Woman Between Islam and Western Society
5. Position of Woman in the Islamic Shari‘ah
~ 255 ~
consequence, he becomes kind to and humble
towards other human beings.
SADAQAH (alms-giving, charity) is the duty of
acceding to others the right to a share in one’s
wealth. It makes one aware that if one’s own needs
require the expenditure of money for their
satisfaction, so also do the needs of others. One is
never then oblivious to the needs of others.
SAWM (fasting) must be practised for the sake of
God. By fasting, man contrasts his own helplessness
with God’s omnipotence, and thanks God for the
food and drink which He has bestowed upon him.
IHSAN (chastity). It is important as it keeps one
pure and guards one against shameful behavior.
The sense of shame which God has given man acts
as a natural deterrent against permissiveness.
DHIKR (remembrance of God). One of the most
important virtues is the frequent remembrance of
God. It is not enough to have made the discovery of
the Creator and Sustainer of mankind: truly
virtuous men and women must remember God at
all times. One who has truly found God will always
