So Islam says that "men are a degree above women"...

[NewChapter]

Muslims, does that verse in the Qur'an (2:228) mean that women are inherently inferior according to Islam?

Thank you,
Noah ("NewChapter")

PS - Post is not meant to stir emotionalism but it is meant for intelligent discussion.

 

[Gharib]

Women are inherently inferior to men physically. Which is what another verse explains, that "men are a degree higher because they have a responsibility to provide for them".

It is always men who are considered as the bread earners of the family. You see this in TV ads, in movies, in shows etc etc. That's what the verses are talking about.

 

[TashaN]

The short answer is of course, no. That's not what the verse says.

 

[McBell]

Muslims, does that verse in the Qur'an (2:228) mean that women are inherently inferior according to Islam?

Thank you,
Noah ("NewChapter")

PS - Post is not meant to stir emotionalism but it is meant for intelligent discussion.

OUt of curiosity....
Would you please be so kind as to present the verse itself?
I ask because I have looked at several versions and none o them seem to say what you think they say.

 

[NewChapter]

Women are inherently inferior to men physically. Which is what another verse explains, that "men are a degree higher because they have a responsibility to provide for them".

It is always men who are considered as the bread earners of the family. You see this in TV ads, in movies, in shows etc etc. That's what the verses are talking about.

Seems kind of sexist to say, because you are a male, you must provide for the female.

 

[NewChapter]

OUt of curiosity....
Would you please be so kind as to present the verse itself?
I ask because I have looked at several versions and none o them seem to say what you think they say.

Here is the Muhammad Shakir translation:

"And the divorced women should keep themselves in waiting for three courses; and it is not lawful for them that they should conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the last day; and their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile if they wish for reconciliation; and they have rights similar to those against them in a just manner, and the men are a degree above them, and Allah is Mighty, Wise."

 

[Papoon]

Seems kind of sexist to say, because you are a male, you must provide for the female.

If men went through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding it would be nice to think their women would take care of them while nature left them a little indisposed.

 

[Jedster]

If men went through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding it would be nice to think their women would take care of them while nature left them a little indisposed.

If men went through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, there would be alot more compassion in the world and less war.

 

[NewChapter]

If men went through pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding it would be nice to think their women would take care of them while nature left them a little indisposed.

Still sounds sexist to me, no offense meant.

 

[Papoon]

Still sounds sexist to me, no offense meant.

You obviously aren't a parent. Well, I hope not.No offense meant, but understanding that women need the support of their partner at those vulnerable times is basic.
There are two genders. One of them becomes very vulnerable and in need of support when reproducing. That is not sexist, it is reality. Reality involves two genders for higher lifeforms.
Is looking after the elderly, or young children, ageist ?

 

[Pastek]

You should read 4.34

There's no "inferiority" of the women in Islam, we are just different and the men are supposed to have more responsabilities toward their family, that's what means the "degree".
In the sourate 2 and 4 you can see that men should pay the mahr, that they should pay for a divorce , to let them money if they go in war, they shouldn't be rude towards women even if they dislike them, they use the heritage for all the family, they should go in war when it's needed, they should work (not oblige the women to work instead of them) etc.

Of course there's women who raise their children alone or sometimes there's no men in the family.
And we know that it's Khadija who engaged in work and supported the prophet Muhammad (saw) when he told her about his vision and was the one who believed in him the first time.

By the way, it's a gift to have daughters.


The Prophet (saw) said :

“Whoever brings up two girls till they reach the age of puberty, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this,” (and he joined his blessed fingers.)

“When a boy is born, then he brings one Noor (light) and when a girl is born, then she brings two Noors.”

“If parents are kind and generous towards their daughters, then they will be so close to Him (The Prophet saw) in Jannah, like one finger is to the next.”

“The person who is faced with hardship due to his daughters, and makes Sabr (is patient), then his daughters will be a Pardah (curtain) between him and the Hell-fire.”

“They will be a shield for him from the Fire.”

http://muslimvillage.com/2015/10/08/38691/our-daughters-are-a-blessing-not-a-burden/


16.58-59 And when one among of them receives the glad tidings of a daughter, his face turns black for the day, and he remains seething. Hiding from the people because of the evil of the tidings; “Will he keep her with disgrace, or bury her beneath the earth?”; pay heed! Very evil is the judgment they impose!

 

[NewChapter]

You obviously aren't a parent. Well, I hope not.No offense meant, but understanding that women need the support of their partner at those vulnerable times is basic.
There are two genders. One of them becomes very vulnerable and in need of support when reproducing. That is not sexist, it is reality. Reality involves two genders for higher lifeforms.
Is looking after the elderly, or young children, ageist ?

I hope you're not a parent as well.

Gonna be putting you on ignore. Best wishes at the site!

Noah

 

[NewChapter]

So is it just rumor that the Muslim world has alot of sexism?

If it does have alot of sexism, could it's sexism be based on Surah 2:228?

 

[DawudTalut]

So is it just rumor that the Muslim world has alot of sexism?

If it does have alot of sexism, could it's sexism be based on Surah 2:228?

Peace be on you.
1=In original Islam women's rights were addressed and established.
Ref: https://www.alislam.org/library/women.html

2=Unfortunately, like some other weaknesses in Muslim countries, there are places where women's right [and other human rights as well] are neglected, but it is not due to Islam [however it is done on the name of Islam, so as many other wrongs and oppression are done on the name of Islam -- a wise person can differentiate]

3=There are many complaints e.g.
http://thoughtcatalog.com/stephanie-karina/2013/11/25-examples-of-sexism-that-make-me-sick/
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/19-examples-of-everyday-sexism#.qgoq6l1pl7

and

"Russians have much stricter limits in their perceptions about gender roles -- what's a man, what's a woman,” she says. “Society restricts its discussions to those limits."
http://www.rferl.org/content/The_Iron_Ceiling_Sexism_Still_Strong_In_Russia/2161847.html


4=Quran [49:14] O humankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.

 

[NewChapter]

Peace be on you.
1=In original Islam women's rights were addressed and established.
Ref: https://www.alislam.org/library/women.html

2=Unfortunately, like some other weaknesses in Muslim countries, there are places where women's right [and other human rights as well] are neglected, but it is not due to Islam [however it is done on the name of Islam, so as many other wrongs and oppression are done on the name of Islam -- a wise person can differentiate]

3=There are many complaints e.g.
http://thoughtcatalog.com/stephanie-karina/2013/11/25-examples-of-sexism-that-make-me-sick/
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/19-examples-of-everyday-sexism#.qgoq6l1pl7

and

"Russians have much stricter limits in their perceptions about gender roles -- what's a man, what's a woman,” she says. “Society restricts its discussions to those limits."
http://www.rferl.org/content/The_Iron_Ceiling_Sexism_Still_Strong_In_Russia/2161847.html


4=Quran [49:14] O humankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.

Thanks, Dawud.

 

[Gharib]

Seems kind of sexist to say, because you are a male, you must provide for the female.

Yeah whatever.

 

[NewChapter]

Yeah whatever.

Whatever. Putting you on ignore.

Goodbye.
Noah

 

[Gharib]

Whatever. Putting you on ignore.

Goodbye.
Noah

What a relief, thank you.

 

[TashaN]

NewChapter, are you here just to troll Islam?

 

[NewChapter]

NewChapter, are you here just to troll Islam?

I am not trying to troll Tasha...my question was meant for intelligent discussion, not emotionalism.