THE LAST WORD
The system of this world was created by the Creator of nature on the principle of pairing. This principle is so universal that it extends beyond the sphere of male and female. The law that two elements combine to produce a meaningful result is far broader than this; it is true of almost everything in existence. Every significant event in the world comes into being through the combination of two components. For example, when two gases, hydrogen and oxygen, combine, they produce something as meaningful as water.
Similarly, sight is one of the most remarkable and meaningful phenomena in the world. Even if everything else existed in our world, but there was no faculty of sight, the whole world would suddenly become a dark and meaningless wilderness. The phenomenon of sight, however, depends on the combination of two things: light and the eye. If there were light but no eye, or an eye but no light, everything would still exist in the world, but the experience of seeing would not occur. Yet it is upon this experience of seeing that all the beauty and splendour of the world depend.
The same principle applies to man and woman. What is described as the building of life can take place only when both man and woman fulfill their respective roles. Neither can, on their own, carry out the process of building life.
For this joint effort to be effective, one essential element is required: adjustment. The two stones of a mill must move together in harmony for wheat to be ground into flour and made useful for human beings. Yet in this process, one stone must be above and the other below. Only through this practical alignment can the two stones produce something meaningful. Similarly, in the process of building life, harmony between man and woman is absolutely essential.
According to nature’s creation plan, woman constitutes half of humanity, and man constitutes the other half. In terms of dignity and status, however, men and women are completely equal. In society and law, both genders possess equal worth in every respect. However, in accordance with the general principle of nature, a system of division of labour has been established between them. Certain areas of human activity are assigned to men, while others are assigned to women. For the collective progress of human civilization, there is no better system than this.
According to Islam, the world in which we live is a test. Being a man is a responsibility, and being a woman is also a responsibility. For both, success or failure is judged by the same standard: how well each fulfills the responsibilities assigned to them.
Throughout history, women have accomplished many great and remarkable deeds. Although recorded history rarely mentions them, this omission is not limited to women alone; it also applies to men. The historiographical tradition established in ancient times primarily emphasized political and military figures. Unfortunately, this approach still prevails today.
As a result, the achievements of non-political men are seldom documented in written history. Likewise, the extraordinary contributions of women, despite their great significance, have received very little attention in historical records.
Based on my study and experience, I have observed that behind nearly every major event in the world, there is, in some form, a woman—often a mother or a wife. When successful people are asked who played the greatest role in their success, most mention their mother, wife, or another influential woman in their lives.
The same is true of leaders associated with major historical events. Many have acknowledged that the strongest influence in shaping their character came from their mother, wife, or another close woman. The famous American inventor Thomas Alva Edison once said, “The real force behind all of my successes is my mother.”
Viewed from this perspective, a woman plays the most influential role in shaping human life—sometimes openly, but more often quietly and behind the scenes. This is a universal human experience: even if it has not been recorded in official history, it is known to everyone through personal experience.
In modern times, a global movement for women’s liberation has emerged. In my view, this movement is unnatural.
More accurately, what the world needs is a movement that promotes women’s responsibility. Such a movement would emphasize the constructive role of women, whereas the unnatural movement for women’s liberation has only fostered a spirit of lawlessness and moral looseness.
The greatest damage caused by this unnatural movement is that half of the institution responsible for building humanity has disintegrated, to the extent that it can no longer effectively contribute to human development. The future of humanity now depends on rebuilding this internal institution exactly as it once existed. Human history has reached an impasse at this point, and it can resume its meaningful journey only from here.
Whether man or woman, both are destined to play an important role in the building of humanity. To fulfill this role successfully, both must prepare themselves accordingly. They must learn the art of managing life: the art of organizing their lives in a meaningful way. They should discover the hidden potential within their personalities. They must undergo deconditioning in order to develop a realistic, truth-centred mindset. Through intellectual growth, they should elevate their level of thinking and gain a deeper understanding of the principle of differentiation: the ability to discern and distinguish correctly between things.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that no significant achievement in this world can be attained without patience. Patience creates inner balance and prevents the unnecessary loss of energy. It prevents minor disagreements from developing into conflicts. Patience is essential for collaborative effort, for it transforms despair into hope. It nurtures maturity: the ability to change what can be changed and to accept what cannot be changed.
To play a meaningful role in life, a person must move beyond the demands of the ego. This requires overcoming such weaknesses as superficiality, selfishness and narrow-mindedness. One must embrace simple living and high thinking, value time and make the best possible use of it. One must also avoid becoming distracted by matters that are unimportant or irrelevant. The truth is that every woman and every man is born with immense potential. Turning that potential into reality is the true meaning of success.
—Wahiduddin Khan
New Delhi, July 19, 2004
