CHAPTER 3
WOMEN IN HISTORY AND TODAY
An anthology of the Quran prepared by English orientalist, Edward William Lane, published in 1843, carried a foreword that stated that “the fatal point in Islam is the degradation of women .” This ill-considered observation gained currency over the years. If one takes an objective study of the Islamic scriptures, one will conclude that this is contrary to the fact.
In almost every inhabited corner of the globe, the societies of ancient times regarded the status of women as being inferior to that of men. Islam set a precedent in human history by granting women equal status and proper rights, which had as far-reaching an effect on the civilization of the times as Western civilization has had on today's world.
While giving women rights, Islam also explained that there are apparent differences between men and women. The difference between the sexes can be compared to the two wheels of a cart. One wheel is not equal to the other. They are complementary to one another. God had made biological and psychological differences between a man and a woman. This difference is made so that they become good life partners for one another. Both are complementary to one another. Both complete one another. Therefore, the concept of gender equality is unnatural and creates unnecessary conflict between the two. The concept of gender differences produces the concept of being complementary to each other and supporting each other. It enables the partners to run the cart of life as two wheels joined together.
