Gender Equity in Islam
-Eram Uddin
3/16/99
It is very important for one to understand the functions of the two primary sources of Islam in order to understand Islam and Muslims - the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (P)(1). The two have distinct differences and characteristics. The Quran is universally accepted by Muslims as the word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (P) through the angel Gabriel, and is the highest authority for information on Islam. Sunnah refers to the sayings, actions, and confirmations of the Prophet Muhammad (P) on various issues, including the meaning and practice of Islam. Hadith is also a common word related to the Sunnah. Ahadith (plural of hadith) are recorded (2) actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (P) which basically exemplifies the Sunnah; without ahadith, a Muslim would not know what the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (P) was. In brief, while ahadith exemplify the Sunnah, the Sunnah exemplifies the Quran; the Quran tells Muslims what to do whereas the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (P) tells us how to do them. With this point made clear, I shall now clarify a very misunderstood issue in Islam - gender equity - by using proof from the Quran and ahadith.
Men and women in Islam have the same human spiritual nature. The Quran states:
"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person, and from him He created his wife, and from them both He created countless men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you). Surely, Allah(3) is an All-Watcher over you." (Quran 4:1)
"It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they pray to Allah, the Lord (saying): "If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful." (Quran 7:189)
Pregnancy and childbirth in Islam are not considered punishments for women:
"And We have enjoined on (every) person (to be dutiful and good) to his/her parents and in travail upon travail did his/her mother bear him/her and in years twain was his/her weaning; (hear the command) "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents and to Me is (your final) Goal." (Quran 31:14) The Prophet specified this behavior for his followers, rendering to mothers an unequaled status in human relationships :
"A man came to Prophet Muhammad (P) asking, "O Messenger of Allah, who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?" The Prophet (P) said, "Your mother." The man asked, "Then, who is next?" The Prophet (P) said, "Your mother." The man asked, "Then, who is next?" The Prophet (P) said, "Your mother." The man further asked, "Then who is next?" Only then did the Prophet (P) say, "Your father." (Al-Bukhari)
From this hadith, Muslims are clearly told that mothers deserve more respect then fathers, not because they are superior than fathers, but because it is easy to overlook the pain our mothers experienced when having us and the hard work they put in raising us. Whereas fathers naturally get respect from their children because they constantly have to provide for us and is more evident.
Men and women in Islam also have equal amount of accountability for their actions and deeds, and they also have the same religious and moral obligations and responsibilities:
"And the Lord had accepted of them and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: you are members one of another... " (Quran 3:195)
"If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them." (Quran 4:124)
"For Muslim(4) 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." (Quran 33:35)
The misconception that men are more superior than women in Islam is absolutely false. The Quran makes the case of superiority or inferiority of any human, male or female very clear:
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honored of you in the Sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous of you. Verily Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Quran 49:13)
In this verse we are told of the spiritual and human equality before God. This verse addresses the whole of mankind, not only Muslims. It also states that there is only One Creator of mankind, and having been created by the One and Only Creator, implies that we are all equal in His Sight and God is just to all. The Quran makes it very clear in this verse that the only room for superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness, not gender, color, or nationality.
The Prophet (P) also stressed the message of this verse in his last Sermon:"O People, listen to me in earnest, whorship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone."
Both genders are equal before God when it comes to spirituality and humanness. Any human misinterpretations, cultuarally based notions are not congruent to what Islam teaches. However, it is important to make clear that this equality should not be confused with role differentiation in the spirit of cooperation and complimentarity. This is why equity is a more accurate term than "equality." Equity means justice and overall equality in the totality of rights and responsibilities of both genders and allows for the possibility of variations in specific items within the overall balance and equality. Also the roles of men and women in Islam are complimentary and cooperative rather than competitive, as is the case is modern day society where genders try to achieve "equality" in every aspect of life.
Women have rights to property just as men do before and after marriage. They may buy, sell, or lease any or all of their properties at their own will. The Quran says:
"From what is left by parents and those nearest related, there is a share for men and a share or women, whether the property be small or large-a determinate share." (Quran 4:7)
Women also have the right to work, but her primary role in Islam is as a mother and a wife which is such a noble and vital role that shapes the future of nations, and simply cannot be considered as "idleness." Men's role and obligation in Islam is to provide for the family. This is why in cases of inheritance, men receive more, because they are the providers of the family and have a heavy burden upon them. As stated above, Islam is equitable.
Women are highly respected by men in Islam, not only in the case of mothers. Marriage in Islam is based on mutual peace, love, and compassion; not the stereotypical view as mere satisfying of human desires. The Quran states:
"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Quran 30:21)
Prophet Muhammad (P), in his last Sermon, said:
"O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your rights then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."
The Quran urges husbands to be kind to and considerate to their wives:
"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 marital gift you have given them, except when they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary, live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take dislike to them, it may be that you dislike a thing through which Allah brings about a great deal of good." (Quran 4:19)
As for polygamy in Islam, it is one of the most persistent myths perpetuated in Western literature and media. There is no place in the Quran or the Sunnah where polygamy or monogamy is explicitly specified as the norm. However, demographically, monogamy is the norm. Islam did not outlaw polygamy, as did many other people and religious communities; rather it regulated and restricted it. It is neither required nor encouraged, but simply permitted and did not outlaw. The only verse in the Quran which addresses polygamy and restricts it was revealed after the Battle of Uhud, where dozens of Muslims were martyred, leaving behind widows and orphans. This verse came down to address this situation: "If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one..." (Quran 4:3)
It is also important regarding polygamy, that all parties involved have options. Men may choose to remain monogamous, a proposed second wife may reject such a proposal, and the first wife may include in her marital contract a condition that her husband shall practice monogamy and has the right for divorce if he breaks the contract. All in all, it is important to clarify once more that monogamy is the norm in Islam, not polygamy.
I have written this paper in hopes to clarify the stereotypical bias' about gender equity in Islam.
Islam has given freedom to the woman, where today the woman is oppressed in many ways-
from her intellect to her abilities. I, as a woman in Islam, find pure satisfaction, content, and
many advantages in being a Muslim woman. In no way do I feel "oppressed" or "suppressed" by
the other gender. If the stereotypes of Muslim women were true, one would have to wonder why
there are more women converts to Islam than men. If Islam was such an oppressive and
demeaning religion as it often times is portrayed by Western literature, then one would also have
to wonder insanely why it is the fastest growing religion in the U.S. and abroad. The truth about
Islam is that it is an absolute beautiful way of life; it is fair and just in every aspect.
1. 2. 3. 4.
Sources Used:
-Quran - various surahs
- "Gender Equity in Islam, Basic Principles" - Dr. Jamal Badawi
- "Qur'an and Woman" - Amina Wadud-Muhsin --> excellent book