بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ
يٰۤـاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوۡا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِىۡ خَلَقَكُمۡ مِّنۡ نَّفۡسٍ وَّاحِدَةٍ وَّخَلَقَ مِنۡهَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيۡرًا وَّنِسَآءً​ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِىۡ تَسَآءَلُوۡنَ بِهٖ وَالۡاَرۡحَامَ​ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ رَقِيۡبًا

Oh mankind! Fear your Lord Who created you from a single being and out of it created its mate; and out of the two created many men and women. Fear Allah in Whose name you plead for rights, and heed the ties of kinship. Surely, Allah is ever watchful over you. Surah (4:1)

The details how out of that ‘being’ its mate was created are not known to us. The explanation which is generally given by the commentators of the Qur’an and which is also found in the Bible is that Eve was, created out of a rib of Adam. (The Talmud is even more detailed in that it states that Eve was created out of Adam’s thirteenth rib on the left side).

The Qur’an, however, is silent on the matter and the tradition which is adduced in support of this statement does not mean what it is often thought to be. It is thus better that we leave the matter in the same state of ambiguity in which it was left by Allah, rather than waste our time trying to determine, in detail, the actual process of the creation of man’s mate.

In Islam, men and women are considered equal in terms of their intrinsic worth and spiritual value. However, there are certain biological, psychological, and social differences between men and women that shape their respective roles and responsibilities within the Islamic framework. These differences are recognized to accommodate the unique qualities and strengths that each gender possesses. Islam promotes complementarity rather than inequality, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony between men and women. It upholds the idea that while men and women may have distinct roles and duties, they share the same fundamental rights and are equally accountable for their actions before Allah.

In this present day, many women may exhibit behaviors traditionally associated with men due to a combination of societal, cultural, and individual factors. Women have been actively challenging gender roles and striving for, (what they classify as), equal opportunities.

As gender roles change, women are empowered to pursue careers, express assertiveness, and engage in activities previously considered masculine. Additionally, societal legislation, increased education, and changing attitudes towards gender equality have contributed to the dismantling of gender stereotypes. Women’s motivations for acting in ways traditionally associated with men can vary widely, but ultimately and sometimes unfortunately, it reflects their desire for self-expression, empowerment, and the freedom to shape their own identities. Even the well know Christian pastor, T. D. Jakes, has strong views regarding this gender transformation.

In conclusion, women hold a significant role and are considered equal in terms of spirituality, worth, and human rights. They have the right to education, work, and own property. Women are encouraged to participate in community life and contribute to society. While modesty in dress and behavior should be emphasized, it is a personal choice and varies across cultures. Women can lead and engage in various professions, including education, science, politics, and business. Islam emphasizes the importance of women’s roles as mothers, wives, and caregivers, but it also recognizes and supports their right to pursue personal aspirations and contribute to the development of society.

By mabdussalaam

Creator and C.E.O. of Interfaith Library A competent and dedicated educator & theologian, with over 30 years of theological teaching experience as an Imam and spiritual advisor.