The issue of gender equality is a hot topic in today’s world. Everybody is looking for equal rights and rightfully so. While the relationship between certain religions and gender equality may be a bit complex, not all religions are the same when it comes to this topic. In this episode of Common Qs, we will delve into Islam’s view on this matter and what it has to say regarding the equality of men and women.
More Facts about Gender Equality & Women in Islam
Gender equality, also known as sexual equality or equality of the sexes, according to the current international norms, is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making; and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender.
But, what is Islam’s stance on this matter? Are men and women equal in Islam? What does Islam say about women and gender equality? Is the status of men higher than that of women and are they superior in Islam?
In Islam, scriptures, cultural traditions, and jurisprudence affect the relationship between men and women, both before and after their marriage. The Quran, Islam’s holy book, indicates that men and women are spiritual equals. The Quran 4:124 states: “If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says, “All people are equal, as the teeth of a comb. There is no claim of merit of an Arab and a non-Arab, or a white over a black person or a male over a female. Only God-fearing people merit a preference with God.”
Muslims believe men and women are considered equally human and both are granted equal human rights; Thus no sex is superior to the other in Islam. Although their responsibilities may differ, especially after marriage, they are both given an equal opportunity in reaching perfection and closeness to Allah (God).
In some cases, men are given certain rights which women may not have, and in other cases women are given certain rights in which men are not given. However, when taken into context, one can easily identify the reasoning behind the Islamic laws in place, realizing that not only are they impartial, they actually do a pretty good job at maintaining equity between the two genders. Many believe Islam is right about women and men’s status.
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