Muslims believe in everything the Prophet Muhammad said with two critical conditions: foremost, to ensure authenticity of the narration and subsequently that we have a correct understanding through examination of the context, a differentiation between the literal and metaphoric use of his language, as well as, its understanding within the perimeters of Islam.
Prophet Muhammad said, "Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib, and the most curved part of a rib is it’s uppermost. If you attempt to straighten it; you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain curved; so act kindly toward women"
The narration meets the first condition of authenticity, however, some assume that in the text Prophet Muhammad is being disgraceful to women. Further examination of the above proves otherwise, the statement was made during one of his final addresses to his nation when he was highlighting the rights of women and the proper etiquette toward them.
The Prophet is using a method he used before to emphasize a certain meaning. There is no doubt that the ribs job is critically important; it protects the heart, lungs and sensitive organ of the human body. Without the intricate shape of the rib it cannot perform its duty.
While some might feel that it is important for each human to balance between emotion and practicality, the Prophet here is indicating that women have more desire toward emotion, love and compassion as part of their identity and is a valuable tool to foster her family. A man must not expect a woman to suppress her over whelming emotion nor should he expect her to behave like a man. God said: And the male is not like the female. 3:36 The two genders are uniquely different, both complimenting one another. A man and woman working collectively will bring balance to their household, and their children will inherit character traits from both.
We are comfortable with this understanding as he often used metaphors to highlight certain meanings. Once the Prophet was on one of his journeys, and the driver of the camels started chanting (to let the camels go fast). The Prophet said to him. " (Take care) Drive slowly with the glass vessels.” In this text he compares the glass vessels to women on the journey to highlight their gentleness.
We support this understanding by a direct text from Prophet Muhammad when he said: “Indeed, women are the partners of men.”
God said clearly in the Quran: And women have rights similar to their obligations, according to what is fair. 2:228
And He stated again in the Quran: Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer, We will grant him a good life—and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do. 16:97
In conclusion, Prophet Muhammad was advising us to be sensitive toward a woman’s being and considerate of her emotions.
