WOMEN IN ISLAM

purposes and roles. Place them then in their respective fields, and they will be equally successful in various ways. But if they are placed in the same field, neither men nor women can make the best use of their creative faculties and general abilities. In such a situation, the women will inevitably find themselves forced into inferior positions. STATUS OF WOMEN IN RELIGIONS The study of religions shows that despite theological differences between the various religions, they all place equal emphasis on human values in their teachings. Each religion lays stress on respect for humanity. Women are a part of humanity, and respect for them is essential to religious teachings. Discrepancies may be found in practice, but so far as the teachings are concerned, each religion accords equal status to women. For instance, Christianity grants full rights to women. In the letters of St. Paul, women are mentioned as Christians of full value. St. Paul addresses Prisca (Priscilla) in Romans, Chapter 16, Verse 3, as his fellow worker. The four daughters of Philip were active as prophets in the congregation. Peter, in a sermon on Pentecost, spoke about men and women as recipients of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” (4/523) What is the Islamic viewpoint regarding women? In this connection, there are two references, one from the Quran and the other from the Hadith.