Advice to women regarding marriage

Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him reported that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “If a man whose religious commitment and moral conduct you approve of proposes for marriage to your daughter, then marry her to him; otherwise, trials will prevail and great corruption will spread upon the earth.” [At-Tirmithi & Ibn Maajah] Imaam As-Sindi may Allaah have mercy upon him commented upon this narration, saying: “A person’s religious commitment assures fulfilling his obligations, and his good moral conduct assures his kind treatment of others.”

The spread of corruption and evil is the natural result of people refusing to marry their daughters off to men whose religious practice and morals are good, preferring instead to delay and marry them to those with more wealth, or from a more honourable lineage. This results in many young men and women remaining unmarried, which causes fornication to prevail, immorality to overwhelm, and chastity to vanish.

Imaam At-Teebi may Allaah have mercy upon him said: “This narration supports the ruling of Imaam Maalik over the others, in which he (i.e. Maalik) said that competence for marriage should be based only on religious commitment and moral conduct.”

Some scholars have stated that if the guardian repeatedly rejects men who propose for marriage to his daughter for no legitimate Islamic reason, then this could nullify his guardianship over her.

Some women set impossible conditions for future husbands, such as him memorising the entire Quran as well as the Hadeeth collections of Al-Bukhaari, Muslim and so on. Moreover, some of them may even go as far as to demand a man whose character is like that of Imaam Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him.

This is totally incorrect; all a man has to meet are the two conditions set in the abovementioned narration; namely, religious commitment and a high moral character.

How can pious men and women be brought together in marriage?

The righteous men and women in the community should play a strong role in this. For example, the wife could become a contact for the women and the husband for the men. The young women should not give up the condition of the man being religious on the pretext that they will work on him and transform him to a pious man after marriage, unless the man is known to adhere, in general, to his Islamic obligations, as well as having noble morals and shunning sins. In such a case, he may be a candidate worth considering.

People’s stance when asked about the man proposing:

Some people, when asked about a man who is proposing to their daughter, give general answers and avoid being precise. They say things like: ‘He is a nice man’, ‘He is a kind person’, ‘His father is a good man and his grandfather was religious’, ‘Much good is expected from him and he is handsome’, ‘He is polite and wealthy’ and so on. It is after the marriage takes place that the bitter reality surfaces and the young woman come to know him for who he really is, only after it is too late.

Others conceal the faults of the proposing man when asked about him due to the fear of him, or what he may do if he found out, or because they think that to do otherwise would be to backbite; but the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said, when asked by Faatimah Bint Qays may Allaah be pleased with her about two Companions may Allaah be pleased with them who had proposed marriage to her: “Abu Jahm is a man who never lowers his stick (i.e. he beats his wives), and as for Abu Sufyaan, he is extremely poor and possesses no wealth.” She said: “I like neither of them” The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Marry Usaamah Bin Zayd” So she married him and Allaah blessed their marriage, granting her a joyful life.

The one being asked should clarify everything he knows about the person who is proposing without exaggeration, and should fear Allaah regarding what he says. He should mention his merits as well as his faults; he should mention only that which he is certain of and act as if the young woman is his own daughter or sister. This is because marriage is a long term commitment and not an interim one. Marriage is a relationship that is meant to last until the grave, unless there is a valid reason to end it; and divorce frequently occurs when people marry their daughter to a person whom they do not know well enough.

The behaviour of some young women who seek marriage:

Some young women offer themselves in marriage to young men over the telephone, which is disastrous as the man may be a sinner, and some sins are more lethal than others. For example, if the man deals in Ribaa (i.e. interest or usury) then his and his family’s provision, food, drinks and clothing will be ill-gotten. Moreover, even a sinner would not typically marry a woman who offers herself to him on the telephone. He may play around with her for a while, but when he is serious in his search for a wife, he will seek a chaste and well-mannered woman. A man who had such a friend was amazed at seeing him marrying a young woman who was fully adherent to the Hijaab; upon asking why he did so, the friend replied: “I wish to marry a woman whom I would be sure of not finding in bed with another man upon returning home one day." This is how men perceive young women who freely and easily talk to them on the telephone.

The young woman and her family or guardian must investigate the man who is proposing to her so that they can discover whether or not he is putting on an act in order to appear as if he is a committed Muslim.

Histories:

It is not a condition for either of them to inform the other of their previous sins, especially if they have sincerely repented and then adhered to piety.

The vitalness of transparency:

It is very important that both the man and the woman are clear with one another from the very beginning and agree on everything before the contract is finalised.

If the family refuses the proposing man to see the daughter, then he should, at the very least, get a clear description of her.

