Page 114 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

112

At the root of women's proper role lie the very same wrong criteria.
By applying their society's misguided tradition and self-made criteria,

they continue to treat women as second-class citizens.
Allah, on the other hand, reveals that the best and truest criteria is
His. It is revealed in the Qur'an that He has only one criterion: a person's
fear and respect of Him:
O humanity! We created you from a male and female, and made you in-
to peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The
noblest among you in Allah's Sight is the one who guards against evil
[one with the most taqwa]. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Surat al-
Hujurat: 13)
O Children of Adam! We have sent down clothing to you to conceal your
private parts, as well as fine apparel, but the garment of heedfulness—
that is best! That is one of Allah's Signs, so that, hopefully, you will pay
heed. (Surat al-A'raf: 26)

In yet another verse, Allah reveals that this fear and respect is the
most beneficial quality that they can attain: "Whatever good you do,
Allah knows it. Take provision; but the best provision is the fear [and
respect] of Allah. So have fear [and respect] of Me, O people of intel-
ligence!" (Surat al-Baqara: 197) Therefore, people should not strive for
wealth and property, or fame and status, but rather for the fear and re-
spect of Allah, for only this quality will make them superior and valued
in both worlds.
Allah also advises people not to seek wealth, which has become a

measure of superiority among people, but to ask for His good will:
Do not covet what Allah has given to some of you in preference to oth-
ers—men have a portion of what they acquire and women have a portion
of what they acquire; but ask Allah for His bounty. Allah has knowledge
of all things. (Surat an-Nisa': 32)

Thus, those who measure superiority in terms of gender, physical

Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman