08 - Men and Women: Similar Spiritual Traits and Rewards - Ramadan Reflections 2023

On the eighth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Men and Women: Similar Spiritual Traits and Rewards." One of the beauties of Islam is that it provides answers to lives questions – especially at the time of when the revelation was coming to Prophet Muḥammad. In essence, the Quran is Revelation and the Word of Allah with a timeless appeal, however it was coming to the Muslims when they needed assistance and guidance from the Most High. Consider the verse we are going to review today. When Asmāʾ binte Umays, the wife of Jafar ibn Abi Talib had both returned from Habasha and arrived in Medina, she went to meet some of the wives of Prophet Muḥammad. One of the first questions she asked was in regard to the revelation coming to Prophet Muḥammad and if anything had come down specifically regarding women. Although the Quran is gender-neutral, in some cases, there were verses specially for men or dealt with issues which had a direct implication for men. Up until that point, there were no verses specific to women. Upon hearing this, Asmāʾ went to Prophet Muḥammad and said to him, O Prophet! The women are in loss. The Prophet replied, How so? She replied, There are no virtues for women in Islam or the Quran as there are for men – presumably she was referring to verses about jihad and other such topics which were male-specific. It was at this point that the verse for today was revealed – showing that men and women share in the same rewards as long as they have certain qualities: "Surely all men and women who submit to Allah (whose submission is attested by their words and deeds), and all truly believing men and truly believing women, and all devoutly obedient men and devoutly obedient women, and all men and women honest and truthful in their speech (and true to their words in their actions), and all men and women who persevere (in obedience to Allah through all adversity), and all men and women humble (in mind and heart before Allah), and all men and women who give in alms (and in Allah’s cause), and all men and women who fast (as an obligatory or commended act of devotion), and all men and women who guard their chastity (and avoid exposing their private parts), and all men and women who remember and mention Allah much – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness (to bring unforeseen blessings) and a tremendous reward." (33:35)