Answer
In this counseling answer:
“I would kindly suggest, insha’Allah, that you get involved in some charity work such as volunteering at a domestic violence shelter, volunteering at a female refugee center, or wherever your heart takes you in the community that resonates with your longing to help.”
As-Salamu ‘Alaykum sister,
You seem like a very aware, conscious and compassionate young lady. Your ability to connect with and feel for women is a wonderful attribute. While as women, we form close bonds of sisterhood with other women, it seems you are very much aware of the conditions in which some women have had to live and continue to live in throughout history.
It is no secret that as women, we have suffered many trials in the way of abuse, rape, torture, oppression, sexism, misogyny and harsh treatment as you have noted. Some women from all over the world have experienced numerous horrors. Your “soft spot” or connection is an appropriate response to some of the inhumane treatment.
In fact, your concern and connection may make you a good advocate for women in regards to standing up to injustices which women worldwide face. It may even propel you to study counseling, psychology, women’s studies, non-profits, etc. in college in order to develop a career path that would enable you to help-empower women. There are many paths you can explore such as a victim advocate, social justice specialist, international humanitarian, domestic violence therapist, psychologist, social worker, photojournalist, writer, the possibilities are endless.
Sister, I would kindly suggest that you view your connection as one that is a gift and perhaps a “calling”– something deep inside your heart which you feel strongly about. Something you wish to see improve, change, or be eradicated. I urge you to in sha’ Allah explore how you may be interested in being part of a process of change or a refuge of hope and guidance to those seeking relief.
I am not an Islamic scholar; therefore, I cannot address this as such. However, our beloved Prophet Mohammad said,
“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection. ” (Bukhari)
The Qur’an speaks about oppression stating,
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?” (4:75)
So, as you can see, dear sister, your connection, and feelings are based on a very real and human quality – the desire for justice and end to oppression. Some people have deep feelings about cruelty to animals or saving the environment, children’s rights, prisoner rights and so forth. However, Allah gave you (and many others) a heart that wishes righteousness for women.
As a woman, it is easier for you to identify perhaps with the various struggles and injustices that women may go through. This doesn’t mean something is wrong just because you feel deeply towards women. You just need to decide how to channel it proactively. In sha’ Allah you can be of service to the many great needs that exist concerning women worldwide.
I would kindly suggest, insha’Allah, that you get involved in some charity work such as volunteering at a domestic violence shelter, volunteering at a female refugee center, or wherever your heart takes you in the community that resonates with your longing to help.
Additionally, by exploring possible career paths as illustrated above, you can in a way utilize this compassion and mercy you have for women in a positive way. I am confident that in sha’ Allah once you find the best path for you, you will begin to feel more at ease with your own passions and desires regarding the statuses of women historically as well as in the present. Possibly, if more people felt connections to others as well as “soft spots”. this world may be a less harsh place.
We wish you the best, sister,
***
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
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