Are Women Lesser Than Men?
In most Islamic societies, women are presented as beings who are incapable in many ways. They’re raised as if they’re inherently weak, unable to bear responsibility, constantly in need of protection, and needing a man to guard their well-being and chastity at all times.
It is believed that women can not be in a particular setup because of their genetic predisposition. Thus, they’re told to sit at home while the men do things on their behalf. Women are also not allowed to be financially independent or politically active.
Thus, knowingly or unknowingly, Islamic societies paint a picture that women are lesser than men. But is this picture correct?
The Verse of Surah Nisa:
Whenever the question of gender equality and women empowerment comes up, people readily cite the Quran (verse 34 from Surah Nisa), to back their claim, implying that men are superior to women.
However, that’s not the meaning of the verse. The verse does not mean that men are superior to women. It rather means that men are in the service of women. Men are there to be at the behest of women — not to usurp or coerce, not to exercise power over women.
The Quranic Point of View:
The paradigm that the Quran has set out in terms of what a woman’s role constitutes is very different from how Muslims have historically perceived it. In verse 11 of Surah Tahrim, even though Allah has addressed believers in general, He has given examples of women. One could ask why did Allah give examples of women to men?
It’s like Allah knew the mindset of the men of that era — and every era. Therefore, Allah lowered their ego by giving brilliant examples of women. So when they look at a woman, they treat her as an individual endowed with capability and intellect.
Example of Steadfastness and Independence: Lady Aasiya
In Surah Tahrim, Allah has given the parable of Lady Aasiya bint Muzahim.
“Allah draws an[other] example for those who have faith: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, ‘My Lord! Build me a home near You in paradise, and deliver me from Pharaoh and his conduct, and deliver me from the wrongdoing lot.’”
Quran 66:11
In the above verse, when Allah says “Aamanu” (those who have faith), it includes both men and women. Lady Aasiya was the wife of the Pharaoh of Egypt, a corrupt man. Allah has cited her example because she lived in the midst of corruption. Yet, she upheld her faith and protected it. It shows that a woman can live in the midst of corruption but not be tainted by it.
Example of Chastity and Independence: Lady Maryam
“And Mary, daughter of Imran, who guarded the chastity of her womb, so We breathed into it of Our spirit. She confirmed the words of her Lord and His Books, and she was one of the obedient.”
Quran 66:12
In verse 12 of Surah Tahrim, Allah has given the example of Lady Maryam bint Imran, how she protected her chastity and honour despite living in a society that was known to be promiscuous. One may ask why Allah has highlighted the issue of Lady Maryam’s chastity. Perhaps because He knows that the community she was raised in was a promiscuous one. But she proved herself a role model by rejecting that particular kind of life.
Lady Maryam stood out in the crowd; she came out with flying colours without having a man by her side. Despite that, many Muslims today think that a woman needs a man by her side to protect her.
Example of Empowerment and Independence: Prophet Shoaib’s Daughter
This lady was a working woman. She was a shepherd. Her father was a prophet, the highest religious authority of his time. Didn’t he know that a woman couldn’t work? The Holy Quran narrates her encounter with Prophet Musa in Surah al-Qasas, how she was a working woman with dignity and honour, and how she maintained modesty at work.
“Then one of the two women approached him, walking bashfully. She said, ‘Indeed, my father invites you to pay you the wages for watering [our flock] for us.’ So when he came to him and recounted the story to him, he said, ‘Do not be afraid. You have been delivered from the wrongdoing lot.’
One of the two women said, ‘Father, hire him. Indeed the best you can hire is a powerful and trustworthy man.’”
Quran 28:25-26
And how Prophet Shoaib gave importance to her opinion when she told him about Prophet Musa. She asked her father to hire Prophet Musa. Taking it as a sign, Prophet Shoaib asked Prophet Musa to marry her daughter. But even today, many Muslim parents fail to give the same kind of respect to their daughters’ choices when it comes to marriage.
Example of Leadership and Independence: Lady Bilquees
Surah Naml mentions the story of Lady Bilquees.
“I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given everything, and she has a great throne.”
Quran 27:23
She was the Queen of Sheba and a very powerful leader. She was the Head of the State said to have a council of 313 advisors under her command. She was morally upright too.
“She said, ‘O [members of the] elite! Indeed a noble letter has been delivered to me. It is from Solomon, and it begins in the name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful. [It states,] “Do not defy me and come to me in submission.” ’
She said, ‘O [members of the] elite! Give me your opinion concerning my matter. I do not decide any matter until you are present.’ They said, ‘We are powerful and possess a great might. But it is up to you to command. So, see what you will command.’”
