Muslim wives allowed out of the house?

Answer 1

This matter is usually decided by people according to their cultural beliefs and based on historical practices. i.e in the time of the prophet (pbuh) in a lot of societies around the world was such that it was difficult or even dangerous for women to venture out without a male to accompany them, this was the case anywhere around the world, not just in Muslim countries. Even in the west women were not allowed to go anywhere without a male relative, if women were seen with a male stranger they would be outcast from society and ruined.

Before the time of the Prophet (pbuh) society in Arabia was so distorted that women were abused and unsafe in the outside world.

When Islam was established it was obligatory for men (husbands, fathers, brothers) to make sure that their women were treated with utmost respect. Islam liberated women and gave them security within their own communities.

The protective barrier created for women in Islam has been attacked in the modern day because non-Muslims believe they are more advanced now and Islamic rules for women are outdated. But original Islamic teachings on the treatment of women are for the benefit of women and modern day advancement in the west concerning the status of women has caused women to lose their self-respect and sense of shame which is something that has been protected for Muslim's through Islamic teachings.

In terms of your question...

e.g. Islam insists that men make sure their women (wives, mothers, daughters...etc) dressed appropriately and covered themselves in order to identify themselves as respectable women in the attempt that they would not be approached by strangers or treated badly in the outside world.

In modern day, because of the vast difference in society since the time of the Prophet, when women had no reason to go out, you could apply this by allowing women to go out as they wish as long as they are in safe places, respectable places, have reasons for going out, dress appropriately and according to Islamic preferences and associate with good people.

There is nothing wrong with a woman going out as long as she is behaving as a Muslim and is presenting herself as a Muslim. Forcing a woman to stay in the home at all times against her will is oppressive and could damage her well being. Islam does not condone oppression of women or intend to give any impression that women are mistreated. Therefore, as long as the woman is behaving as a good Muslim when she is out, there should be nothing wrong with it.

When it comes to Islamic teachings you should try to apply the teaching to the modern day without distorting the teachings. God has created every teaching/rule for the benefit of humans and does not wish for us to struggle to follow. God has intended to make things easy for us and the issue of women is something of great importance in Islam. Islam liberated women for their benefit and out of love, please do not use Islam to deny women of their rights and of happiness, that was never the intention of the teachings of Islam concerning women. Women are the most respected in Islam so do not treat them with disrespect under the name of Islam

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I hope that was helpful.