By giving us laws to follow and explaining to us the importance of fulfilling our duties, the Prophet (pbuh) taught us that we have the ability to perfect our souls. To be who we want to be, think our own thoughts, voice our own opinions without having to having to hide behind those of the men around us.
I have a blind pen pal who says that one of the most frustrating things for the blind is the fact that the world seems to have been made for those who can see. Society rarely thinks of the disabled when designing roads or houses, when providing jobs and facilities.
Women today express the same feeling when they say ‘it’s a man’s world’ – made for the convenience of men.
But the Prophet (pbuh) gave us a faith that says, the world has been given to Adam and Eve alike, a faith that has adjusted itself for both women and men – considering the unique characteristics of each gender and then applying rules accordingly.
The equality of women in Islam is everywhere you look. When the Prophet (pbuh) accepted pledges of allegiance from the Muslims, he did so from both the men and women – he didn’t say that a husband’s pledge would represent that of his wife or a father’s that of his daughter. He asked for a promise of loyalty from each woman, showing that the acceptance was her personal choice
And what greater proof of equality can one have than the fact that on the Day of Judgement, God has said He will question each soul - whether male or female - alone for its actions. We will not hide behind the men in our lives but face our Lord alone, and be rewarded or punished alone.
In short – the only person in charge of you is you yourself.
As we realise that the choice is ours, we must also then understand that each of us is different and so our choices will be different. One of the major problems women have is that they tend to look down on each other.
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