Since time immemorial, the relations between men and women have been a tricky issue. Archaeological, anthropological, as well as historical studies have shown that both sexes played almost an equally important role in shaping our human civilization. Life is impossible if one were subjugated by the other. The relations between these compatible sexes, should then be that of understanding, respect, and equality. Let us imagine human civilization as a bird. These two genders represent the two wings. There is no doubt both these wings are equally important for the bird. Is it not? However, looking at the situation of women in many countries we will notice that such equality does not exist. In some places and communities women are viewed at as evil or a source of evil. This exists in communities of different backgrounds and faiths, including those of the three monotheistic faiths. The question that then arises is: Do the monotheistic religions call for subordination of women? Before we answer this question we should ask ourselves why did God create men and women? The main purpose behind our creation is the worship of God. However, in order for life to go on and worship to continue, there must be a continuous procreation. Therefore there must be men and women. Hence, both the genders have a particular role to play in the process of procreation and both these roles are equally important. The differences between the sexes are necessary for producing children and their proper nurturing. However, when it comes to our relationship with God, we find that both men and women are equal. Monotheistic religions, especially Islam (since that will be my focus in this article), came to humanize people and gave equal status to both sexes. Looking at the Qur'an, women are among both good and bad examples for human beings in general, making them sometimes representative of both sexes. When Umm Salamah, one of the Prophet's wives, asked him why women were not mentioned as the men in the Qur'an, the following verse was revealed: “Verily, the Muslims men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient, the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give charity, the men and the women who observe fasting, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise). “(Qur'an, 33:35) This verse makes it clear that Muslim men and women have equal status, responsibility, and reward in the Religion. Hence, there is no real discrimination against women. The protection of women and their rights is seen in the story of Ayesha, the youngest wife of the Prophet (peace be upon him). She was falsely accused of adultery by the hypocrites, who were enemies of Islam pretending to be Muslims. This of course caused great pain to her and to the Prophet (peace be upon him). God revealed several verses clearing her of the blasphemy and proving her chastity in the Qur'an. God then demanded people to produce four eye witnesses before making any such accusation. So in Islam people who accuse women of adultery without producing the four witnesses are to be flogged for slandering. In another example, a women came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and complained about her husband who did not satisfy her sexually. A verse was revealed condemning this practice. “Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with you concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah…” (Qur'an, 58:1) These are just two examples among many of how Islam protected the rights of women and honored them. According to Islam, men and women were created from one soul. “O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person, and from him He created his wife, and from them both He created many men and women.” (Qur'an, 4:1) Whatever good men and women do, each will receive their due reward. “Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female... “(Qur'an, 3:195) God also says: “Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer verily, to him We will give a good life, and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do. “(Qur'an, 16:97) Moreover, both genders are required to do the same duties in acts of worship like prayer, fasting, Zakat and Haj. If this is the position of women in Islam, then why are women treated as second-class Muslims by some people? Why aren't women treated the way they were during the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? The reason I think lies in the difference between Islam on the one hand and Muslims' practice on the other. Though they both should be the same, many Muslims sadly are not implementing Islamic teachings. Similarly, what some Jews and Christians do may not be in line with the true teachings of their religions. So it is important to distinguish between people's practices and the spirit of Islam and the law which was laid down by Allah in the Qur'an and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his life.
