Surah 60 · Verse 12

[60:12] Verse 60:12 informs us about the rights and privileges enjoyed by women in the early muslim community during the life of prophet Muhammed. In this verse, the prophet acknowledges women's right to vote, by taking the pledge of believing women to peacefully surrender themselves to God alone and lead a righteous life. The word "BaYA'" used in the verse implies the political nature of the pledge; they accepted the leadership of the prophet individually, with their free choice. This verse is not about some pagan or mushrik women embracing islam, but is about a group of muslim women publicly announcing their allegiance to Muhammed, who became a founder of a federally secular constitutional government in central Arabia. This is a historical document that shows that muslim women were not considered default appendices of their decision-making husbands, brothers, fathers or male guardians, but were rather treated as independent political entities who could vote and enter into social contracts with their leaders. Unfortunately, many of the human rights recognized by islam were later one by one taken away from individuals, especially from women, by the leaders of Sunni and Shiite religions. They replaced the progressive and liberating teaching of the Quran and practice of the early muslims with reactionary and enslaving teachings, thereby resurrecting the dogmas and practices of "the days of ignorance." It took humanity centuries to recognize for women their God-given rights. For instance, the US recognized the right of women to vote in 1919 by passing the 19th Amendment. Exactly, 13 centuries after it was recognized by the Quran. As for the region that once led the world in human rights and freedom, it is now more than 13 centuries behind! After women, the men too lost their dignity to elect their leaders. What a regression!