2:229 – Men Are Above Women In Rank

Introduction

It is alleged that the Holy Quran and the Islamic tradition is oppressive to women. Verses of the Holy Quran are showcased by detractors as promoting the inferiority of women, misogyny and abuse against women.

On the contrary, the Holy Quran and the Islamic tradition have probably the greatest historical legacy of the emancipation and empowerment of women. The Holy Quran unequivocally announces the equality of men and women in several verses such as 16:98– Whoso acts righteously, whether male or female and is a believer, We will surely grant him a pure life; and  We will surely bestow on such their reward according to the best of their works.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) had a direct hand in this legacy. One of the first acts of the Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) to shift attitudes towards women was halting the practice of female infanticide. He announced that daughters were a blessing upon the household they were born into: A person who is blessed with a daughter or daughters and makes no discrimination between them and his sons and brings them up with kindness and affection, will be as close to me in Paradise as my forefinger and middle finger are to each other.” (Muslim II, Section Beneficence).

As is sometimes alleged, Muhammad (on whom be peace) was clearly not a misogynist, rather a great benefactor in the emancipation and empowerment of women. He spent his career as a trader working for a woman named Khadijah who later became his wife. Throughout his ministry he regularly consulted her in matters and decisions as the leader of the Muslim community. Islam accorded women the right to accept or refuse a proposal for marriage, and the right to inheritance and ownership of property. While acknowledging that men and women have been endowed with different roles and functions in society, the Quran exhorts on equality between men and women in the eyes of God in that both will be rewarded solely on the basis of their deeds (see section below ‘Fundamental Teachings of Islam About Women’).

The women of the family of prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) became revered figures and great examples among Muslims which aided in shifting attitudes about women. His first wife Khadijah (ra) was a business leader and his trusted advisor. His daughter Fatimah (ra), known for her piety, was a great example to the Muslim community. And his wife Ayesha (ra) came to be known as a religious and community leader.

And the divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three courses; and it is not lawful for them that they conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the Last Day; and their husbands have the greater right to take them back during that period, provided they desire reconciliation. And they (the women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in equity; but men have a rank above them. And Allah is Mighty, Wise. (2:229)

Allegation

In this verse of the Holy Qur’an, some take the words of men being given a ‘degree‘ or ‘rank’ over women to mean that men have been given a higher status, and therefore men are given more importance in Islam. This is a grave mistake, the Holy Qur’an makes it clear: “Whoever does deeds of righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise, and not the least injustice will be done to them. [4:125]

Context

The main purpose of the Muslim believer is to strive in the way of God and to work for His pleasure, and in this regard, men are women are equal in all spiritual aspects.
 
The question then remains as to why men are given a ‘degree’ over women. The answer lies in the words right before when it is said ‘women have similar rights to men in equity’. God Almighty makes it clear that both men and women have equal rights, but men are further given a responsibility to ensure the safety and responsibility of women.
 
The Holy Qur’an was revealed for all men and women in all parts of the world for time eternal. Throughout the world, mostly men are the bread-winners in households even in the modern age. God Almighty therefore does not give men egotistical advantage to boast over women, but a very stern responsibility to safeguard the safety and protection of their spouses whom God grants them as a means of a trust.
 
In fact, in verse 4:33 below the Holy Quran clearly states that if any gender attribute is superior than the other gender, it is not a matter to be coveted or boasted. Gender is regarded as God-given, not a matter of merit or accomplishment. The verse further emphasizes that men and women will only be judged by what their earn (with deeds and belief).
 
And covet not that whereby Allah has made some of you excel others. Men shall have a share of that which they have earned, and women a share of that which they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely, Allah has perfect knowledge of all things. (4:33)