Shahbaaz Bashir Shah
In Islam equality is a fundamental concept, though it is understood in the context of justice, respect and the inherent dignity of all human beings. Islam teaches that all people, regardless of their race, gender, social status or ethnicity are equal in the eyes of God. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of justice, fairness, and the recognition of human worth.
Islam honours the human race in it’s two forms without distinguishing between male or female:
“And we bestowed dignity on the children of A’dam and provided them with rides on the land and in the sea, and provided them with a variety of good things and made them superior to many of those whom we have created.”
Quran (17:70)
The Almighty declare that the principle of comparison is on the basis righteous deeds and piety ; God Almighty said:
“O mankind we have created you from a male and female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another. Surely the noblest of you, in Allah’s sight, is the one who is most pious of you.”
Quran (49:13)
And just as Quran emphasized the principle of equality, the Sunnah also emphasized it:
[Indeed women are sisters to men]
Musnad Ahmad 16195 p 43/265
Equal rights and duties :- Men and women are equal in terms of legal duties and obligations and there is no difference between them in terms of reward and punishment for obedience and disobedience. Almighty Allah said;
“Whoever male or female, does good deeds and is a believer, then such people shall enter Paradise, and they shall not be wronged in the best.”
Quran (3:195)
Abdullah bin Omar RA heard the Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) say;
“Each of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.”
Sahih Al Bukhari
Islam also emphasized the equality between men and women to acquire property and owning it;
“And do not covet that by which Allah has made some of you excel others; for the men there is a share of what they have earned, and for women there is a share of what they have earned, and ask Allah of His virtue. Surely Allah is all knowing.
Quran (4:32)
Islam provided for the rights of women and men in inheritance.
“For men there is a share in what the parents and the nearest of kin love left. And for women there is a share in what the parents and the nearest of kin love left, be it small or large a determined share.”
Quran (4:7)
Aspects of equality in Islam
1. Spiritual Equality : The Quran emphasizes that all humans are equal in the eyes of God in terms of spiritual equality. Quran says,
“O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed the noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
Quran (49:13)
2. Gender Equality : women were granted the rights to own property, seek education, and participate in social, economic and political life during the time of prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Quran emphasizes mutual respect between men and women. “And they (women) have rights similar to those of men over them in kindness.”
Quran (2:228)
3. Economic and Social Equality : Charity is one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasizing the importance of giving to those in need and ensuring a fairer distribution of resources. “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain which produces seven ears, and in each ear is a hundred grains.”
Quran (2:261)
4. Equality in Worship : In Islam men and women are equally responsible for their worship and religious obligations. They must both perform Prayer (five times a day), fasting during Ramadan and fulfill their religious duties.
Author is a student of Darul Uloom Nadwa Tul Ulama. He can be mailed at shahbaazshah469@gmail.com
