A Collection of References from the Quraan and Hadith about the Rights of Women guaranteed by Islam: Spiritual Equality

of Women and Men Allah has got ready forgiveness and tremendous rewards for the Muslim men and women; the believing men and women; the devout men and women; the truthful men and women; the patiently suffering men and women; the humble men and women; the almsgiving men and women; the fasting men and women, the men and women who guard their chastity; and the men and women who are exceedingly mindful of Allah. (Al-Ahzab 33:35) Attitudes towards women O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. (An-Nisa 4:19) Collaboration and consultation The believing men and women, are associates and helpers of each other. They (collaborate) to promote all that is beneficial and discourage all that is evil; to establish prayers and give alms, and to obey Allah and his Messenger. Those are the people whom Allah would grant mercy. Indeed Allah is Mighty and Wise. (Al-Taubah 9:71) Examples of Consensual Decision Making If both spouses decide, by mutual consent and consultation, on weaning [their baby], there is no blame on either. If you want to have your babies breastfed by a foster mother you are not doing anything blame-worthy provided you pay to the fostermother what you had agreed to offer, in accordance with the established manner. Fear Allah and know that Allah is aware it what you are doing". (Al-Baqarah, 2:233) Women's Right to Attend Mosques Narrated Ibn Umar: The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Allow women to go to the Mosques at night." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 22) Narrated Ibn Umar: One of the wives of Umar (bin Al-Khattab) used to offer the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayer in congregation in the Mosque. She was asked why she had come out for the prayer as she knew that Umar disliked it, and he has great ghaira (self-respect). She replied, "What prevents him from stopping me from this act?" The other replied, "The statement of Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) : 'Do not stop Allah's women-slave from going to Allah s Mosques' prevents him." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 23) Ibn 'Umar reported: Grant permission to women for going to the mosque in the night. His son who was called Waqid said: Then they would make mischief. He (the narrator) said: He thumped his (son's) chest and said: I am narrating to you the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and you

say: No! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0890) Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they seek permission from you. Bilal said: By Allah, we would certainly prevent them. 'Abdullah said: I say that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said it and you say: We would certainly prevent them! (Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0891) Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said that Atika bint Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl, the wife of Umar ibn al-Khattab, used to ask Umar ibn al-Khattab for permission to go to the mosque. He would keep silent, so she would say, "By Allah, I will go out, unless you forbid me," and he would not forbid her. (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 14, Number 14.5.14) The Common Performance of Ablutions Narrated Ibn Umar: "It used to be that men and women would perform ablutions together in the time of the Messenger of Allah's assembly." (Bukhari: 1: Ch. 45, Book of Ablution) Women's Right of Proposal Narrated Sahl: A woman came to the Prophet, and presented herself to him (for marriage). He said, "I am not in need of women these days." Then a man said, "O Allah's Apostle! Marry her to me." The Prophet asked him, "What have you got?" He said, "I have got nothing." The Prophet said, "Give her something, even an iron ring." He said, "I have got nothing." The Prophet asked (him), "How much of the Quran do you know (by heart)?" He said, "So much and so much." The Prophet said, "I have married her to you for what you know of the Quran." (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 72) Women's Right of Permission Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! How can we know her permission?" He said, "Her silence (indicates her permission)." (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 67) Narrated Khansa bint Khidam Al-Ansariya that her father gave her in marriage when she was a matron and she disliked that marriage. So she went to Allah's Apostle and he declared that marriage invalid. (Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 69) The Right of Women not to be Forced Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Barira's husband was a slave called Mughith, as if I am seeing him now, going behind Barira and weeping with his tears flowing down his beard. The Prophet said to 'Abbas, "O 'Abbas ! are you not astonished at the love of Mughith for Barira and the hatred of Barira for Mughith?" The Prophet then said to Barira, "Why don't you return to him?" She said, "O Allah's Apostle! Do you order me to do so?" He said, "No, I only intercede for him." She said, "I am not in need of him." (Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 63, Number 206) Asserting Women's Rights Ibn Al-Jauzi narrated the virtues and merits of Umar bin Al-Khattab (Allah bless him) in the following words: Umar forbade the people from paying excessive dowries and addressed them saying: "Don't fix

the dowries for women over forty ounces. If ever that is exceeded I shall deposit the excess amount in the public treasury". As he descended from the pulpit, a flat-nosed lady stood up from among the women audience, and said: "It is not within your right". Umar asked: "Why should this not be of my right?" she replied: "Because Allah has proclaimed: 'even if you had given one of them (wives) a whole treasure for dowry take not the least bit back. Would you take it by false claim and a manifest sin'". (Al Nisa, 20). When he heard this, Umar said: "The woman is right and the man (Umar) is wrong. It seems that all people have deeper insight and wisdom than Umar". Then he returned to the pulpit and declared: "O people, I had restricted the giving of more than four hundred dirhams in dowry. Whosoever of you wishes to give in dowry as much as he likes and finds satisfaction in so doing may do so". quoted in: "On the Position and Role of Women in Islam and Islamic Society" Seeking advice and comfort Narrated 'Aisha (the mother of the faithful believers): ... Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones." Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza ... (Bukhari Volume 1, Book 1, Number 3) The Characteristics of a Believing Man Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: a believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another. (Muslim Book 8, Number 3469) The Education of Women Narrated Abu Said: A woman came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Men (only) benefit by your teachings, so please devote to us from (some of) your time, a day on which we may come to you so that you may teach us of what Allah has taught you." Allah's Apostle said, "Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place." They gathered and Allah's Apostle came to them and taught them of what Allah had taught him. (Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 413) On the Treatment of Women Narrated Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri: I went to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) and asked him: "What do you say (command) about our wives?" He replied: "Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them." (Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 11, Number 2139) "The best of you is one who is best towards his family and I am best towards the family". (At-Tirmithy). "None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully". (At-Tirmithy). A Husband must keep the Privacy of his Wife

Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri: Allah's Messenger (peace_be_upon_him) said: The most wicked among the people in the eye of Allah on the Day of Judgement is the man who goes to his wife and she comes to him, and then he divulges her secret. (Muslim Book 8, Number 3369) A Husband's Attitude 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said that a man came to his house to complain about his wife. On reaching the door of his house, he hears 'Umar's wife shouting at him and reviling him. Seeing this, he was about to go back, thinking that 'Umar himself was in the same position and, therefore, could hardly suggest any solution for his problem. 'Umar (RA) saw the man turn back, so he called him and enquired about the purpose of his visit. He said that he had come with a complaint against his wife, but turned back on seeing the Caliph in the same position. 'Umar (RA) told him that he tolerated the excesses of his wife for she had certain rights against him. He said, "Is it not true that she prepares food for me, washes clothes for me and suckles my children, thus saving me the expense of employing a cook, a washerman and a nurse, though she is not legally obliged in any way to do any of these things? Besides, I enjoy peace of mind because of her and am kept away from indecent acts on account of her. I therefore tolerate all her excesses on account of these benefits. It is right that you should also adopt the same attitude." quoted in Rahman, Role of Muslim Women page 149 The Prophet's Disapproval of Women Beaters Patient behavior was the practice of the Prophet, even when his wife dared to address him harshly. Once his mother-in-law- saw her daughter strike him with her fist on his noble chest. When the enraged mother -in-law began to reproach her daughter, the Prophet smilingly said, "Leave her alone; they do worse than that." And once Abu Bakr, his father-in-law, was invited to settle some misunderstanding between him and Aishah. The Prophet said to her, "Will you speak, or shall I speak?" Aisha said, "You speak, but do not say except the truth." Abu Bakr was so outraged that he immediately struck her severely, forcing her to run and seek protection behind the back of the Prophet. Abu Bakr said, "O you the enemy of herself! Does the Messenger of Allah say but the truth?" The Prophet said, "O Abu Bakr, we did not invite you for this [harsh dealing with Aishah], nor did we anticipate it." quoted in: Mutual Rights and Obligations And Allah (swt) knows best. Minorities rights in Islam: The relationship between the Muslim community and the non-Muslim minority is based on Allah's rule that says: {Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.} [AlMumtahanah: ].

Minorities' right to freedom of belief "There is no coercion in religion" [Al-Baqarah: 256]. Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "and a Jew or a Christian who embraces Islam becomes one of the believers, having their rights and duties; and the one who remains Jewish or Christian should

not be forced to disband his religion.."[ Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani's Al-Talkhis Al-Habir, 4/315.] Human beings have the right to life and existence irrespective of their religion. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) says:"whoever kills a contracting man (a non-Muslim protected by the state or an agreement) he will not smell the Paradise".[Abu-Dawud (2760)]

Warning against injustice done to non-Muslims The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against commitment of injustice against non-Muslims and diminishment of their rights. He vowed to be the opponent of their aggressors. He said: "Beware, if anyone wrongs a contracting man, or diminishes his right, or forces him to work beyond his capacity, or takes from him anything without his consent, I shall plead for him on the Day of Judgment."[Al-Silsilah Al-Sahihah (445)] One of the good stances of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in this regard is what happened with AlAnsar in Khaybar, as Abdullah ibn Sahl Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) was killed in the lands of the Jews. It was mostly expected that one of the Jews killed him. However, there was no evidence. Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not punish the Jews, but he asked them to take an oath. Sahl ibn Abu Hathma (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a number of people from his tribe went to Khaybar and dispersed, and then they found one of them murdered. They said to the people with whom the corpse had been found, "You have killed our companion!" Those people said, "Neither have we killed him, nor do we know his killer." The bereaved group went to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Messenger! We went to Khaybar and found one of us murdered." The Prophet said, "Let the older among you come forward and speak." Then the Prophet said, to them, "Bring your proof against the killer." They said "We have no proof." The Prophet said, "Then they (the defendants) will take an oath." They said, "We do not accept the oaths of the Jews." Allah's Messenger did not like that the blood-money of the killed one be lost without compensation, so he paid one-hundred camels out of the camels of Zakat (to the relatives of the deceased) as Diya (blood-money).[Narrated by Al-Bukhari, chapter of Al-Diyat (blood-money) (6502)]

