Interesting Islam

 

Women in Islam: Continued

Equality of Men and Women in Islam:

In the Chapter entitled ‘Women in Islam’, I stated that ‘Muslim women are spiritually EQUAL to men in Islam, but logically have different roles due to the biological differences. They have the same religious duties and the same criteria will be used on Judgement day.’ I will now explain this in a bit of detail.

Men and Women are definitely equal, as The Prophet (s) said in the last Sermon, “…No Arab can claim merit over a non-Arab, no white over a black, no male over a female.” Throughout the Quran, women are constantly mentioned alongside men and humankind is reminded that both men and women will be judged equally, regardless of gender on Judgement Day, hence they are spiritually equal. An example of such an extract is as follows:

“For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (33:35)

Similarly, Allah considers a woman just as equal as men. Why else would Allah name a whole chapter of the Quran after women?

Surah Al-Nisa (4:34): The Woman (A chapter in the Quran)

Now, in response to Third Martini’s review to this chapter on another website, where he/she said: (because Sura 4:34 makes it clear that there is a hierarchy. This passage says,” Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them."). First of all, the translation that he/she quoted was incorrect. Secondly, I would like to point out that I said that men and women are equal SPIRITUALLY. This does not mean that they are not equal physically, but it must be pointed out that there are biological differences between men and women. Men are definitely stronger, but I am not stereotyping and acknowledge that a lot of women are stronger than men too. Similarly, women can bear children. Maybe I haven’t been watching the scientific news lately or something, but as far as I know, men certainly can’t bear children naturally. Science seems to be able to do anything nowadays. So have they got to that stage yet? I’m not really sure. Correct me if I’m wrong.

These may be sour facts, but facts are facts. In Islam, the ideal family has the man as the breadwinner and the woman as a good mother and wife, but nothing stops the woman from working (as can be seen by the wife of The Prophet (s): Khadijah (r.a.)).

The verse 4:34 starts off by calling men the ‘protectors’. This is simply stating that men are responsible for their families. It continues, “And maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.” This is talking about how a man is responsible for earning money to support his family (which would be his wife or children) and for ‘maintaining’ her.

In return, a woman is under the obligation of being loyal to her husband (i.e. not cheating on him) and protecting his dignity as if it were her own. As it says in the Quran, “Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard.” This can be explained as the wife being responsible for her husband’s reputation and property, and acting obediently and harmoniously. This does not mean that a woman can’t protest or speak up for her own right, but the strength of a relationship between a man and woman is only strong when both are willing to compromise. A man is commanded not to be harsh on his wife, and similarly a woman is commanded to try and keep the peace.

The verse 4:34 continues, “As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, Great (above you all).”

This is a complicated issue, so I am quoting what Dr. Jamal Badawi, author of Gender Equity in Islam indicated with regards to the verse 4:34: “under no circumstances does the Quran encourage, allow or condone family violence or physical abuse. In extreme cases, and whenever greater harm, such as divorce, is a likely option, in an effort to save the marriage it allows for a husband to administer a gentle pat with a miswaak (a small natural toothbrush) to his wife that causes no sort of physical harm to the body nor leaves any sort of mark. It may serve, in some cases, to bring to the wife’s attention the seriousness of her continued unreasonable behaviour, and may be resorted to only after exhausting other prerequisite steps.” This quote serves to explain the meaning of this verse very well so I won’t explain it further unless anyone feels like they want more explanation.

I would like to finish off with a beautiful, yet simple verse: “Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight.” (43:70)

The fact that Allah talks about both man and woman entering Paradise simply reinforces the equality between men and women in Islam. A man has no superiority over a woman, but the roles of men and women are different due to biological differences. Did you know that a woman is not even expected to cook for her husband and children? There is no such verse from the Quran or Hadeeth from the Prophet (s.a.w.) stating this. A woman does have certain obligations, but they are not as extreme as they are portrayed in the world today.