Equality of men and women

Question 1

What is the role of men in Islam?

Answer 1

Men are responsible for supporting the family - for housing and feeding them, and for covering the cost of everyday living. Men are also taught to follow the lesson of the prophet and perform many household chores, including mending their own clothes

Question 2

What is the role of women in Islam?

Answer 2

Many muslims believe that a woman’s role is to run the home, teach Islam to their children and train them to become good muslims. This is because it is likely they will spend the most time with them, However the husband must also help with this duty. Women have the right to work, and are not required to give any part of their earnings to men

Question 3

What was the role of men and women in the time of the prophet?

Answer 3

In the prophet’s time, womanizing and incest was common. Women were treated as inferior and the practice of female infanticide was common (killing baby girls due to the shame they brought to poor families). The prophet was sent to teach them that this was wrong and that both genders have equal rights, but different roles

Question 4

What are muslim men and woman equally responsible for?

Answer 4

1. making sure that they show ‘love and kindness’ to each other
2. Promoting an islamic environment in the home
3. Teaching their children Muslim etiquette

Question 5

What do some muslims believe shouldn’t apply today?

Answer 5

Some Muslims argue that greater rights and opportunities for women today mean that traditional views about the roles of men and women need to be redefined in the 21st century.