Protection of non-Muslims' funds The Islamic law has guaranteed the right to protect the funds of non-Muslims. It prohibited taking or seizing these funds unjustly through theft, usurpation, damage or any form of injustice. This was practically applied the Prophet's (peace be upon him) promise to the people of Najran, as he said: "The people of Najran and their surrounding areas would be under the protection of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad; their funds, religion, trade and everything small or big would be also safe"*Ibn Sa'd, AlTabaqat Al-Kubra 1/288.] Moreover, a non-Muslim minority has the right to be guaranteed by the Islamic state from the state treasury Bayt Al-Mal (House of funding) in case of inability, old age or poverty, as the Prophet (peace

be upon him) says: "Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charge"[Muslim, book of AlImarah (1829)] on the consideration that they are citizens just like Muslims, and the state is responsible for all of them before Allah (be He Exalted). In this regard, Abu Ubayd narrated in his book Al-Amwal (funds) on the authority of Sa'id ibn Al-Musayib that he said: "The Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) gave alms to a Jewish family, so alms could be given to them."[Tamam Al-Minnah, p389.] What expresses the greatness of Islam and the humanity of the Islamic civilization in this regard is the story mentioned in the Sunnah (Prophet's traditions) books. The story says a funeral procession passed in front of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and he stood up. When he was told that it was a funeral of a Jew, he said, "Is it not a living being (soul)?"[Ahmad (23893)] These were the rights of non-Muslim minorities in Islam and the Islamic civilization. The rule is to respect every human being as long as he/she does not commit injustice or enmity. Hijab "Why do Muslim women have to cover their heads?" This question is one which is asked by Muslim and non-Muslim alike. For many women it is the truest test of being a Muslim. The answer to the question is very simple - Muslim women observe HIJAB (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so. "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed..." [Noble Quran 33:59] The word "Hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of Hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The question now is what is the extent of the covering? The Quran says: "Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands..." [Noble Quran 24:30-31] Ayshah reported that Asma' the daughter of Abu Bakr came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asma'! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not properthat anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to theface and hands." [Abu Dawud] The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated that in later generations of his

Ummah there would be "women who would be dressed but naked and on top of their heads (what looks like) camel humps. Curse them for they are truly cursed." [Muslim] Requirements in clothing for women: (a) Women must not dress so as to appear as men. "Ibn Abbas narrated: 'The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the men who appear like women and the women who appear like men.'" [Bukhari] (b) Women should not dress in a way similar to the unbelievers. (c) The clothing should be modest, not excessively fancy and also not excessively ragged to gain others admiration or sympathy. The basic requirement of the Muslim woman's dress apply to the Muslim man's clothing with the difference being mainly in degree. Modesty requires that the area between the navel and the knee be covered in front of all people except the wife. The clothing of men should not be like the dress of women, nor should it be tight or provocative. A Muslim should dress to show his identity as a Muslim. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silk. However, both are allowed for women. For both men and women, clothing requirements are not meant to be a restriction but rather a way in which society will function in a proper, Islamic manner. The Quraan and Hadith on Mothers The Quraan 1. "We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth" (46:15). 2. "Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood' "(17:23-24). 3. "We have enjoined on man and woman kindness to parents; but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not'" (29:8). 4. "We have enjoined on man and woman (to be good) to his/her parents; show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is (thy final) Goal. If they (parents) strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration) and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love)" (31:14-15).

The Hadith 1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai). 2. A man came to the Prophet and said, O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim). 3. Abu Usaid Saidi said: We were once sitting with Rasulullah when a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to him: O Messenger of Allah! do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah). 4. Abdullah ibn Amr related that the Messenger of Allah said: The major sins are to believe that Allah has partners, to disobey one's parents, to commit murder, and to bear false witness (Bukhari, Muslim). 5. It is narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr that during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, her mother, who was then pagan, came to see her from Makkah. Asma informed the Messenger of Allah of her arrival and also that she needed help. He said: Be good to your mother (Bukhari, Muslim). Animal Rights in Islam Islam not only has laid down the rights for humans regardless of race, color, language and riches, but has also laid down the rights for animals. Animals, like humans are one of the creations of Allah(swt). Prophet Muhammad(saw) was not only sent as a mercy to Mankind but as a blessing to all creatures as the Quran testifies: We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures. [Quraan 21:107] It is encouraged for Muslim to let Animals eat of the plants that they have planted. Prophet Muhammad(saw) is reported to have said: Narated By Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity." [Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, #41] Even if an animal eats from a plant which has been planted by man, the person will receive rewards for it. Moreover, another hadith is as follows: Narated By Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. Then he came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself "This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did." So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave

him." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He said, "(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being)." [Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, #38] & [Muslim Book 26, Chapter 39, # 5577] Narated By Salim: That Ibn 'Umar disliked the branding of animals on the face. Ibn 'Umar said, "The Prophet forbade beating (animals) on the face." [Bukhari Vol.7, Book 67, #449] & [Muslim Book 24, Chapter 21, #5281] Narated By Ibn Umar: The Prophet cursed the one who did Muthla to an animal (i e., cut its limbs or some other part of its body while it is still alive). [Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 67, #424] Narated By Hisham bin Zaid: Anas and I went to Al-Hakam bin Aiyub. Anas saw some boys shooting at a tied hen. Anas said, "The Prophet has forbidden the shooting of tied or confined animals." [Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 67, #421; #422] Narated By 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : Allah's Apostle said, "A lady was punished because of a cat which she had imprisoned till it died. She entered the (Hell) Fire because of it, for she neither gave it food nor water as she had imprisoned it, nor set it free to eat from the vermin of the earth." [Bukhari Vol.4, Book 56, #689] Ibn Mughaffal reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) ordered the killing of dogs and then said: what is the trouble with them (the people of Medina)? How dogs are nuisance to them (the citizens of Medina)? He then permitted keeping of dogs for hunting and (the protection of) herds. In the hadith transmitted on the authority of Yahya, he (the Holy Prophet) permitted the keeping of dogs for (the protection of) herds, for hunting and (the protection of) cultivated land. [Muslim Book 10, Chapter 31, #3814] The earth has been made for all the creatures that inhabit it and thus they are given their due rights by Islam. And the earth hath He appointed for (His) creatures. [Quran 55:10] Finality of the Prophet (pbuh) Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things. (The Holy Quran, Al-Ahzab 33:40) This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (The Holy Quran, Al-Maidah 5:3) Ahadith 01. My position in relation to the prophets who came before me can be explained by the following example: A man erected a building and adorned this edifice with great beauty, but he left an empty niche, in the corner where just one brick was missing. People looked around the building and marveled

at its beauty, but wondered why a brick was missing from that niche? I am like unto that one missing brick and I am the last in the line of the Prophets. (Bukhari, Muslim,Tirmidhi, Musnad Ahmad, Tirmizi, Babu Khatimin-Nabiyyin, Musnad Abu Dawud Tayalisi) 02. God has bestowed upon me six favors which the former Prophets did not enjoy: I have been endowed with the gift of pithy and perfect speech. I was granted victory owing to my awe. The spoils of war were made lawful unto me. 03. The whole earth has been made the place of worship for me and it has become the means of purification for me also. In other words, in my religion, offering of prayers is not confined to certain specified places of worship. Prayers can be offered at any place over the earth. And in case water is not available, it is lawful for my people to perform ablutions with earth (Tayammum) and to cleanse themselves with the soil, if water for bathing is scarce. 04. I have been sent by Allah to carry His Divine message to the whole world. And the line of prophets has come to its final end in me. (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) 05. I am Muhammad, I am Ahmad, I am the effacer and infidelity shall be erased through me; I am the assembler. People shall be assembled on Doomsday after my time. And I am the last in the sense that no prophet shall succeed me. (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Muatta') 06. You (Hazrat Ali) are related to me as Aaron was related to Moses (pbuh). But no Apostle will come after me. (Bukhari, Muslim Musnad recorded a similar hadith ending in 'Behold there is no prophethood after me.') 07. If ever there arose a person from among my people who would hold communion with God, it would be none else but 'Umar bin Khattab. (Bukhari , Muslim, Tirmidhi) 08. We are the last (ummah) but will precede all on the Day of Resurrection except that the Book was given to them before us. (Bukhari, Muslim) 09. The tribe of Israel was guided by prophets. When a prophet passed away, another prophet

succeeded him. But no prophet will come after me; only caliphs will succeed me. (Bukhari) 10. I am the last in line of the prophets of God and my Masjid is the last Masjid. (Muslim) 11. The chain of Messengers and Prophets has come to an end. There shall be no Messenger nor Prophet after me. (Tirmidhi, Musnad Ahmad, Anas bin Malik) 12. There will arise thirty impostors in my Ummah and each one of them will pronounce to the world that he is a prophet, but I am the last in the line of the Prophets of God and no Prophet will come after me. (Abu Dawood, Tirmizi) 13. Allah will send no Apostle after me, but only Mubashshirat (Good vision or pious vision). (Musnad Ahmad, Abu Tufail, Nasa'i, Abu Dawud) 14. No Prophet will come after me and there will, therefore, be no other community of followers of any new Prophet. (Baihaqi, Tabarani) 15. God Almighty hath sent unto the world no apostle who did not warn his people about the appearance of Dajjal (Anti-Christ, but Dajjal did not appear in their time). I am the last in the line of Prophets and you are the last community of believers. Without doubt, then, Dajjal shall appear from amongst you. (Ibn Majah) 16. I am Muhammad, the unlettered prophet of Allah. I am Muhammad, the unlettered prophet of Allah. I am Muhammad, the unlettered prophet of Allah. There will be no prophet after me. (Musnad Ahmad) 17. These are just a brief listing of the authentic teachings of Hazrat Muhammad(SAW) available on the issue of the Finality of Prophethood; should a true believer have any doubt about the Finality of Prophethood? 18. It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path. (The Holy Quran, Al-Ahzab 33:36) Divorce in the Quran Divorce must be resorted to only in exceptional circumstances. The laws relating to divorce together

with the relevant verses from the Quran are given below: Appoint an arbitrator If a couple fears separation, you shall appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family; if they decide to reconcile, GOD will help them get together. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. [4:35]