What to do upon receiving a proposal:

The young woman should pray Istikhaarah (i.e., the Prayer of Guidance) and not to ask others to pray it on her behalf, as some women do, as this is a baseless act and an innovation in the religion. Furthermore, she should seek the advice of trustworthy people and inquire about the person.

Imaam Ahmad may Allaah have mercy upon him reported the story of Julaybeeb may Allaah be pleased with him who was sent by the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) to one of the families of the Ansaar (i.e., the residents of Madeenah) to give him their daughter in marriage. Julaybeeb may Allaah be pleased with him was very impoverished and so the young woman's mother reused the offer, but the young woman spoke out and agreed to marry him because he was sent to her by the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) himself. The result was that she never suffered in any way, and that there was no other woman of the Ansaar who was wealthier than her. This is because Julaybeeb may Allaah be pleased with him was killed in the very next battle that occurred after his marriage, having killed seven disbelievers in it. Upon finding his body, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) carried him and buried him with his own hands. He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also supplicated for the widow, saying: “O Allaah! Pour Your blessings upon her and do not make her suffer in life.” It was due to this supplication that she never suffered, in any way, and that there was no woman from the Ansaar wealthier than her.

If the man proposing wishes that his future wife give up her studies or job after marriage, and he is a suitable man, then this should not hamper the marriage. Also, if the man finds such a young woman to be a suitable one, he should not reconsider marrying her due to this, as he could marry her and then convince her after marriage to give it up.

Similarly, the family and the young woman should not refuse a proposal from a man due to him having children from a previous marriage.

Some young women overlook certain matters, such as the man's looks and wealth, only to have misgivings and regret their decision later. Therefore, the young woman should be absolutely sure before giving her approval and be honest with herself when she makes her decision. Moreover, she should be content with him based on religious convictions. Some women always advise their friends regarding the matter of being a second wife, stating that it is an integral part of Islaam and that they should not refuse a man simply because he is already married; however, when they themselves get married as second wives, they act very differently to the advice they gave others, due to their covetousness.

The young woman should be a facilitating factor in her marriage; she should, for example, refuse to set unbearable conditions or a high dowry, but if her family insists, then she should nominally agree and then relieve her husband of such difficulties later on.

Some women behave arrogantly towards their husbands due to holding advanced degrees, having a noble lineage, the wealth of their families, or their beauty. The result of this arrogance is that they act rebelliously towards their husbands and thus acquire sin.

Fears of some young women in the process of marriage:

Some young women fear the imminent loss of their close friends and sisters due to their impending marriage. This may cause them to hate the future husband, perhaps causing them, prior to the wedding night, to go as far as to seek to annul the marriage contract.

This could happen for many reasons, such as:

· Improperly assessing the consequences of such actions.

· Having an irresponsible and reckless attitude.

· Favouring the joy of the short term over the long term one of having children and the establishment of a happy marital life.

Also, the husband should not deprive his wife of her female friends and relatives. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) would allow the female friends of ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her to visit her.

When a young woman is being proposed to, she should educate herself about the rulings of marriage, the rights of the husband, the rights of the wife, and how to live in kindness and harmony with her spouse. On the other hand, she should not concern herself with studying the sexual aspects of marital life until the marriage contract is completed.

The wife's role in her home:

This is to serve her husband, bear, nurse, and nurture his children, and be a housewife.

If a woman is used to being immersed in the study and propagation of Islaam, and then marries whilst not clearly having in mind a role as a wife, she may begin feeling, very sholtry after marriage, that her new role as a wife is a trivial one. This may cause her to begin leaving her house to resume her former lifestyle. It is vital, however, that she understand her role and obligation as a wife and the reward of fulfilling them. Anas may Allaah be pleased with him reported that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “If a woman prays her five daily prayers, fasts her month (i.e. the month of Ramadhaan), guards her private parts and obeys her husband, she will enter Paradise from any of its gates that she wishes.” [Abu Nu’aym]

The married woman must persevere through the hardships of pregnancy, pre-delivery contractions and the agony of the delivery itself. Some women refuse to go through such hardships and take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, or, if they do get pregnant, prefer a caesarean section over a normal delivery.

