Progress of Women: An Islamic Perspective

WOMEN IN HISTORY AND TODAY We will bestow upon them their reward according to the best of their works.” (16:97) Even while seeking the blessings of God, both men and women are promised full returns of their labour, apart from the excessive bounties showered by Him: “Men shall be rewarded according to their deeds, and women shall be rewarded according to their deeds. You should rather ask God for His bounty. God has knowledge of all things.” (4:32) The wisdom of the principles and the laws of nature has been employed in regulating mutual relationships. The Quran states: “We created pairs of all things” (51: 49). This acknowledges men and women as distinctly separate entities yet relates the two mutually, making each the friends and guardians of the other: “The believers, both men and women, are friends to each other; they enjoin what is good and forbid evil, they attend to their prayers and pay the alms and obey God and His Messenger.” (9:71) Personal development, intellectual pursuits and knowledge acquisition are human rights that should be conceded to males and females alike, without discrimination. Islam allows for equal opportunities for both sexes in the pursuit of knowledge. Here is nothing of the reaction or hatred that modern society preaches. There is no derision, no