Women, Civilization, and Proportional Power
(Mother’s Day 2025 Reflection)
By Ali Aminuloh
The history of human civilization is a living witness to the transformation of women’s positions. We know the profound saying: “Al-mar’atu imadul bilad, idza shaluhat shaluhal bilad, wa idza faseat faseal bilad.” Women are the pillars of the state; if women are good, then the state is good, but if women are corrupt, then the nation’s dignity collapses. Over time, women’s positions have evolved rapidly, from the struggle for individual autonomy, to strategic roles within the family, to becoming key drivers in society.
Breaking Down Discrimination and “Evil Thoughts” in Worship
However, ironically, these “pillars of the state” often have their space for movement restricted by an incomprehensive religious understanding. Systematic discrimination occurs in worship spaces, where women are always relegated to the back and isolated behind a hijab or a tight veil. This is rooted in the erroneous doctrine that considers a woman’s entire being, even her voice, to be private.
This extreme view tends to associate everything about women with sexuality or “dirty thoughts,” as if the presence of women is a source of slander that must be hidden. However, in the eyes of God, all human beings are equal. In this context, educational centers like Al-Zaytun have taken progressive steps by providing real equality. There, there is equality in the placement of rows for congregational prayers, including Friday prayers. This demonstrates that women are not merely objects, but subjects with equal rights and roles in education and worship.
The Roots of the Struggle: Why December 22nd?
This spirit of equality is actually the original spirit of the First Indonesian Women’s Congress held on December 22-25, 1928, in Yogyakarta. Mother’s Day in Indonesia was born not simply to celebrate domestic roles, but to commemorate the rise of political and social awareness of women fighters in the fight for independence and civil rights.
Proportional Equality in Careers and Global Policies
In the modern world, the equality we aim for is proportional equality. Women today carry dual roles as mothers and career women or workers. In developed countries, this role is fully supported by the state system. For comparison, countries like Sweden provide up to 480 days of maternity leave with 80% salary coverage, while Norway provides approximately one year with full pay (100%). In the UK, career protection is provided for 52 weeks so mothers can focus on caring for their children without fear of losing their jobs.
Indonesia is now beginning to improve through the 2024 Maternal and Child Welfare Law (KIA), which allows for up to six months of leave under certain conditions. This demonstrates that respecting mothers means giving them sufficient time to raise quality generations without stifling their career potential and economic contribution.
The Philosophy of the Thumb: The Highest Rank in Humanity
We must recognize that “Mother” is the highest rank of all goodness. That is why our language uses the term “Capital City” as the center of power, “First Lady” as a symbol of honor, and “Thumb” as a symbol of excellence.
Let’s examine the philosophy of the thumb. Anatomically, the thumb is the only finger that can move flexibly to touch and communicate with the other four fingers. It is a symbol of glue, binding, and balance. Unlike the index finger, which is often likened to a symbol of a father or authority, which tends to give rigid, one-way instructions, the thumb has the strategic flexibility to embrace all aspects. Without the thumb, the hand would not be able to grip firmly. Likewise, this nation; without the strategic role of women, we would not be able to grasp the future.
Conclusion: Mothers, the Shapers of Civilization
Honoring women is not just about giving a greeting once a year, but also about giving them equal space in the prayer circle, at the decision-making table, and within the household.
Happy Mother’s Day 2025. “Empowered and Creative Women Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.” Let us honor mothers, for it is in their hands that this civilization is shaped and its quality is maintained.**
Indonesia, December 22, 2025
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