Gender Equality” A Divine Right Affirmed by All Religions.

Gender Equality” A Divine Right Affirmed by All Religions

Every woman and girl has the fundamental right to safety, dignity, and equal opportunities. These are not merely modern human rights demands; they are divinely sanctioned principles, affirmed in the Qur’an, the Bible, and the Torah. True gender equality is therefore not a new concept but an eternal message from God for the progress and justice of humanity.

Equality in the Qur’an and Hadith

The Qur’an establishes the equal spiritual and moral worth of men and women:

• Equal Creation:

“Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” *(Qur’an 49:13)*¹

• Equal Reward and Accountability:

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women … the men who remember Allah often and the women who remember Him—Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” *(Qur’an 33:35)*²

• Rights in Social and Family Life:

“And women have rights similar to those upon them, according to what is just.” *(Qur’an 2:228)*³

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further said:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.” *(Hadith – Ibn Majah)*⁴

This shows that education, social participation, and dignity are divine rights of women.

Equality in the Bible

The Bible also affirms gender equality as a spiritual truth:

• Created in God’s Image:

“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” *(Genesis 1:27)*⁵

• Unity in Faith:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” *(Galatians 3:28)*⁶

Thus, both men and women equally reflect God’s image and are united in dignity and purpose.

Equality in the Torah

The Torah emphasizes justice and respect for women:

• Equal Honor for Parents:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” *(Exodus 20:12)*⁷

• Justice for the Vulnerable:

“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.” *(Deuteronomy 24:17)*⁸

This reveals God’s special command to protect widows, mothers, and women in need, ensuring their dignity and safety.

A Universal Message

When read together, the Qur’an, the Bible, and the Torah deliver one universal message: women and men are equal partners in life, equal before God, and equally deserving of justice, opportunity, and respect.

The Path Forward

Modern societies must align policies with these divine values. Equal pay for equal work, safety from gender-based violence, women’s access to education, and leadership opportunities are not Western ideals—they are divine imperatives.

By honoring women, humanity not only promotes justice but also fulfills God’s eternal command, ensuring peace, progress, and dignity for all.

References

1. Qur’an 49:13

2. Qur’an 33:35

3. Qur’an 2:228

4. Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 224

5. The Holy Bible, Genesis 1:27

6. The Holy Bible, Galatians 3:28

7. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:12

8. The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 24:17

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.