Contrary to the customs practiced in most of the Muslim world today, Islam granted equal but not the same status to men and women, 1400 years ago.The Qur’an specifically declares that the souls of men and women are equal, and that obligations and rewards are equally bestowed upon both. In Verse 124 Chapter 4 of The Holy Qur’an, God Almighty says:
“If any do deeds of righteousness – Be they male or female – and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.”
Although, men and women are equal in the eyes of God, Islam acknowledges that they are physically, biologically, and emotionally different. It is for this reason that some lifestyle details are different. A woman is made to be a mate or companion for man, and is not to be considered a source of all evil, but a blessing from God.
Islam granted women complete economic independence, before and after marriage. A Muslim women is under no obligation to provide for or supplement the family income. The husband has the entire responsibility.
Islamic law gives women the right to choose their husbands and to initiate a divorce. Muslim women have always had the right to vote, a right achieved by the women in the West only recently.
Prophet Muhammad said: “Paradise is under the feet of your mother.”