Wait 4 months cooling off before divorce Those who intend to divorce their wives shall wait four months (cooling off); if they change their minds and reconcile, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. If they go through with the divorce, then GOD is Hearer, Knower. [2:226-227] If the estranged couple chooses separation they must go through with it equitably. There must be two equitable witnesses witness the divorce before GOD Once the interim is fulfilled, you may reconcile with them equitably, or go through with the separation equitably. You shall have two equitable witnesses witness the divorce before GOD. This is to enlighten those who believe in GOD and the Last Day. Anyone who reverences GOD, He will create an exit for him. [65:2]

Divorced women to observe an interim period The divorced women shall wait three menstruations (before marrying another man). It is not lawful for them to conceal what GOD creates in their wombs, if they believe in GOD and the Last Day. (In case of pregnancy,) the husband's wishes shall supersede the wife's wishes, if he wants to remarry her. The women have rights, as well as obligations, equitably. Thus, the man's wishes prevail (in case of pregnancy). GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [2:228] As for the women who have reached menopause, if you have any doubts, their interim shall be three months. As for those who do not menstruate, and discover that they are pregnant, their interim ends upon giving birth. Anyone who reverences GOD, He makes everything easy for him. This is GOD's command that He sends down to you. Anyone who reverences GOD, He remits his sins, and rewards him generously. [65:4-5]

Exception for observing interim period O you who believe, if you married believing women, then divorced them before having intercourse with them, they do not owe you any waiting interim (before marrying another man). You shall compensate them equitably, and let them go amicably. [33:49]

After the fulfilment of the interim the divorced woman is free to do whatever she wants. Although the following verse is in context of widows, it appears to be applicable to a divorcees too. You Shall Observe the Pre-Marriage Interims "Those who die and leave wives, their widows shall wait four months and ten days (before they remarry). Once they fulfill their interim, you commit no error by letting them do whatever righteous matters they wish to do. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do." [2:234] "You commit no sin by announcing your engagement to the women, or keeping it secret. GOD knows that you will think about them. Do not meet them secretly, unless you have something righteous to discuss. Do not consummate the marriage until their interim is fulfilled. You should know that GOD knows your innermost thoughts, and observe Him. You should know that GOD is Forgiver, Clement." [2:235]

Divorced women have to be provided for This is probably one of the abused laws in the Quran. But God holds us responsible for our innermost thoughts. If one observes Gods laws then God makes it easy for him / her. "The rich husband shall provide support in accordance with his means, and the poor shall provide according to the means that GOD bestowed upon him. GOD does not impose on any soul more than He has given it. GOD will provide ease after difficulty." [65:7]

Alimony For Widows and Divorcees "Those who die and leave wives, a will shall provide their wives with support for a year, provided they stay within the same household. If they leave, you commit no sin by letting them do whatever they wish, so long as righteousness is maintained. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise." [2:240] "The divorcees also shall be provided for, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous." [2:241]

Compensation when marriage is not consummated Breaking the Engagement "You commit no error by divorcing the women before touching them, or before setting the dowry for them. In this case, you shall compensate them - the rich as he can afford and the poor as he can afford an equitable compensation. This is a duty upon the righteous." [2:236]

"If you divorce them before touching them, but after you had set the dowry for them, the compensation shall be half the dowry, unless they voluntarily forfeit their rights, or the party responsible for causing the divorce chooses to forfeit the dowry. To forfeit is closer to righteousness. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. GOD is Seer of everything you do." [2:237]

Divorced women entitled to stay in the same house she stayed before divorce Do Not Throw the Divorcees Out Onto the Streets "If you divorce the women, once they fulfill their interim (three menstruations), you shall allow them to live in the same home amicably, or let them leave amicably. Do not force them to stay against their will, as a revenge. Anyone who does this wrongs his own soul. Do not take GOD's revelations in vain. Remember GOD's blessings upon you, and that He sent down to you the scripture and wisdom to enlighten you. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is aware of all things." [2:231] "You shall allow them to live in the same home in which they lived with you, and do not make life so miserable for them that they leave on their own. If they are pregnant, you shall spend on them until they give birth. If they nurse the infant, you shall pay them for this service. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. If you disagree, you may hire another woman to nurse the child." [65:6]

Divorce can be retracted twice: In other words, if the couple reconciles after the first divorce and wish to be husband and wife again, they can re-marry. This is allowed for two divorce only. If the couple divorces third time they have to observe God's commandment in 2:230 (quoted below.) God makes it not-so-easy for the couple to divorce. This law serves as a deterrent for those who want a divorce for the third time and they would be very careful to take this step. "Divorce may be retracted twice. The divorced woman shall be allowed to live in the same home amicably, or leave it amicably. It is not lawful for the husband to take back anything he had given her. However, the couple may fear that they may transgress GOD's law. If there is fear that they may transgress GOD's law, they commit no error if the wife willingly gives back whatever she chooses. These are GOD's laws; do not transgress them. Those who transgress GOD's laws are the unjust." [2:229] "If you divorce the women, once they fulfill their interim, do not prevent them from remarrying their husbands, if they reconcile amicably. This shall be heeded by those among you who believe in GOD and the Last Day. This is purer for you, and more righteous. GOD knows, while you do not know." [2:232] "If he divorces her (for the third time), it is unlawful for him to remarry her, unless she marries another man, then he divorces her. The first husband can then remarry her, so long as they observe GOD's laws. These are GOD's laws; He explains them for people who know." [2:230]

