Equality of Men and Women, and more…

…I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female
—you are equal to one another.
Quran (3:195)

We learn from the Quran that men and women are equal in the sight of God. In fact, not only our gender, but also any other physical or material differences we might have, such as our race, color of skin, beauty, or money in the bank, are irrelevant for our salvation to God. What God judges us with is our righteousness.

O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Omniscient, Cognizant (49:13)

God explains in this verse the reason for His creating us physically

different and distinct. In another verse, He explains to us why some of us are blessed more than others socially and materially.

He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. (6:165)

Is God favoring some people over others? No, God does not play favoritism. He is the Most Just. Even though we may not think our circumstances are just at times, God

knows while we do not know. Who we are, what we are given, what we are going through in life is exact and the best way for us to prepare ourselves for the Hereafter, based on God’s knowledge about us.

Your Lord knows you best. According to His knowledge, He may shower you with mercy, or He may requite you. We did not send you to be their advocate. Your Lord is the best knower of everyone in the heavens and the earth. In accordance with this knowledge, we preferred some prophets over others. For example, we gave David the Psalms. (17:54-55)

Cont'd on page 2