Quran 27:29-33
She led a great kingdom and consulted her advisors in political decisions.
It is said that when Imam Mahdi reappears, his army will have 313 men and 57 women in positions of power. But even today, most Muslims opine that women are not fit to rule.
Example of Muslim Women:
The Islamic community needs to ponder the amazing examples of independent and powerful women the Holy Quran gives. But what about some examples from the post-Islamic era? Are there Muslim women who outshined men in the course of history? Absolutely.
We have the example of Lady Khadija, who was a business tycoon in 7th century Arabia. She was the one who provided crucial financial support to early Islam. We have the example of Lady Fatima fighting for her and her husband’s rights in the court of the first caliph. And we have the example of Lady Zaynab, who has left the finest example of leadership in the most difficult circumstances. She led in a situation where even men would shiver.
All these examples are enough to change the popular narrative on women. It is only naive to think that women are less than men in Islam. Blind adherence to cultural norms has perhaps formed a distorted picture of women’s capabilities – which needs to change.
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March 10, 2023, 12:07 pm
Salaam
Incomplete work
Women need men 4 protection even if they be infants or ailing men
Sorry, but not satisfied with your conclusions
March 10, 2023, 12:33 pm
Alaykum Salaam.
The aim of this Guide is nothing but to break this myth. Men and women are both interdependent. But according to the Quran, they also have independent and equal identities to the extent that a woman can be an example for all believing men to come.
March 11, 2023, 4:22 am
The conclusions of the Qur’ānic surahs in this article are based on personal interpretation rather than on Qur’ān and Ahl Al-Bayt (as).
Just to point out one flawed interpretation:
“In verse 12 of Surah Tahrim… Perhaps because He knows that the community she was raised in was a promiscuous one. But she proved herself a role model by rejecting that particular kind of life…”
There is no indication in any of the ayah that the community was a promiscuous one. Au contraire, the people expect a higher standard of morals & chastity from Lady Maryam (sa) and when she brings a baby without a husband by her side, they are shocked and say to her:
[Surah Maryam: verse 27-28] Then she returned to her people, carrying him. They said ˹in shock˺, “O Mary! You have certainly done a horrible thing! O sister of Aaron! Your father was not an indecent man, nor was your mother unchaste.”
It seems the society had some morals and didn’t tolerate indecency. If it was a promiscuous society, they wouldn’t have been shocked and accused her of doing a “horrible thing”.
March 11, 2023, 10:18 am
Salaam Alaykum.
Thank you for your comment. And it shows that we are able to achieve the intended goal of Thaqlain Guides: Encouraging healthy discussions from the content delivered on the Mimbar. Alhamdolillah.
As for the word Fariyaa used in verse 27, sadly, Quran.com has translated it as horrible. However, the word, in actuality means something that is strange or surprises you. And the surprise they had is shared in the following verse: they weren’t expecting the sister of Aaron to be involved in indecency. Nowhere does it say that they were displeased with the act itself happening in their society.
As for the promiscuity of society in general, a lot has been written by western authors. And while Nazareth might have been in a better condition, the moral compass concerning sexual desires was heading downwards.
However, we will definitely request Sheikh Jehad Ismail to share the research that led him to this conclusion.
March 11, 2023, 8:13 am
Assalam u Allaikum
1 In our shariah it is not permissible for women to perform Hajj without a Mahram.
2 There has never been a prophet who was a lady .
3 Two witnesses ladies are equal to one man witness.
4 Even rationally speaking ladies are more emotional then men and their actions are driven by that as well.
So rationally speaking ladies are not fit to any leadership role. It is something that Allah made them with .. This might also be the reason why no women were made a prophet.
Allah swt made women and men not independent but dependent on each other.. There are some departments and occasions where women perform better. So in a way men and women complement each other.
Being Independent concept doesn’t make sense to me.
Wassalam
March 11, 2023, 10:36 am
Salaam Alaykum,
It seems that you have misunderstood the entire Islamic philosophy of gender roles and have used select examples. Because we see that simultaneously a woman is not obligated to work for livelihood (while a man is), is not obligated to take care of her household (while a husband is) and is not even obligated to care for her child (she can even ask for remuneration for breastfeeding).
The definition of independence in this blog is pretty clear: according to Quran, she doesn’t need a man to steer her in order to achieve worldly or spiritual goals. Same as a man who does not need a woman to steer her. Both genders are innately capable and empowered to achieve good.