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Empowering Muslim women to lead lives out of the kitchen this Ramadan

Writer's picture: Fatima IqbalFatima Iqbal

Dear friends, today I want to talk about a very important topic in the month of Ramadan as we fast and avoid food from sunrise to sunset. The Quran discusses one of the women with highest regard which is Mariam (A.S), the mother of Isa (Jesus) (A.S) As you see, the Quran does not mention her role in the kitchen. Nor her vast ability to cook and clean all day. The Quran mentions her as the best of women and pious.


The concern I have about many women is when some of them choose the kitchen as their main place because the Quran does not places importance of the woman in the kitchen. This is important to the topic of diet and obesity as I find many women in our society focused on cooking and cleaning from sunrise to sunset. Don't get me wrong, I myself enjoy making meals for my family and love seeing my kids eat healthy food. We also clean our home ourselves. But beyond that, I find some women planning life around the kitchen, cleaning then cooking, then making tea, then sweets and so on. This has sadly become a way of life and the norm for some.


I think in my humble opinion, this is counterproductive for what Islam says about a Muslim. The very first Ayat that came is about reading and knowledge. If that is important, then why choose only housework as the ultimate task. Mostly, I believe the study of everything from Quran to Sunnah, to worldly books to seek knowledge is vital in Islam. Food is for nourishment as the Quran mentions. It is not an Islamic goal, nor it is something that requires dedication to the level where the mind is consumed by the desire to be the ultimate chef unless ofcourse that is your goal. Secondly, the Quran talks about the love of Allah above all else. When we dedicate our lives to the kitchen and only focus on making delicacies for the entire family, day in and day out, we are missing this time with Allah. Does that mean, stop cooking fun things, or stop baking. No, as everything in Islam, moderation is key.


As women, we need to rise above the roles that culture unfortunately has engrained in us. Muslim women with kids should focus on their children as the future generation. And the children, from my understanding should not be obsessed themselves with food. My last article, talks about teaching kids healthy choices. https://www.fatimaiqbalmd.com/post/how-to-train-your-child-from-an-early-age-for-a-healthy-weight

When in the kitchen, let both boys and girls help you so they learn the basic skills to take care of themselves and others when independent. But don't be the woman that is always in the kitchen preparing meals, while the kids are left to YouTube and the teachers to teach everything.


Women that are single and without children, should work on educating themselves, volunteering or atleast mastering the Quran and learning our Islamic history and then taking the time to teach others. Utilize skills that allow the least amount of time in the kitchen that meets the need of the family and most time with the family, loved ones and the worship of your Lord above all. There is work to be done that will make a strong tomorrow for Muslims around the world. Please do not limit yourself to just cooking. This is a disservice to the whole community.

The women have a role to play in the upbringing of a strong Muslim identity. But only if we hold our youth important by limiting our kitchen time, to time spent with them in the teaching and education above all. Even if you do not have children, you have many masjids and organizations that can use your help. Spend everyday with value and keep Islamic goals in mind. As always, we do dua for all the Muslim ummah to become strong and resilient in the face of oppression. Please leave comment below for your opinion to be heard.





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