Also note the words "It is not lawful for the husband to take back anything he had given her." in 2:229. In case there is a baby during the interim: If during the observation of the interim period it is discovered that the divorced women is pregnant then as stated in 65:4 the interim ends upon giving birth. God has decreed the following law dealing with the infant: "Divorced mothers shall nurse their infants two full years, if the father so wishes. The father shall provide the mother's food and clothing equitably. No one shall be burdened beyond his ability. No mother shall be harmed on account of her infant, nor shall the father be harmed because of his infant. (If the father dies), his inheritor shall assume these responsibilities. If the infant's parents mutually agree to part, after due consultation, they commit no error by doing so. You commit no error by hiring nursing mothers, so long as you pay them equitably. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is Seer of everything you do." [2:233]

Under what conditions can a woman divorce her husband.? Whichever party chooses for divorce must obey the laws as aforesaid. Normally divorce is mutually decided by the couple. If the aforesaid laws are observed, there could be a situation where either of the spouse may not give their consent but if the arbitrators from both the families decide that divorce is the best solution for the estranged couple then they would, nevertheless go through divorce. The divorce laws are applicable to both man and woman (4:35 and 2:237 indicate this) except that there are certain additional laws which a divorced woman has to observe. The following seem to be the only conditions where a believing women leaves her husband without observing the above laws. In fact, I think in this case even a formal divorce is not required under Quran. However if the law of the land requires a formal divorce then one must follow suit.

In Case of War "O you who believe, when believing women (abandon the enemy and) ask for asylum with you, you shall test them. GOD is fully aware of their belief. Once you establish that they are believers, you shall not return them to the disbelievers. They are not lawful to remain married to them, nor shall the disbelievers be allowed to marry them. Give back the dowries that the disbelievers have paid. You commit no error by marrying them, so long as you pay them their due dowries. Do not keep disbelieving wives (if they wish to join the enemy). You may ask them for the dowry you had paid, and they may ask for what they paid. This is GOD's rule; He rules among you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. Rights of Neighbours Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, AlMasakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess.'' (4:36) Hadith: Ibn `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Jibril kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: This Hadith illustrates the importance of nice treatment to neighbours in Islam. Hadith: Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded me thus, "O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and and give some of it to your neighbours". [Muslim]. In another narration of Muslim, narrated Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him): My friend, (Messenger of Allah (PBUH)) advised me saying, "Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some to your neighbours and then give them out of this with courtesy.'' Commentary: This Hadith makes it clear that Islam does not like a Muslim to ignore his poor neighbour and eat up everything himself. It stresses that one must take care of his poor neighbours. If a person is not in a position to do more, he should at least add some water in the broth he cooks for his own food and send a portion of it to his deserving neighbour. It leads us to the conclusion that a Muslim should in no case be unmindful of his neighbour and if he is well-to-do, he should be all the more charitable to his neighbours. Hadith: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.'' It was asked, "Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?'' He said, "One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Another narration of Muslim is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He will not enter Jannah whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct". Commentary: This Hadith reveals that hurting or troubling a neighbour is such a serious offence that it causes Allah's Wrath, and thus punishment in Hell. Hadith:

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "O Muslim women! No one of you should consider insignificant (a gift) to give to her neighbour even if it is (a gift of) the trotters of a sheep". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: This Hadith means that neighbours should present gifts to each other. The rich men and the poor according to their means. One who is poor should not think that what he is presenting to his neighbour is not worthy of giving. Even his humble gift, provided it is presented with sincerity, will find acceptance with Allah. According to the Noble Qur'an: "So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an ant (or a small ant) shall see it.'' (99:7) It is, however, better for a rich person to present a gift which goes well with his means. He should not give anything to his neighbour which is stale or which he does not like for himself because apart from insincerity, such a thing shows his contempt for the neighbour while gift is, in fact, a token of sincerity and brotherhood. Hadith: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "No one should prohibit his neighbour from placing a peg in his wall". Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) added: Now I see you turning away from this (Sunnah), but by Allah, I shall go on proclaiming it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: The importance of the injunction contained in this Hadith comes into prominence in localities comprising huts and tents, or at places where the two neighbours still have common walls between their houses. (In big cities each house has its own independent walls.) In any case, it is evident from this Hadith that a Muslim should be considerate of his neighbours. Islam ordains us to co-operate and sympathize with them. All Muslims are likened to a body each organ of which is linked with the other. In the light of this injunction, one can very well understand the rights of the neighbours in Islam. Hadith: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day let him not harm his neighbour; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day let him speak good or remain silent". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: This Hadith unfolds the fruits of Faith. One who does not have the qualities mentioned in it, is deprived of the blessings of the Faith. Faith of such a person is like a fruitless tree, or a flower without fragrance, or a body without soul. Hadith: Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza`i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who

believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbour; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him either speak good or remain silent". [Muslim]. Hadith: Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I said, "O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), I have two neighbours, to which of them should I send a present?'' He (PBUH) replied, "To the one whose door is nearer to you". [Al-Bukhari] Commentary: When a Muslim does not have the means to present gifts to his neighbours and wants to present a gift only to one of them, he should go by the principle laid down in this Hadith. The principle enunciated here is: "One who is the nearest neighbour, should have precedence over all others.'' Hadith: Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbours to Allah is the one who is the best of them to his neighbour". [At-Tirmidhi]. Commentary: Companion is a common word which covers companions in journey and stay. Muslims are ordained to treat all of them nicely. But one's neighbour has precedence over others. Nice treatment to him is the best means to attain a distinctive place with AllahQuranic Verses on Riba

(Interest/Usury) (1) "Those who swallow down usury cannot arise except as one whom Shaitan has prostrated by (his) touch does rise. That is because they say, trading is only like usury; and Allah has allowed trading and forbidden usury. To whomsoever then the admonition has come from his Lord, then he desists, he shall have what has already passed, and his affair is in the hands of Allah; and whoever returns (to it)-- these arc the inmates of the fire; they shall abide in it." (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse 275) (2) "Allah does not bless usury, and He causes charitable deeds to prosper, and Allah does not love any ungrateful sinner. " (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #276) (3) "O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and relinquish what remains (due) from usury, if you are believers." (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #278) (4) "O you who believe! do not devour usury, making it double and redouble, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful." (Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #130)

(5) "And their taking usury though indeed they were forbidden it and their devouring the property of people falsely, and We have prepared for the unbelievers from among them a painful chastisement." (An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verse #161) (6) "And whatever you lay out as usury, so that it may increase in the property of men, it shall not increase with Allah; and whatever you give in charity, desiring Allah's pleasure-- it is these (persons) that shall get manifold." (Ar-Room, Chapter #30, Verse #39)

Ahadith on Riba 1. Narrated by Abu Juhaifa The Prophet forbade the use of the price of blood and the price of a dog, the one who takes (eats) usury the one who gives usury, the woman who practises tattooing and the woman who gets herself tattooed. (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.829) 2. Narrated byAbuHurayrah Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "On the night when I was taken up to Heaven I came upon people whose bellies were like houses and contained snakes which could be seen from outside their bellies. I asked Gabriel who they were and he told me that they were people who had practised usury." Ahmad and Ibn Majah transmitted it. (AlTirmidhi Hadith 2828 ) 3. Narrated byAbuHurayrah Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Usury has seventy parts, the least important being that a man should marry his mother." Ibn Majah and Bayhaqi, transmitted it in Shu'ab al-Iman. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2826) 4. Narrated byAbdullah ibn Hanzalah ; Abdullah ibn Abbas Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "A dirham which a man knowingly receives in usury is more serious than thirty-six acts of fornication." Ibn Abbas's version adds that he said, "Hell is more fitting for him whose flesh is nourished by what is unlawful." Ahmad and Daraqutni transmitted it. Bayhaqi transmitted in Shu'ab al-Iman on the authority of Ibn Abbas. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2825) 5. What Is Not Permitted of Free Loans Malik related to me that he had heard that Abdullah ibn Masud used to say, "If someone makes a loan, they should not stipulate better than it. Even if it is a handful of grass, it is usury." Malik said, "The generally agreed on way of doing things among us is that there is no harm in borrowing any animals with a set description and itemisation, and one must return the like of them. This is not done in the case of female slaves. It is feared about that that it will lead to making halal what is not halal, so it is not good. The explanation of what is disapproved of in that, is that a man borrow a slave-girl and have intercourse with her as seems proper to him. Then he returns her to her owner. That is not good

and it is not halal. The people of knowledge still forbid it and do not give an indulgence to any one in it." (Al-Muwatta Hadith 31.95) 6. Narrated byAbu Juhaifa The Prophet cursed the lady who practices tattooing and the one who gets herself tattooed, and one who eats (takes) Riba' (usury) and the one who gives it. And he prohibited taking the price of a dog, and the money earned by prostitution, and cursed the makers of pictures. (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.259) 7. Narrated byIbn Abbas The last Verse (in the Qur'an) revealed to the Prophet was the Verse dealing with usury (i.e. Riba). (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 6.67 ) 8. Narrated byAbu Huraira The Prophet said, "Avoid the seven great destructive sins." They (the people) asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What are they?" He said, "To join partners in worship with Allah; to practice sorcery; to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islamic law); to eat up usury (Riba), to eat up the property of an orphan; to give one's back to the enemy and fleeing from the battlefield at the time of fighting and to accuse chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.840) 9. Narrated bySa'id ibn Zayd The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The most prevalent kind of usury is going to lengths in talking unjustly against a Muslim's honour. (Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 4858 ) 10. Narrated byAbu Burda When I came to Medina, I met Abdullah bin Salam. He said, "Will you come to me so that I may serve you with Sawiq (i.e. powdered barley) and dates, and let you enter a (blessed) house that in which the Prophet entered?" Then he added, "You are in a country where the practice of Riba (i.e. usury) is prevalent; so if somebody owes you something and he sends you a present of a load of chopped straw or a load of barley or a load of provender then do not take it, as it is Riba." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 5.159 ) 11. Narrated byAbdullah ibn Mas'ud The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the one who accepted usury, the one who paid it, the witness to it, and the one who recorded it. (Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 3327 ) 12. Narrated byAbuUmamah The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone intercedes for his brother and he presents a gift to him for it and he accepts it, he approaches a great door of the doors of usury. (Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 3534 ) 13. Narrated byAbuHurayrah The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A time is certainly coming to mankind when only the receiver of usury will remain, and if he does not receive it, some of its

