n Islam there is absolutely no difference between men and women as
far as their relationship to Allah is concerned, as both are promised
the same reward for good conduct and the same punishment for evil
conduct. The Quran says:
The Quran, in addressing the believers, often uses the expression,
'believing men and women' to emphasize the equality of men and women in
regard to their respective duties, rights, virtues and merits. It says:
This clearly contradicts the assertion of the Christian Fathers
that women do not possess souls and that they will exist as sexless
beings in the next life. The Quran says that women have souls in exactly
the same way as men and will enter Paradise if they do good:
The Quran admonishes those men who oppress or ill-treat women:
Considering the fact that before the advent of Islam the pagan
Arabs used to bury their female children alive, make women dance naked
in the vicinity of the Ka'bah during their annual fairs, and treat women
as mere chattels and objects of sexual pleasure possessing no rights or
position whatsoever, these teachings of the Noble Quran were
revolutionary. Unlike other religions, which regarded women as being
possessed of inherent sin and wickedness and men as being possessed of
inherent virtue and nobility, Islam regards men and women as being of
the same essence created from a single soul. The Quran declares:
"And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women." [Noble Quran 2:228]
"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." [Noble Quran 33:35]
"Enter into Paradise, you and your wives, with delight." [Noble Quran 43:70]
"Who so does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, him or her will We quicken to happy life." [Noble Quran 16:97]
"O you who believe! You are forbidden to
inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with
harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them -
except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary
live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a
dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will
bring about through it a great deal of good." [Noble Quran 4:19]
"O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who
created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and
from this pair scattered (like seeds) countless men and women.
Reverence Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and
reverence the wombs (that bore you); for Allah ever watches over you." [Noble Quran 4:1]
Prof. 'Abdur Rahman I. Doi
