The Purpose of Creation of Men and Women

The Muslim accepts that the main purpose behind the creation of jinn and mankind was that they should worship Allah, struggle against the forces of Satan and live their life according to Allah' s Commandments in order to achieve eternal bliss in Paradise.

"And I (Allah) created not the jinn and men except they should worship Me (Alone)." (V. 51:56)

Also Allah said:

"Nay! But worship Allah, and be among the grateful." (V. 39:66)

At another place He said:

"Say (O Muhammad !): 'Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only." (V. 39: 11)

Equality of Men and Women as regards Religious Obligations and Retribution

In this spiritual regard, Islam makes no distinction between men and women. Both have a soul, both were created for the same purpose in life, both have a duty to fulfill their religious obligations, both will be judged by the All Mighty, and both will be rewarded or punished according to their individual actions. Whenever the Qur�aan mentions those fortunate beings who will enter the Gardens of Bliss because of their piety and good deeds, it mentions men and women together.

"And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date stone), will be done to them." (V. 4:124)

"Whoever works righteousness whether male female while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e., Paradise in the Hereafter)." (V.16: 97)

"The believers, men and women, are Auliya ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'r�f (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer their prayers perfectly (Iqįmat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (V.9: 71)

"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (i.e., Zakat and alms), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc.); Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Paradise)." (V. 33:35)

There can thus be no doubt that in the Hereafter, men and women will both be judged, each individual bearing the burden of its own acts, each soul will be punished for its transgressions and each will be rewarded for its obedience to Allah.