(^148) I" fIN FootStepl 0/ tbt Propbtt
convert, but they let him go anyway, allowing him the freedom to choose
and rhe time needed for his spiritual development. He even recei\'cd-at
a critical time in interclan rclations-the i\ fuslim community's protection,
and it was a woman who spoke o ut publicly and forccfull}' on his behalf.
Zaynah often went to the mosque, which was a space o pen to both mcn'
and women, and nobod y objected to her making a statement there,
among men; in fact, it was not at all uncommon for Muslim women to
speak up publicly in such a manner. Lucr, in o ne such instance that is par-
ticularly famous in Muslim history, a woman would address Umar ibn al-
Khattab, who had become t.he Muslims' caliph, and point out an ccror of
judgment that he immediately acknowledged.
Inside the mosq ue, th e women would line up behind th e m en's ranks,
as the postures of prarer, in jts vario us stages, require an arrangement that
preserves modesty, decency, and respect. \'{Tomen prayed, studied, and
expressed themselves in that space. Moreover, they found in the Prophet'S
attitude the epitom e of co urtesy and regard: he d em anded that men
remain seated in o rder to let women leave first and without inconven-
ience. T here was always gentleness an d dignity in his behavior toward
women, whom he listened to, and whose right to express themselves and
set fo rth their opinions and arguments he acknowledged, protected, and
p romoted.
martin jones
(Martin Jones)
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