Why do Muslim women endure so much suffering, ya Allah?
As-salamu alaykum. I've been watching and reading about what happens in places like Sudan, Afghanistan and other countries, and it breaks my heart. Muslim women and even little girls are beaten, raped, oppressed, denied basic rights, forced into situations with no freedom or protection. I've seen terrible things aimed especially at Muslim women. So I ask, ya Allah, why? What kind of test is this that our sisters must go through such hardship? I believe Jannah is the ultimate reward, but why allow a world where such deep misogyny exists? From where I'm standing the inequality seems so extreme that it hardly feels like a fair trial. The risk of violence and abuse falls so heavily on women, while men often face far fewer obstacles. Seeing footage and stories from other countries shocks me. Yes, men are often physically stronger and women generally less so, but it's the women who suffer most. If women were meant to bear such harm, why weren't they created stronger or equal in physical ability so they could better protect themselves? I've also read some hadith that mention more women entering Hell due to shortcomings in modesty or behavior, and that sits wrong with me when women are constantly struggling for safety in a world that judges them harshly. I'm a man, and I can't fully understand. It sometimes feels like being a man is easier, yet we're told everyone will be judged equally by Allah. The difference in trials seems obvious to me - women face heavier, harsher challenges - and I feel they ought to be shown mercy and given entrance to Jannah more readily. Am I the only one who thinks like this? Maybe I'm misunderstanding, so please correct me. I'm not trying to question Allah - I know humans can be cruel and Allah will hold people to account - but when your little sister cries to you about these things and you can't give her an answer, it hurts deeply as an older brother. Does anyone have an explanation or insight from the deen that can help me understand or comfort my family?