The holy book of Qur’an is a complete guide for all people, not only the muslims but all human beings on earth. God says in the Qur’an that He did not send Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but as a mercy for all creatures (Qur’an chapter 21 verse 107). Therefore, the teachings and rules in the Qur’an are as a matter of fact universal.

The issue of feminism still exists and it is loudly spoken out in some parts of the world by the feminists. However, not so many people know that Islam also covers the issue feminism in a higher level which is the spiritual one.

Equality in Reward

In the Qur’an chapter 3 verse 195 God says, “And their Lord hath accepted of them and answered them: ‘Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female, ye are members, one of another’”. Furthermore, in chapter 16 verse 97, “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions”.

From the verses above, it is clear that God accounts every single deed that every human being does, regardless the gender. If a person does a good deed in accordance with God’s rule, then he or she will earn reward. And if a person does bad deeds, God will also account for it regardless the gender of a person who does it. A male being doesn’t earn greater reward or less sin and a female doesn’t earn less reward and greater sin. “Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it! And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it”, Qur’an chapter 99 verse 7 and 8.

The Right to Work and Earn for Women

Islam acknowledges the property of women or whatever they earn. God states clearly in chapter 4 verse 32, “And in no wise covet those things in which God hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others. To men is allotted what they earn and to women what they earn. But ask God of His bounty for God hath full knowledge of all things”. The verse conveys that a woman is allowed to work and keep what she earns from her work. God gives opportunity for both woman and man to be productive. However, if a man earns more than a woman or vice versa, he or she must have faith that God’s decision is the wisest and that God knows what is the best for His servant.

A Woman as a Man’s Partner

Regarding the status of a woman as a wife, God reveals in the Qur’an chapter 30 verse 21, “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are signs for those who reflect”. God then strengthens in the following chapter 2 verse 187, “They are your garments and ye are their garments”.

There is nothing more beautiful than the verses above in describing the status of a woman being a wife. A woman is described as a human being bringing tranquility to the life of a man. A woman is said to be the garment of a man and vice versa which means the two genders actually love each other in marriage. And it is God Himself Who will put the love and mercy in the hearts of a man and a woman when they decide to unite in the name of God.

A Woman as a Mother

Islam places the mother in a high and noble status. God orders human beings to respect the parents especially mothers as stated in the Qur’an chapter 31 verse 14, “And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning. (Hear the command), “Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents. To Me is (thy final) goal””. In this verse, God places the parents straight after Him which shows that parents, especially a mother, must be treated with respect and thanked in order to get God’s blessings.

In the time of Prophet Muhammad, a close friend of the Prophet approached him and asked, “O Prophet of God, who is the person deserves the best service and the greatest respect?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother”. The man asked further, “Then who else?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother”. The man asked again, “And then who else?” The Prophet answered, “Your mother… And then your father”. The mentioning of “your mother” three times by the Prophet is enough to convey the message that it is the mother, a female, who has better position in the sight of God and who must be treated better by human beings.

Man, a Woman’s Protector

God says in the Qur’an chapter 4 verse 34, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because God has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.”

Many feminists refer to the verse above to show that Islam is discriminative. They argue that women can do anything and have the same capability and ability with men in all areas. In order to be able to accept that men are women’s protectors and maintainers, a person must understand the fact that in general, men and women are different physically and emotionally.

Physically, a woman is destined to get pregnant, to give birth, to breastfeed the baby until two years (Qur’an chapter 2 verse 233), to nurture the child and to educate the child. It is impossible to fulfill those duties properly if she has to work as well. It is the man’s job to provide everything she needs so that she can fulfill her destiny in accordance to God’s rules. The fact that she doesn’t have to work is actually a form of liberation, not discrimination, for her. Furthermore, in general, the physical difference between man and woman enables man to protect woman better.

Generally, women use their feeling and men use their logic in daily life and God doesn’t bestow the different attributes to them without purposes. A woman uses her compassionate feeling in taking care of her child while a man solves problems with his logic. If used properly, the different characteristics of men and women will bring harmony.

From the short discussion of five points above, it can be concluded that the teaching of Islam is intended to give benefit to the society as a whole, not just to the individual or merely to specific gender. Therefore, the Islamic approach towards the issue of feminism truly considers every aspect so that the two genders can interact and cooperate to create an ideal society.