FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Prof. Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Sufism’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Prof. Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary of the Quran into English. ISLAMIC CONCEPT OF GENDER EQUALITY M EN Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is a book written by American author and relationship counselor John Gray. The book states that there are fundamental psychological differences between the two sexes. Not taking into account these differences creates problems and friction in relationships, families, and society at large. In an article published in Time magazine, November 18, 2019, p. 21, biological differences among men and women are attributed to be a factor in women being more susceptible to lung cancer, at least in theory: "Research shows that the type of lung cancer most common among nonsmokers disproportionately affects women, and young women are more likely to have a gene mutation often found in the tumors of nonsmokers. Quirks of female sex hormones or women’s immune systems could be responsible (…). (…) something about female biology could make women more susceptible than men to genetic mutations caused by carcinogens in cigarettes. If so, a higher percentage of women who pick up the habit could develop cancer, relative to men." Thus, the biological and psychological differences between men and women are a scientific reality. Any attempt to formally guide human beings regarding their role and status in society must necessarily take into account these differences. The Quran calls Islam a religion of nature. This is because Islam is, in fact, based on the laws of nature. The commands of the Quran are a direct expression of those laws which have operated in the world of nature since its creation.