OCCASION OF REVELATION

      When ASMÄ, the wife to JAAFAR-IBN-ABITALIB, returned to Medina after their first emigration to ABYSSINIA (ETHIOPIA), she asked Moslems, if there had revealed anything about women. The answer was, ``NO''.

      So she said to the prophet:- ``Women are afflicted with loss and shortage!'' The prophet said to her:- ``Why do you think so?''

      She said:- ``Because they have not been qualified by any exalted merits, and virtues, through the Holy Qurän as men are.''

      The Messenger of God assured her that it was not so as she had thought, and both sexes are equal in value and dignity in the doctrine of Islam; and God looks after men and women with the same eye of Mercy and Grace. The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most virtuous of you, who avoid evil.

      Then the above verse is said to have been revealed on this occasion.

THE WORTH OF WOMEN IN ISLAM

      Now we come to an expressive verse, that has been revealed about men and women in general, and also in an equal measure for both of them. A mention is made of ten prominent qualifications, that the two sexes may attain, and these exalted merits, will deserve the great rewards that Allah has prepared for those men and women who have them. Some of these virtues are stages of faith; and some others drive towards controlling the tongue, the stomach, and the lusts.

      Two of these virtues are being a Moslem, and being a believer. Some commentators have thought to be a Moslem, and to be a believer, are both being the same thing; but of surety they are not one thing.

Elsewhere in the Quran proves that they are two various grades Of one, who fallows the way of God. We read in s-49:14:-

  ``The Arabs said:- ``We have believed.''

      S:- ``You have not believed yet. So you should say we are Moslem, (we have submitted) because the faith has not yet entered to your hearts.''

      In other word faith is accompanied with Islam, but Islam may not be with faith, because Islam is to testify the oneness of God, and the prophethood of Mohammad (SA); but faith and belief is a light of guidance that shines in the heart, and it is followed by good deeds.

EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN

      It may seem to some people that in Islam the pan of scale has been made heavier to the benefit of Man, and that, women have not such as that position.

      Those who think so, have mistaken the matter due to some civil differences that each of which has its own logical reason. The variances are related to woman's natural and social position, and in the sight of God men and women are all equal and their honour will depend on the measure of their piety and virtues. No one can deny that man and woman differ in their corporeal qualities, as well as in their spiritualities. Such differences do not mean that one is better than the other. Islam has never put the personality of women under question, like the Christians in the past who were discussing whether woman is of the kind of Man or not. In S 16:96 of Qurän we read:-

      ``He who did a righteous deed, whether male or female, and he or she being a believer, We will assuredly raise them to live a clean life, and We will pay them their reward according to the best of what they were doing.''

      In Islam, contrary to their laws, woman has always had economical and cultural independence, exactly like man. Our prophet has clearly announced that learning and seeking knowledge is incumbent upon a Moslem and upon a Moslemess.

      Only a few social precautionary actions have been taken by Islam to protect the safety and dignity of women from some hazards that may afflict by her beauty.