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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A New Perspective: Women in Islam Chapter 2: Matrimonial Rights, Adolescence, Mahr Matrimonial Rights “And women shall have rights similar to the rights upon them in a just and equitable manner; but men have a degree over them.” (2:228) Fatma: This verse is perhaps one of the most controversial and misrepresented verses regarding the relationship between a husband and a wife.

Does the verse only pertain to rights within a marriage or does it also extend into the whole of society as well? Secondly, could you expound the entirety of this verse and cite some examples? Sayyid: The verse, which you quoted, may not be a suitable translation. Sometimes it can be difficult to translate the precise meaning of an Arabic word into English. There are many Arabic words that cannot be translated from their original meaning or meanings into any language.

Transcribers have to search for alternative words in an attempt to most accurately define a particular Arabic term. In some instances the precise meaning of the word can be lost, misrepresented, or misinterpreted.

Let me attempt to translate that verse: And the rights of the wives —in relation to their husbands— are equal [just/enabled] to their obligations —toward their husbands— but men in their obligations - toward their wives - stand a step further: Wa lahunna methullathi ‘al ayhinna bil-ma’uruf: walir-rijaali ‘alayhin-na darajah.

(2:228) Regarding your first question, Muslim scholars (fuqaha) comment that this verse only pertains to family affairs, not to the relationships of men and women in society or outside the boundaries of family life. In regards to society, the Qur’an states that Muslim men and women share life’s moral and social responsibilities equally and jointly.

In addition, they are equal in front of the law and in all religious obligations[^1] and punishments.[^2] In addition to the verse mentioned, there is another verse in the Qur’an that is conjointly related, and thus, it is important to explain them both simultaneously. Men are the supporters and sustainers of women according to what Allah has given [or enabled] advantages of one over the other and because they support them from their means.

Therefore the righteous women are truly devout ones: Ar-rijaalu qaw-waamuuna ‘alan- nisaa-‘i bima faz-zalallaahu ba’-za hum ‘alaa ba ‘zinwwa bimaa ‘anfaquu min’amwaalihim. Fas-Saalihaatu qaanitaatun.