2. THE QUALITIES OF A BELIEVING WOMAN

2. The qualities of a believing woman ~ 23 ~ 2. THE QUALITIES OF A BELIEVING WOMAN UMM SALMAH, the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, once remarked to the Prophet, “I hear of God mentioning men but not women.” It was in this context that the following verse was revealed to the Prophet: I will deny no man or woman among you the reward of their labors. You are members, one of another.28 This makes it clear that, although males and females differ from one another biologically, they are equal in terms of human status, they have a definite partnership with one another, and there is no distinction made between them as regards their respective rights. They are, in fact, each other’s lifetime companions. 28. Qur’an, 3:195. THE PRINCIPLE OF THE DIVISION OF LABOR Within the social framework, however, Islam — to