(4:34) The Qur’an has decreed, “Men in their obligations —...

(4:34) The Qur’an has decreed, “Men in their obligations — toward their wives — stand a step further: walir-rijaali ‘alayhin-na darajah.” (2:228) The “ step further” of which the Qur’an speaks is not a position of greater rank or nobility. The “step” the Qur’an makes reference to is the obligatory duty given to the man in the care of the woman; it is not a degree of superiority. Allah ordained men with the responsibility to preserve and solely sustain women.

This is supported by the verse that states, “Men are the supporters and sustainers of women: ar-rijaalu qaw-waamuuna ‘alan-nisaa-‘i.” (4:34) The “ step further” is in no way a form of dominance or preference. The Qur’an reminds us that men and women were created from the same essence. “[Allah] created you all out of one living entity: khalaqakum min-nafsinw-waahida.” (4:1) The Qur’an consistently makes reference to equity, parity, and equilibrium among the genders.

It disposes of genders and makes no distinction whatsoever between the superiority or inferiority of men and women. On the contrary, it is the piety of a person that distinguishes him or her by ranks or degrees, not gender or lineage. “The most honored of you [male or female] in the sight of Allah is he who is most righteous of you: in-na ‘akramakum ‘indal-laahi ‘atqaakum.” (49:13) Islam does not represent favoritism or show partiality in the interest of men.

Precedence is given toward the general welfare of society, not genders. It is equilibrium of interest between both genders that benefits all members of society. The totality of society always supersedes one sector of society. The rights and responsibilities of a woman are equally proportioned to those of a man, but they are not necessarily identical.

Equality and identicalness are two different issues**.** “Certainly we sent Our Messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that humankind may conduct itself with equity.” (57:25) Women and men are symmetrically balanced when it comes to their relationship with Allah. On the other hand, the symmetrical balance differentiates when it comes to men and women’s roles and responsibilities, not only toward themselves and each other, but also to society as a whole.

It is never implied that one gender surpasses the other; in essence, both genders must be in an equal pace with one another, each recognizing the importance of its unbiased contribution. Women and men in Islam are complementary to each other.