An Example of Noble Character

THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER The phrase “You are members, one of another” refers to both men and women. It means that they are essential to each other—integral halves of the same whole. In other words, woman is the other half of man, and man is the other half of woman. According to the Quran, they are companions, equal partners, and sharers of the same human dignity. There is no distinction in their inherent worth or rank before God. There are two kinds of differences among human beings: physical and human. Physical differences exist not only between men and women but also among individuals of the same gender. However, just as physical differences between two men or two women do not imply any difference in their human worth, the physical differences between men and women do not imply any inequality in dignity. In terms of roles, there may be a natural division. But in terms of value, there is complete equality. As the Quran makes clear, just as men and women are equal in this world, they are equal in the Hereafter. Both will be judged by the same criteria. Their words and actions will be measured by the same standard. What brings salvation to one will bring salvation to the other. What leads to success for a man will lead to success for a woman as well. What is this shared standard? The verse cited above outlines it: deep reflection on the universe that leads to spiritual awareness, recognition of the Creator, belief in the Prophet of Islam, longing for the Hereafter, migration in the way