In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

I would like to know everything related to the issue of equality between men and women in Islam, and the meaning of "equality" as a term and from the Shari`ah point of view.

Praise be to Allah, prayers and peace be upon His Faithful Messenger.

The issue of equality between men and women was not a topic that would need too much debate and elaboration in our Islamic history because of Muslims` firm belief in the values and principles of their religion. However, as a result of fervent cultural invasion since the time of Western imperialism in our countries in the beginning of the last two centuries, this issue has become a topic that is often raised in the face of Muslims on a wicked purpose which would take them in the cycle of doubt and suspicion directed against their religion and its teachings. There is no doubt that Islam – which is the revelation of Allah the All-Knowledgeable and the All-Knowing – has been fair and just to both women and men on equal terms. It assigned each with what is suitable for him/her, physically and psychologically, of rights and duties, and consequently, it is illogical to call for absolute equality in all matters and affairs, because of the biological differences between the two sexes, physically and psychologically, in regard to the functions assigned to each of them in this life. The best example of this biological difference is bearing children and suckling for women, and consequent requirements and responsibilities that would follow. It is unfair to do injustice to women by assigning her to work and grudge to earn her living while she is already assigned with the noblest mission which is breading and rearing up the human infancy, etc. We should trust our religion`s rules which Allah have ordained for the benefit of people, men or women alike. Dear sister; you can elaborate much on this issue if you consult and refer to recent Islamic literature, such as "Women in Islamic Perspective" by Dr. Abdul-Muta`aal Al-Jabri, from Egypt; and "Muslim Women" by Sheikh Wahbah Sulaiman Al-Ghawji, from Syria. I pray to Allah to keep us all steadfast on his religion. Praise be to Allah the Lord of the worlds.