‘Amr Ibn Hijr may Allaah have mercy upon him married Kindah Bint ‘Awf Ash-Shaybaani may Allaah have mercy upon her. On her wedding night, her mother, Umaamah Bint Al-Haarith may Allaah be pleased with her took her aside and advised her: “Dear daughter! You are leaving the environment which you are accustomed to and departing from the place you grew up in to a partner whom you are unfamiliar with. If a woman had no need of a husband due to her parents sufficing her, then you would be the last person to require a husband, but women were created to be the partners of men, and men were created to be the partners of women. Act like his slave, and he will become like your slave. Uphold the following ten matters and you will find them to be provisions: The first and second are to be content with what he provides and to listen to and obey him. The third and the fourth are to make sure that all he sees and smells from you are pleasing to him, so he should not see you in a displeasing appearance, nor smell anything but a fine fragrance from you. The fifth and the sixth are to comfort him in his sleep and food, because repeated hunger and lack of sleep will enflame his anger. The seventh and the eighth are to protect his wealth and take care of his children; the focal point regarding wealth is to have good judgement in spending it, and that regarding the children is to properly nurture them. The ninth and the tenth are to not disobey his commands or disclose his secrets, because when you disobey him you intimidate him, and if you disclose his secrets you would not know what he may do to you. Do not be joyful in front of him when he is upset, or express sadness if he is happy."

‘Abdullaah Ibn Ja’far may Allaah have mercy upon him addressed his daughter saying: “Avoid jealousy, as it is the key to your divorce; avoid complaint, as it instigates anger; adorn yourself for him, and make sure you wash away any bad odours by frequent bathing.”

Pre-marital errors on the part of women:

· Freely talking to males on the telephone and being open with male relatives.

· Being over confident and rejecting many of those who propose.

· Not differentiating between wisdom and fast rejection.

· Not having the criterion by which to judge the proposing person clearly in mind.

Finally, many young women wish to get married but they waste their time daydreaming and wishfully thinking about the ideal husband. This is all fruitless; the best way for them to attain a good husband would be to busy themselves in supplicating to Allaah to provide such a person.

Women's liberation through Islam

Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the women's liberation movement began in the 20th century. Actually, the women's liberation movement was not begun by women but was revealed by Allaah (God) to a man in the seventh century by the name of Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). The Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) are the sources from which every Muslim woman derives her rights and duties.

Human Rights:

Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equally accountable to Allaah in glorifying and worshipping Him - setting no limits on her moral progress. Also, Islam established a woman's equality in her humanity with men.

In the first verse of the chapter entitled "Women", Allaah Says (what means):"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Aadam), and from him (Aadam) He created his wife [Hawwaa (Eve)], and from them both, He created many men and women and fear Allaah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allaah is Ever an All-Watcher over you." [Quran 4:1]

Since men and women both came from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions believes) or then men would be evil also. Similarly, neither sex can be superior because it would be a contradiction of equality. Allaah Says (which means): "O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allaah is that (believer) who is the most pious of you. Verily, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." [Quran 49:13]

Allaah also Says (what means): "Verily, the Muslims men and women, the believers men and women, the men and women who are obedient (to Allaah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and women who are humble (before their Lord), the men and women who give charity, the men and women who observe fasting, the men and women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts), and the men and women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues. Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." [Quran 33:35]

Civil Rights:

In Islam, a woman has the basic freedom of choice and expression based on recognition of her individual personality. First, the non-Muslim woman (from the people of the Book) is free to maintain her religion. Allaah Says (what means):"There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right path has been made distinct from wrong path.” [Quran 2:256]

Women are encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas. There are many traditions of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) which indicate women would pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning religion, economics and social matters.

A Muslim woman chooses her husband and keeps her family name after marriage. A Muslim woman's testimony is valid in legal disputes. In fact, in areas in which women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.

Social Rights

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Seeking knowledge is a mandate for every Muslim (male and female)." [Ibn Maajah] This includes knowledge of the Quran and the Hadeeth as well as other religious knowledge. Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate Islamic education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.

While maintenance of a home, providing support to her husband, and bearing, raising and teaching of children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so (if she has to) as long as her family obligations are met, and as long as there is no intermingling between her and men in the work place.

Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This, in no way, diminishes either's effort nor benefit. Allaah will reward both sexes equally for the value of their work, though it may not necessarily be the same activity.

The success of a society can be traced to the mothers. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection, and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent.

Economic Rights:

Allaah Says (what means): "By Him Who created male and female; Verily, your efforts and deeds are diverse." [Quran 92:3-4]

In these verses, Allaah declares that He created men and women to be different, with unique roles, functions and skills. As in society, where there is a division of labor, so too in a family; each member has different responsibilities. Generally, Islam upholds that women are entrusted with the nurturing role, and men, with the guardian role. Therefore, women are given the right of financial support.

Allaah Says (what means): "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means..." [Quran 4:34]

This guardianship and greater financial responsibility is given to men, requires that they provide women with not, only monetary support, but also physical protection and kind and respectful treatment.

