#slah

One of the most sensitive and oft-debated issues with regard to Islam concerns the status and role of women in society. Arguably one of the aspects of social life which the emergence of Islam affected most was the status of women, with “the Qur’an having more to say about the position of women than any other social question.”

At the time of its revelation in the seventh century, the Qur’an exacted considerable change in Arabian society regarding the question of women and continued to do so in the centuries that followed. The principles outlined in the Qur’an which determine the lives of Muslim women can be outlined in several distinct terms. These include the social, spiritual and economic status of women.

In order to discuss the multiple nature of Islam’s reformations to the position of women, an exploration of pre-Islamic Arabian society, especially its sociopolitical, economic and religious landscape, and a comparison to Qur’anic principles, is required.

The social milieu that provided the background for the emergence of Islam in Arabia is described by Muslims in one term: Jahiliyya, or The Age of Ignorance.

Armstrong argues that this term was not used to define a historical era but to illustrate the spirit that pervaded this time of “spiritual and moral crisis,” thus referring “to a state of mind that caused violence and terror in seventh-century Arabia.”

Women were not exempt from this violence and social crisis: infanticide, the burying alive of baby girls, was rife; marriage was not sanctioned ; women did not have the right of inheritance and bequest; they were not treated fairly during divorce; and women were not afforded full control of their wealth.

It is in placing the Qur’an and its principles against the backdrop of such a setting that the reformist spirit of Islam, which restores the true human character, can be seen.

One of the most important principles detailed in the Qur’an which regulates the lives of Muslim women is the spiritual status assigned to women. Viewed by Muslims as the literal word of God, the Qur’an is taken to be the means through which God makes Himself known and describes His laws.

When Islam emerged in tribal Arabia, religion reflected the tribal nature of society and its social structure.

Polytheism and idolatry were dominant, with the Ka‘ba, the shrine revered since the time of Abraham, housing 360 idols. Families banded together to form clans and clans came together to form tribes; tribal allegiance was the most important factor governing an individual’s position in society. One of the points discussed with reference to women in pre-Islamic society is the level of their participation in religious rites and traditions. Some have argued that, while being seen as improving the rights of women, the advent of Islam in fact restricted them. Leila Ahmed, most notably, includes among the roles of Jahiliyya women, “priestesses, soothsayers, prophetesses” and “warrior-leaders.”

However, in his discussion of the feminine in Islamic mysticism, Elias locates the chief reason for women’s involvement in soothsaying, blackmagic and such occupations, as being women’s exclusion from religion.

Islam’s emergence drastically altered the spiritual landscape of Arabia for women. One of the most important principles outlined in the Qur’an is the notion of religious, moral and spiritual, obligations being incumbent upon all individuals, regardless of sex.

The Qur’an states, for example:

“Those who submit to God and accept the true Faith; who are devout, sincere, patient, humble charitable, and chaste; who fast and are ever mindful of God-on these, both men and women, God will bestow forgiveness and a rich recompense.”

Hey, everyone! This is a new story I’m working on in collaboration with @gabberwockywrites . It’s a Bokuaka Model! AU and I hope you enjoy it.

AO3

Summary: Bokuto is a male model and Akaashi is his stressed-out and thirsty manager.

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Chapter 1

Akaashi couldn’t deal with this. He really, really couldn’t deal with this. Why was his model so damn gorgeous, again? Oh yeah, model. That would do it. How was he supposed to be a professional modeling agent if all he wanted when he looked at his model was for the man to push him against the wall and-

“Ok, Bokuto-san, just a few more I think. What about you, Akaashi?” Suga, the photographer, turned to him, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Akaashi sighed, turning his attention back to the photoshoot. Fantasizing about what would never be was the least productive thing he could be doing. He hurriedly flipped through his  tablet, looking at the photos Suga had just taken.“Looks good, Suga.”

Bokuto pouted, “What about my compliments, Akaashi?” to which the manager responded with a noncommittal hum, not bothering to look up from his tablet. Bokuto sighed and let his face turn expressionless for the next shot, “How many more outfits after this one?”

“Hmmm…” Akaashi clicked on the email the client had sent with the requests as Suga positioned Bokuto for the next few shots. “Three. You have the casual wear, the blazer, and the formal kimono.”

Bokuto nodded. “Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve worn a kimono for anything other than modeling…”

Akaashi hummed non-committedly in response, focused on Bokuto’s pictures and schedule. “You have the rest of the day off after this. Except for your hair appointment at five.”

“Do I get a say in this?” Bokuto asked, although mostly teasing.

“Got them!” Suga called. “Bokuto, you can go change!”

“Why does Akaashi ignore me, Suga?” the model asked, gaining a laugh from the photographer.

“Casual next, please, Bokuto-san!” Akaashi called out.

“Yessir!” Bokuto saluted him and marched off like a soldier.

As soon as Bokuto was out of earshot, Suga turned to Akaashi. “You’ve got it bad.”

first time making a moodboard. I plan to make many more lol