than before. Whether through self-care practices, seeking professional support, or leaning on the support of loved ones, women demonstrate an unwavering determination to persevere and thrive in the face of life's challenges.

The journey of womanhood is a testament to the resilience, strength, and grace of women everywhere. From childhood to old age, women navigate a labyrinth of challenges and triumphs, each phase shaping their identity, aspirations, and experiences. Through resilience, determination, and the support of their communities, women embrace the journey with courage and grace, inspiring others to do the same. As we celebrate the phases of life experienced by women, let us honor their resilience, celebrate their achievements, and work towards a future where all women can thrive and flourish, regardless of the challenges they may face.

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Islam granted women the right to own property, inherit wealth, and engage in business transactions independently. The Quran emphasizes the spiritual equality of men and women, stating that "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do" (Quran 16:97). Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of treating women with kindness and respect, stating that "The best of you are those who are best to their wives."