In Islam, woman has a high status which no past nation ever achieved and which no subsequent nation has been able to attain, because the honour which Islam gives to humanity includes men and women equally. They are equal before the rulings of Allaah in this world and they will be equal with regard to His reward and punishment in the Hereafter. Allah says:

"Whoever works righteousness - whether male or female - while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)" [al-Nahl 16:97]

And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer [in the Oneness of Allaah (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqeera (speck on the back of a date stone), will be done to them”

[al-Nisa’ 4:124]

The above verses thus shows that paradise is not just for a men nor is it just for women. Its also shows that Paradise is not for any man or any women but it is for a women or a man who is a true Muslim and is righteous.

Thus in Islam there is no competition between the two sexes unlike the uncivilized nations who are infested with women trying to compete with men and loosing their femininity and themselves in the competition.

However, in the Islamic way of life , the civilized way of life, men and women are both helpers of each other. As we can see from the following verse in which Allah, Lord of the worlds, says:-

“The believers, men and women, are Awliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another”

[al-Tawbah 9:71]

In this section we shall Insha Allah look at the status of women in Islam, her Islamic duties, and matters specific to her.