FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

We find an example in this connection in the life of the Prophet of Islam in relation to his wife Aisha. There are many reports that tell us that the Prophet’s conversations with Aisha were aimed at educating her. Aisha says that when the Prophet of Islam would get up at night after a few hours, in that peaceful atmosphere he would converse with her for a long time. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). This course of informal education continued uninterrupted, for Aisha used to accompany the Prophet even on his journeys. This informal education was so important for Aisha that she became the most distinguished personality so far as religious knowledge was concerned. She survived the Prophet for a full fifty years. Throughout this period she remained a very valuable source for the acquisition of religious knowledge. Her house served as a school of religious learning. In the early period of Islam―regarded as model for all believers―we have a number of examples that show that women used to take part in practical matters. For instance Khadija, the Prophet’s wife, conducted business, and Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter helped with giving first aid to the wounded in battle. Asma, Abu Bakr’s daughter, looked after her camels and date orchard, etc. Modern civilization believes in equality, which means there is no difference between the two genders. But Islam regards this equality as unnatural. In the light of Islamic teachings men and women both are, without doubt, equal. In God’s eyes, both have equal rights and duties. Owing to their biological structure, however, they are different from one another. That is to say, they are equal but different. The characteristics of true believers, both men and women, are referred to in the Quran in these words: Those.... who are devout, sincere, patient, humble, charitable and chaste, who fast and are ever mindful of God—on these both men and women, God will bestow forgiveness and a rich reward. (33: 35) These are the attributes which both men and women must cultivate if they want to become God’s favoured servants. These are the qualities that form the basis of Islam, and are the true means of salvation in the Hereafter. o Dr. Farida Khanam hub@thespiritofislam.org