To Muslims woman is equal to man. Women constitute practically one half the society and she plays a crucial role within the society.

In ancient societies in much of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, woman were considered inferior to man. Superstition, speculation and other forms of perverted thinking fostered this unreasonable approach..

Women in Arabia, like their sisters elsewhere in much of the old world were not allowed to inherit property, they were a second class citizen and widowed and divorced women were not permitted to remarry. In certain tribes female infanticide was practiced. The Holy Qur'an made a reference to this criminal habit:

"And when the female infant wass asked for what reason was she killed."

It was not until the advent of Islam, in the early 600 CE, when woman was recognized as an equal partner to man. Her status and role in the family and society became dignified and her rights in inheritance, marriage and divorce were established.

Islam allowed the woman the right to inherit, to keep their own earnings, and the right to accept marriage and to request a divorce. Women have the right to inherit wealth and property to establish and engage in business.

If men and women are given the rights to education, then no women can be held back. Islam give the women equality to man: what the Qur'an tells you and what the society impose on you are two different things.

What applies to men applies to women in religion in duty and in relationships and no duty issues.

Men are responsible for women because of what they earn. Whatever a man possesses is hers and whatever she possesses is hers as well. A woman can be a doctor, a lawyer...Islam does not limit the woman's role in society.

Prophet Muhammad said: "Women are the partners of men." Abu Dawud, Sunan, 1/61. In honoring woman the Qur'an named several chapters after them. For example, one of the longest chapters in the Qur'an is called al-Nisa' (The Women) or "in defense of women," as Shaykh Ahmad Kuftaro pointed out.

This chapter relates many subjects regarding women's affairs and rights. Another chapter in the Qur'an is named al Mujadilah, or "the woman with plea." or in defense of women.

In this chapter, Allah narrates the story of a woman who came to Prophet Muhammad complaining about her husband and argued her case to the Prophet until a revelation in her behalf was revealed changing the ruling of the Prophet in her favor.

There is yet another chapter in the Qur'an named "Mary," after the virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.

The implications of the titles of these chapters combined with their teachings constitute a giant step in the revolution of liberation of women.

"Men shall have a share of what their parents and kinsmen leave; women shall have a share of what their parents and kinsmen leave; whether it be little or much, it is legally theirs." Qur'an, 4:7.
Prophet Muhammad said:

"Only a man of noble character will honor women, and only a low, vile man will dishonor them." Kanz al-Ummal, 16/371.

"The best among you is he who is best to his family. For my family, I am the best of all of you." Ibn Majah, Sunan 1/636.

Islam recognizes mothers to be a vital element in bringing about a healthy society.

Because of their role in home education and up bringing of children, mothers hold greater respect and honor than fathers. A man came to Prophet Muhammad and asked him:

"Oh Messenger of God, who rightfully deserves the best treatment from me? 'Your mother,' replied the Prophet. 'Who is next?' asked the man. 'Your mother,' said the Prophet. 'Who comes next?' the man asked again. 'Your mother,' replied the Prophet. 'Who is after that? insisted the man. 'Your father,' said the Prophet.'" Al Bukhari, 10/329."

Prophet Muhammad also said: "Heaven lies beneath the feet of a mother." Al Suyuti 1/536.

Those who are serving mothers well truly deserve Paradise. Muslims believe obedience of mothers or parents is a duty. This philosophy is rule number one in raising children with character. God in the holy Qur'an commands the obedience of parents.

The constant of the family is the Mother. She is the conveyer of the tradition, the one who educates. She is the nurturer, the educator, the bulwark, the framework of the family. Her role is even more important of that of the Father.

Islam teaches that a woman has the right to divorce her husband just as a man has the right to divorce his wife. However, Islam teaches that divorce is not liked by God. Prophet Muhammad said:

“The most hated of the lawful deads is divorce.”

In Islamic communities women have risen to the highest government ranks. Ummu Salamah, Prophet Muhammad's wife, advised the Prophet in important political and legislative matters.

In the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, for example, the Prophet acted upon her advice in making the treaty a reality. Mrs. Benazir Bhutto was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mrs. Megawati Sukarnoputri is the 5th President of Indonesia. Bangla Desh had as its Prime Minister, Mrs. Hasina Wajid. The Second Vice-President of Iran is Ibtikhar Ma’soumi.

Islam teaches that the family is a social unit, and like all things in life, it requires management and supervision. Islam gave this responsibility to the man.
The choice of making the man responsible for the well being of the family is based on his physical ability of management and livelihood support, not on "superiority" because he is a man. God said:

"Women shall with justice have rights similar to those exercised against them, although men have a degree (in responsibility) above women. Allah is mighty and wise." Qur'an, 2:228.

Just like a pilot is responsible before the law for the safety of the airplane, the man is given the responsibility of his family before God. Otherwise, both parents mutually share the management of the family, just like the pilot and co-pilot managing the aircraft in the air. Also, it takes Oxygen and Hydrogen to make a particle of water, but neither of the elements is superior to the other. The two elements only complement one another.