WOMEN IN ISLAM

and as long as she maintains her dignity and safeguards her honour. The 12th-century famous Islamic philosopher Qadi Ibn Rushd (Averroes) said that women were equal to men in all aspects and thus could excel in times of trouble like war or peace. (Jamil Ahmed 1994. Ibn Rushd. Monthly Renaissance IV. Retrieved 2008-10-14.) Professor T.W. Arnold has written in this regard: “It is interesting to note that the propagation of Islam has not been the work of men only, but that Muslim women have also taken their part in this pious task.” (T.W. Arnold, The Preachings of Islam. (1976), p 415) WOMEN IN RELIGIOUS LIFE In Islam, there is no difference between men and women regarding their relationship with God. They would both receive identical rewards and punishments for their conduct. The Quran says: “To whoever does good deeds, man or woman, and is a believer, We shall assuredly give a good life, and we will bestow upon them their reward according to the best of their works.” (16:97) A tradition of the Prophet says, “Everything in this world is a piece of property or a possession. The best possession in the world is a pious woman.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 6567) The early days of Islam showed the prominence of female religious scholars. Women took part in national activities, acted as advisors, and, while they were efficient