STATUS OF WOMEN IN RELIGIONS
The study of religions shows that despite theological differences between the various religions, they all place equal emphasis on human values in their teachings. Each religion lays stress on respect for humanity. Women are a part of humanity, and respect for them is essential to religious teachings. Discrepancies may be found in practice, but so far as the teachings are concerned, each religion accords equal status to women.
For instance, Christianity grants full rights to women. In the letters of St. Paul, women are mentioned as Christians of full value. St. Paul addresses Prisca (Priscilla) in Romans, Chapter 16, Verse 3, as his fellow worker. The four daughters of Philip were active as prophets in the congregation. Peter, in a sermon on Pentecost, spoke about men and women as recipients of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” (4/523)
What is the Islamic viewpoint regarding women? In this connection, there are two references, one from the Quran and the other from the Hadith.
On the subject of men and women, the Quran has this to say:
“…you are members, one of another.” (3:195)
Similarly, the Prophet of Islam has observed:
“Women are the second half of men.” “Indeed, women are counterparts of men.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 113)
With these two references, it becomes clear that Islam recognizes equal status for both sexes without showing any discrimination.
Islamic Viewpoint vs. Secular Viewpoint
This shows that so far as the question of assigning equal status to both sexes is concerned, there is no difference between Islamic and secular viewpoints. Both hold the same opinion on this matter.
Then, wherein lies the difference between the Islamic and secular viewpoints. This difference lies in the division of the workplace. In Islam, a woman’s workplace is basically (though not totally) inside the home. Meanwhile, a man’s workplace is basically (though not totally) outside the house.
Both these viewpoints may be stated in this brief description:
(1) Secular Viewpoint: gender equality within the common workplace.
(2) Islamic Viewpoint: gender equality in different workplaces.
We learn that the Islamic viewpoint is more rational when we go deeper into the issue. Since all research tells us that fundamental biological differences exist between men and women, it is natural that with such in-built differences, they should be allotted separate workplaces.
The difference between the two viewpoints results from Islam according to equal status for both sexes, so far as honour and respect are concerned while assigning them separate workplaces. This division in no way relates to the status of women in the family or society. Instead, it relates to the division of the workplace on the grounds of biological differences.
The division of labour is a principle of nature. It relates not only to the division of labour between man and woman but also between man and man and woman and woman. Concerning innate talents, all individuals differ from one another. Therefore, this division of labour is a permanent feature that affects men equally in the masculine sphere and women in the feminine sphere. Then what is so strange about Islam advocating the same division of labour between men and women?
This difference is in no way an obstacle to the performance of incredible feats. For instance, educational institutions for children provide an extended workplace for women. Educating a generation is one of the most significant tasks in any human society. There may be many such workplaces that are best suited to the talents and aptitudes of women.
The Prophet’s wives are role models for women in Islam. We learn that the women of those days participated in all kinds of religious and worldly activities while preserving their femininity. For instance, the Prophet’s wife, Aisha, having gained full knowledge of Islam from the Prophet, was able, after the death of the Prophet, to perform the task of teacher and guide to the Muslim community for about fifty years.
Umar Farooq, the second caliph of Islam, once made a speech in Madinah as a caliph. During the speech, an ordinary woman of Madinah rose to tell him that what he had said was not by the Quran. Umar Farooq, in deference to her opinion, changed his statement forthwith and thanked the woman. These instances tell us how high a place is accorded to women in Islam.
It is true that in actual practice, we find many examples of women not being granted their rightful status in present Muslim society. But so far as the actual teachings of Islam are concerned, there is no discrimination between men and women.
