Page 121 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

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A Muslim woman who does her best in every-
thing she undertakes and who works to develop an
exemplary character and morality, will excel in her so-

ciety. She will carry out her responsibilities compe-
tently, reach the right decisions, find the best solu-
tions, and take the most appropriate actions.
As explained earlier, Islam states that men and
women are totally equal. For both of them, it all de-
pends on their ability to exceed what is expected of
them by realizing the full potential of their character
and personality, and by fulfilling their responsibili-
ties. For this reason, believing women do not struggle
for equality with men, but exert themselves in the race
to do good, defined in the Qur'an as the effort to win
Allah's good pleasure. For this end, they race to be-
come the person most loved by Allah so that they may
win His good pleasure and be the nearest to Him.

Allah reveals that these efforts determine the
Muslim's superiority over others in this life as well as
in the Hereafter:
Such people are truly racing toward good things, and
they are the first to reach them. (Surat al-Mu'minun:
61)
Then We made Our chosen servants inherit
the Book. But some of them wrong them-
selves, some are ambivalent, and some outdo
each other in good by Allah's permission.
That is the great favor. (Surah Fatir: 32)