The Muslim woman has the privilege to earn money, the right to own property, to enter into legal contracts and to manage all of her assets in any way she pleases. She can run her own business and no one has any claim on her earnings including her husband. Allaah Says (what means): "And wish not for the things in which Allaah has made some of you to excel others. For men there is reward for what they have earned, (and likewise) for women there is reward for what they have earned, and ask Allaah of His bounty. Surely, Allaah is Ever All-Knower of everything." [Quran 4:32]

Furthermore, a woman inherits from her relatives. Allaah Says (what means): "There is a share for men and a share for women from what is left by parents and those nearest related, whether, the property be small or large – a legal share." [Quran 4:7]

Rights of a Wife:

Allaah Says (what means): "And among His signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put affection and mercy between you; Verily, in that are signs for people who reflect." [Quran 30:21]

Marriage is therefore not just a physical or emotional necessity, but in fact it is a relationship of mutual rights and obligations based on divine guidance. Allaah created men and women with complimentary natures, and in the Quran, He laid out a system of laws to support harmonious interaction between the sexes. Allaah Says (what means): "...They are your garments and you are their garments." [Quran 2:187]

Clothing provides physical protection and covers the beauty and faults of the body. Likewise, a spouse is viewed this way. Each protects the other and hides the faults and compliments the characteristics of the spouse.

To foster the love and security that come with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife's rights is to receive Mahr (marriage dowry), a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality and validity of the marriage.

The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands. Allaah Says (what means): "Let the rich man spend according to his means, and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allaah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. Allaah will grant after hardship, ease." [Quran 65:7]

Allaah tells us in the Quran that men are guardians over women and are afforded the leadership in the family. His responsibility for obeying Allaah extends to guiding his family to obey Allaah at all times.

A wife's rights also extend beyond material needs, as she has the right to kind treatment. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "…The best of you are those who are best (in treatment) to their wives." [At-Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah and Al-Bayhaqi]

Allaah tells us that He created mates and put love, mercy, and tranquillity between them. Both men and women have a need for companionship and sexual needs, and marriage is designed to fulfill those needs. For one spouse to deny this satisfaction to the other, temptation will rise to seek satisfying it elsewhere.

Duties of a Wife:

With rights come responsibilities. Therefore, wives have certain obligations towards their husbands. Allaah Says (what means): "…The righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allaah and their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allaah orders them to guard (i.e. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.)." [Quran 4:34]

A wife is to keep her husband's secrets and protect their marital privacy. Issues of intimacy or faults of his, that would dishonor him, are not to be spread by the wife, just as he is expected to guard her honor.

A wife must also guard her husband's property. She must safeguard his home and possessions, to the best of her ability, from theft or damage. She should manage the household affairs wisely so as to prevent loss or waste. She should not allow anyone to enter the house whom her husband dislikes nor incur any expenses of which her husband disapproves.

A Muslim woman must cooperate and coordinate with her husband. There cannot, however, be cooperation with a man who is disobedient to Allaah. She should not fulfill his requests if he wants her to do something Islamicaly unlawful. A husband also should not take advantage of his wife, but rather he should consider her needs and happiness.

Conclusion:

Allaah Says (what means): "It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad) have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has strayed in a plain error." [Quran 33:36]

The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights more than 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are rights granted by Allaah and are designed to keep balance in the society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.

Indeed Islam is a complete way of life.

Muslim Woman in Religion Islam

There is no doubt that, as per the distribution of responsibilities, there are certain functions particular to the woman (for example, pregnancy, childbirth and the initial care and training of children). For the same reason, her body is built differently from man; and so is her psyche, which helps her with her duties, such as the love and affection for the child, and ability to sacrifice. What a sacrifice ! That it begins with the embryo, which develops with her blood and continues in the form of lactation after birth. The mother has such an abundance of patience and tolerance that she can fulfill all kinds of demands from her child with a smile, without expecting any thanks or reward. This and other similar qualities make women unique.

Holy Quran & Women



The main rule of the Holy Quran which has made men and women equal to each other. It is said in Soora Al-Ahzab chapter 33 - verse 35

(O Prophet / Messenger ! The education and upbringing of your household is all the more important, because they have to serve as models for other women. Remember that society consists of both men and women, who have to go through life hand in hand. If one of them lags behind, it is bound to hamper the progress of the other. It should be well understood that there is no difference in the potentialities of men and women; except certain biological differences which have been retained for the posterity of the human race.) Therefore, in an Islamic Society, both men and women should have the following qualities:

1 ) They should totally submit to the Divine Laws;

2 ) This obedience should not be mechanical, but must arise from the very depth

of their hearts. They should thus exhibit complete conviction in them;

3 ) They should utilize their developed potentialities according to the Divine Laws;

4 ) They are true to the covenant (9:111) which they have made with Allah Almighty ;

5 ) They remain steadfast when facing adversities, troubles or difficulties ;

6 ) They are always prompt in rendering service to others (like the fruit-laden branch of an easily accessible tree) ;

7 ) They are ever ready to sacrifice all their assets for the sake of the Divine Order ;

8 ) They abstain themselves from all that the Divine Laws prohibit them to do and they bear in mind the restrictions imposed by these Laws;

9 ) They guard their chastity fully ;

10) In short, throughout their lives, at each and every step, they act upon the Divine Laws.

These are the people to whom Allah's Law of Mukafat shall provide full protection against all types of doom. They will get great reward for all their efforts and deeds.

Women Status in Islam

The notion that women have been created to just fulfill the needs of men has been hammered into the subconscious of women folk to such an extent that women want to present themselves in that way. To men, they should appear attractive. That is the reason the Holy Quran does not mind them showing off in front of father, brothers, sons, etc. since one does not "dress up" to "show off" in front of them with the intent of attracting their attention. It is worth noting that the Quranic Verse next to the one regarding "show off" (33:33), is the declaration of their equality with men. The verse has been quoted earlier, when it is said in Soora Al-Ahzab Verse (33:35)

The Holy Quran tells women that men and women are both equally capable of performing the chores of life; then why should they (women) have the desire to show their adornment off to men. Unlike the Biblical notion that the woman was created to please the man, the Holy Quran has wiped off this concept and said that both the men and the women have not been created just to fulfill the needs of anyone of them. Both have been created to fulfill equally, Allah's programme for this universe. It wants women to be dignified and that is why it is opposed to women showing off their embellishment to men. They are not a commodity which should be made attractive for buyers so that they could fetch a good price. The women who cannot get rid of this desire are told in verse (7:176) : We wanted to elevate you (with The Holy Quran), but you have embraced the earth by virtue of trailing your lowly desires.

It is hoped that the readers realize the great importance Allah Almighty has given to women as the securer of the world's posterity. Therefore, they should be proud of their unique position and not necessarily copy or envy the opposite sex. Rather than regretting the fact that they are women, they should try to set themselves as equal to men, as Allah Almighty has ordained, and take their rightful position in the human society.


Conclusion

As was mentioned earlier, the governing rule regarding equality will be discussed later. That rule of the Holy Quran is that there is no difference between one human being and another.

The Jews believe that Heaven is for anyone who is born in a Jewish home. Non-Jews would not be able to enter Heaven. This is the biggest discrimination between one man and another. No one decides the family he or she is born into. To discriminate against non-Jews on this basis, is not worthy of a true God.

The Christians believe that every child coming into this world carries forward the first sin of Adam and Eve and until and unless he believes in the atonement (of Jesus) he/she cannot have salvation (i.e. cannot enter heaven). It is obvious, no person is born in this world out of his/her own decision. Hence it is unjust to attribute any sin that he/she has no control over.

The Hindus believe that all human beings are divided into four groups by virtue of their birth. The Brahmins are born from the head of their God, therefore they have all the respect and power. Khastri, born from the arms are the warriors, commanders and rulers. Waish, born from God's stomach, are the businessmen. Shooder, born from God's feet, are supposed to serve others, especially the Brahmin. They are practically considered non-human. No one can change this distribution. Should this discrimination be from God, then what kind of impression one gets of God!

With the revelation of the Holy Quran, all of the aforementioned misconceptions were wiped out with one stroke, when it was said in chatper Al-Asra - Verse 70 : We have created all human beings to be equally worthy of respect


Hence one cannot discriminate between one human and another by virtue of its birth. All human beings are equally respectable in the eyes of Allah. It is obvious that word `human' includes both men and women. Hence all the injunctions of the Holy Quran are equally applicable, whenever human or people etc. are mentioned, to both men and women.

The fact of the matter is that no boy is born by his own decision to be a boy nor a girl is born by hers. Hence to consider girls (or women) to be inferior to boys (or men) is just like accepting the misconceptions mentioned earlier which have been negated by the Holy Quran. Nevertheless, to consider men superior to women, is against the basic principles of the Holy Quran and negates God's designs. According to the Holy Quran, superiority depends on the individual qualities (developed personality, character, and one's deeds) and not by virtue of birth. In Islam's basic principles, men and women are equal partners. All these ideas of man's superiority are the creation of the "Islam" manufactured during the era of Muslim monarchy, when the women were auctioned off in the markets. The classical books of Muslim jurisprudence are full of rules and regulations about their trade.