An Example of Noble Character

Both reason and revelation support this division. For life to function smoothly, each gender must be content within their respective role and fulfill it with full dedication. Men should not try to become women, and women should not attempt to imitate men. Those who accept this natural and divine arrangement will find success in this life—and in the Hereafter as well. THREE STAGES A woman goes through three major stages in her life. First, she lives with her parents as a daughter. Then, after marriage, she becomes a wife and joins her husband’s home. Finally, when she becomes a mother, she takes on the role of a parent. These three stages are part of almost every woman’s life. Each comes with its own set of responsibilities, and a woman must fulfill them according to their demands in order to grow and ultimately achieve real success. These stages can be broadly categorized under three headings: Education, Household Management, and Raising the Next Generation. In the first stage, when a woman is a girl, her most important responsibility is to acquire an education. This is the most formative period of life. As it has been said: “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim man and woman.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 224)