Women's speeches in public, especially religious speeches, have been a topic of debate in society lately. However, this practice has actually been going on for a long time, such as speeches by women from the public officials, motivators, and parenting experts. What is Islam's view on women's speeches in public?
At the 10th NU Congress in Surakarta, Central Java, in April 1935, women's speeches in public had been discussed. NU clerics were asked for their opinion on the law of women standing among other men for religious speeches.
They emphasized that a woman standing among men is haram, unless it can be done without violating Islamic law, such as covering the aura and avoiding all kinds of temptation.
The NU clerics in 1935 quoted the book Ittihafus Sadatil Muttaqin by Sayyid M Az-Zabidi, which states that women's voices are not prohibited like the prohibition of flutes. However, women's voices are only haram when there is a definite fear of temptation.
While the NU clerics in 1935 held a conservative view on women's speeches in public, it's important to note that many Muslim women today are delivering powerful speeches that inspire and motivate people. In fact, some of the most celebrated Muslim speakers and scholars are women. As society continues to evolve, it's important to revisit and re-evaluate traditional views and interpretations to ensure that they remain relevant and inclusive.
أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ كَانَ يَقْرَعُ سَمْعَهُ صَوْتُ الْجَارِيَتَيْنِ وَهُوَ مُضْطَجِعٌ عَلَى الْفِرَاشِ وَلَوْ كَانَ يُضْرَبُ بِاْلأَوْتَارِ فِيْ مَوْضِعٍ لَمَّا جَوَّزَ الْجُلُوْسَ ثَمَّ لقْرِعِ صَوْتِ اْلأَوْتَارِ سَمْعَهُ. فَيَدُلُّ هَذَا عَلَى أَنَّ صَوْتَ النِّسَاءِ غَيْرَ مُحَرَّمٍ تَحْرِيْمَ الْمَزَامِيْرِ بَلْ إِنَّمَا يَحْرُمُ عِنْدَ خَوْفِ الْفِتْنَةِ قَطْعًا
Meaning, "Verily, the ears of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once heard the voices of two maidens (jariyah) who were women's servants while he was lying down on a bed." If a guitar was played somewhere, he would move from that place because of the sound of the guitar that he could hear in his ears. This shows that the voice of a woman is not forbidden like the prohibition of a flute. However, the voice of a woman is only forbidden when there is a definite fear of fitnah (without doubt). (Sayyid Muhammad Murtadha al-Zabidi, Ithafus Sadatil Muttaqin, [Beirut, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiah: 1422 H/2002 M], vol. VI, page 495).
The term fitnah, in this context, is interpreted by NU scholars as referring to the risk of sexual misconduct and its introduction. In order to avoid any potential fitnah, NU scholars recommend that women's speeches in public should adhere to Islamic regulations.
In this context, women who wish to give speeches in public should also consider their speaking skills and religious knowledge. This is in line with the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that states, "Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim, male and female."
In conclusion, women are allowed to give speeches in public, including religious speeches, as long as they follow the rules of Islamic law and avoid any forms of fitnah. Therefore, women should strengthen their speaking skills and religious knowledge before giving speeches in public.
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