GUIDING LIGHTS: Spiritual Role of Women in Islam

of the role of women: “Men and women are two halves of a single unit.” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith No. 236) We see that the scriptures of Islam make it clear that neither sex is inferior or superior to the other. However, studies in biology and psychology show that the sexes are different, each being designed for a different purpose. So, the Islamic maxim runs: “Equal in respect, but different in role.” In Islam, therefore, a woman enjoys the same status as that of a man. There is no difference between man and woman regarding status, rights, and blessings in this world and the Hereafter. Both are considered equal participants in carrying out the functions of daily living. WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL ROLE IN EARLY MUSLIM SOCIETY The studies tell us that women have been gifted by nature with the qualities required to bring peace and harmony to society in times of conflict. These include gentleness, selflessness, compassion, mildness, and a