Equality is a term which is hard to define. In his book ‘Women in Islam’ Siddiqi maintains that there is a sense in which all human beings are equal, but in actual life, we find that no two human beings are really equal in all respects.

As a matter of fact, the concept of gender equality is strongly advocated by Islam and highlighted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. However, most importantly, equality as enunciated by Islam does not imply equality in all aspects of life. Even though men and women are equal in many aspects, there are still some distinctions and differences between them that should not be ignored. Allah has created man and woman to play distinct roles in human society. Alexis Carrel, the French Nobel Laureate rightly says that the differences which exist between men and women are of a more fundamental nature than is usually realized.

The Qur'an teaches us that women and men are all creatures of Allah, existing on a level of equal worth and value, although their equal importance does not substantiate a claim for their equivalence or perfect identity. In 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 Qur’an, in addressing the believers, often uses the expression ‘believing men and women’ to signify and emphasize the equality of men and women in regard to their respective duties, rights, virtues, and merits. It says:
      “For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout 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 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”.(al-Ahzab:35)

Apparently, equality between men and women in Islam is addressed and can be seen in four aspects: 1) The creation of men and women, 2) The purpose of the creation, 3) Knowledge and guidance and 4) Equal reward and equal punishment.  

The Qur’an has also made it plain in more than one verse that in regard to moral and spiritual development, men and women have equal opportunities. There are no limits to the moral progress of a women. Allah says :
     “Men shall have the benefit of what they achieve and acquire and women shall have the benefit of that which they similarly achieve and acquire”.(al-Nisaa:32)

In Islam, equality signifies a balance between ability, commitment, responsibility and reward. A society which is based on the Islamic teaching will emphasize on a dual-sex society in which both sexes are assigned their special responsibilities. This assures the healthy functioning of the society for the benefit of all its members. Equality between men and women from Islamic perspective should not be regarded and assessed from the perspective of materialism. For instance, in certain matters, men’s superiority over women should not be considered as an advantage to them. Rather, it is a commitment and obligation. The following Qur’anic verse connotes the conception:
    “Men are the maintainers of women because of that excellence which Allah has given to some of them over others and because they spend out of their property”. (al-Nisaa:34)

In essence, gender equality as advocated by Islam takes into account every aspect of differences between men and women. Rather, gender equality in Islam entails the complementary roles of men and women, which is the purposive nature of sex differences. In this respect, the Qur’an mentions:
    “And they (women) have rights similar to those against them in a just manner and the men are a degree above them.” (al-Baqarah:228)

Komen

Carian

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."