Respecting Women

The first woman worthy of respect is the Mother. This is because her prayers are said to be 40 times more powerful than a saint's, and her struggles in childbirth (as seen on Indosiar early this morning). A woman or man who disrespects their Mother, for example by disparaging her, should not be avoided, but rather admonished. One should first understand the struggle this person faces to obey their Mother's commands, even if it pains their heart. This is enshrined in a hadith where someone obeyed their parents even when it went against their own conscience. The next women worthy of respect are those around us. Respect for women means keeping one's hands to oneself, not casually hugging upon meeting; respecting their bodies by not engaging in casual, inappropriate physical contact or anything more; not flirting, whether directly or online; not ignoring them when invited to communicate or speak, or when inviting them; not sending rude SMS/messages or anything similar, even if meant as a joke; not yelling; and praising them even when they prepare food and drinks, serve clothes, or do anything else (this often happens in marriage, where many arguments arise simply because women are not respected or appreciated for what they do for their husbands, leading to criticism, yelling, and scolding). Reflect: our actions will come back to us. May we be among those who respect women, amen.