Article appeared Friday, December 30th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (209)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Has a god other than our Creator created women, orphans and the oppressed? If not, have men been created more equal than women, orphans and/or the oppressed? For example, does a sin committed by a man measure up less than the same sin committed by a woman? Let us turn to the most recent Revelation, the Quran to find out how each individual has been created. Allah says in the Quran: Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay); then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest firmly fixed; then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (fetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature: so blessed be Allah the Best to create! After that at length you will die. Again on the Day of Judgment will you be raised up. [23.12 23.16] Our Creator has developed each unique human being in stages. It is therefore not an accident that we exist in the shape and form that we find ourselves. In whatever form we exist, existence is a test from our Creator for which we are accountable. After the fixed duration on earth each will be raised up on the Day of Judgment to face our Creator. So, what is the test? Fortunately, our Creator has not kept us in the dark. He gives the purpose in the Quran: O you people! Adore your Guardian-Lord who created you and those who came before you that you may have the chance to learn righteousness. [2.21] What is righteousness? The answer lies in the following two thoughtful questions. Since each of us owes our unique existence to our Creator, what should the proper and rightful attitude be towards Him? Secondly, since everyone is equally created, albeit differently, what should the proper and rightful attitude be towards each other? Hurting a created fellow human being would be tantamount to hurting the Maker Himself. So our existence on earth is a test of personal justice towards our Creator and a test of the individuals justice meted out towards fellow human beings. Since each of us has individual skills, individual personality, resources and environment, Allah says: To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all that is good [2.148] It is the differences that provide opportunities. The tests therefore lie in the differences. For example, when a person with resources comes across a person with less, two types of opportunities are presented to the well off person empower the poorer person to improve his/her life or exploit the person further. When faced with such a situation, we then have an opportunity to prove whether we are righteous or unrighteous. If all of us had equal resources how would our natures be established? In addition, without distractions such as inordinate wealth, could our preferences be tested? In the following prayer of Prophet Moses (pbuh) feel how he understands mans attraction to wealth: Moses prayed: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and his Chiefs splendor and wealth in the life of the Present and so our Lord they mislead (men) from Your Path (remembrance and gratitude towards You) [10.88] For people to whom pursuit of the splendor of the life on earth is more important than doing justice to the Creator and fellow beings, Allah explains the temporary nature of conveniences given in this life using an analogy:

The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain which We send down from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the earth which provides food for men and animals: (it grows) till the earth is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out (in beauty): the people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it: there reaches Our Command by night or by day and We Make it like a harvest cleanmown as if it had not flourished only the day before! Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect. [10.24] As Allah has given men more strength and skill sets that use this greater strength, Allah tells men the rightful attitude towards women. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other and because they support them from their means [10.34] When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked regarding the rightful attitude towards women, Allah responded with the following guiding principles.

4.127 They ask you (O Prophet) for rulings concerning women. Say, Allah (Himself) gives you His rulings concerning them, as well as what is conveyed to you through this Book about orphan women whom you deny what has been assigned to them, and you are disinclined to marry them; and concerning helpless children, and about your duty to treat orphans with fairness. Whatever good you may do, Allah knows it fully. 4.128 If a woman has reason to fear ill-treatment or desertion by her husband, it shall not be wrong for the two of them if they should try to set things peacefully to rights between them; for peace is best. Avarice is ever-present in human souls. If you act with kindness and fear Allah, surely Allah is aware of all that you do. 4.129 You are never able to be fair and just as between your wives even if it is your ardent desire: but turn not away (from a woman) altogether so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If you come to a friendly understanding and practice self-restraint Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. 4.130 But if they disagree (and must part) Allah will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty: for Allah is He that cares for all and is most Wise. 4.131 To Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Verily We have directed the people of the Book before you and you (O Muslims) to fear Allah. But if you deny Him lo! To Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth and Allah is free of all wants worthy of all Praise. 4.132 Yes to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth and enough is Allah to carry through all affairs.