The Position of Women in Islam

WOMEN AND ISLAM Words of the Prophet Muhammad The following traditions of the Prophet indicate the elevated function of women in Islam: The best among you is he who is best for his family. For my family, I am the best of all of you. (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3895) The most perfect man of religion is one who excels in character. The best among you is he who treats his womenfolk best. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6035) From the above verses of the Quran and Prophetic Traditions, it is clear that, although males and females differ from one another biologically, they are equal in terms of human status. No distinction is made between women and men as regards their respective rights. This is all to the good if they are to be lifetime companions. Man and woman, in the eyes of Islam then, are not duplicates of one another but complements. This concept permits the shortcomings of one sex to be compensated for by the strengths of the other. It is a fact that women, in general, are not physically as strong as men, but their physical weakness in no way implies their inferiority to men. The eyes are the most delicate parts of our body, while the nails, by comparison, are strong. That does not mean that the nails are superior to the eyes.