vapour will reach him. Ibn Isa said: Some of its dust will reach him. (Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 3325) 14. Narrated byAli ibn AbuTalib Ali heard Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) curse those who took usury, those who paid it, those who recorded it, and those who refused to give sadaqah. And he used to prohibit wailing. Nasa'i transmitted it. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2829) Quraanic Verses
on Forgiveness 1. Whether you reveal a good act or keep it hidden, or pardon an evil act, Allah is Ever-Pardoning, AllPowerful. (Surat An-Nisa, 149) 2. Make allowances for people, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant. (Surat Al-Araf, 199) 3. That is so. And if anyone inflicts an injury the same as the one done to him and then is again oppressed, Allah will come to his aid. Allah is All-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (Surat Al-Hajj, 60) 4. Those of you possessing affluence and ample wealth should not make oaths that they will not give to their relatives and the very poor and those who have made hijra in the way of Allah.* They should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat An-Nur, 22) 5. The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah. Certainly He does not love wrongdoers. (Surat Ash-Shura, 40) 6. Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You are our Master , so help us against the people of the kafirun. (Surat Al-Baqara, 286) 7. Those of you who turned their backs on the day the two armies clashed it was Shaytan who made them slip for what they had done. But Allah has pardoned them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (Surat Al Imran, 155) 8. It may well be that Allah will pardon them. Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (Surat An-Nisa, 99) 9. The People of the Book will ask you to bring down a Book from heaven to them. They asked Musa for even more than that. They said, Let us see Allah with our own eyes. So the lightning-bolt struck them down for their wrongdoing. Then they adopted the Calf after the Clear Signs had come to them, but We pardoned them for that and gave Musa clear authority. (Surat An-Nisa, 153)

10. But because of their breaking of their covenant, We have cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort the true meaning of words and have forgotten a good portion of what they were reminded of. You will never cease to come upon some act of treachery on their part, except for a few of them. Yet pardon them, and overlook. Allah loves good-doers. (Surat Al-Maida, 13)

11. You who believe! do not ask about matters which, if they were made known to you, would make things difficult for you. If you do ask about them when the Quran is being sent down, they will be made known to you. Allah has ignored them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (Surat Al-Maida, 101) 12. Allah pardon you! Why did you excuse them until it was clear to you which of them were telling the truth and until you knew the liars? (Surat At-Tawba, 43) 13. It is He Who accepts repentence from His servants and pardons evil acts and knows what they do. (Surat Ash-Shura, 25) 14. Any disaster that strikes you is through what your own hands have earned and He pardons much. (Surat Ash-Shura, 30) 15. Or He wrecks them for what they have earned though He pardons much. (Surat Ash-Shura, 34) 16. Those of you who divorce your wives by equating them with your mothers, they are not your mothers.Your mothers are only those who gave birth to you. What you are saying is wrong and a slanderous lie.But Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Ever-Forgiving. (Surat Al-Mujadala, 2) 17. You who believe! some of your wives and children are an enemy to you, so be wary of them.But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive,Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat At-Taghabun, 14) 18. Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided. (Surat Al-Baqara, 157) 19. Your God is One God. There is no god but Him, the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 163) 20. He has only forbidden you carrion, blood and pork and what has been consecrated to other than Allah. But anyone who is forced to eat it without desiring it or going to excess in it commits no crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 173) 21. Those are the ones who have sold guidance for misguidance and forgiveness for punishment. How steadfastly they will endure the Fire! (Surat Al-Baqara, 175)

22. You who believe! retaliation is prescribed for you in the case of people killed: free man for free man, slave for slave, female for female. But if someone is absolved by his brother, blood-money should be claimed with correctness and paid with good will. That is an easement and a mercy from your Lord. Anyone who goes beyond the limits after this will receive a painful punishment. (Surat Al-Baqara, 178) 23. But if someone fears bias or wrongdoing on the part of the person making the will, and puts things right between the people involved, in that case he has not committed any crime. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 182) 24. But if they cease, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 192) 25. Then press on from where the people press on and ask Allahs forgiveness. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 199) 26. Those who believe and make hijra and do jihad in the Way of Allah can expect Allahs mercy. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 218) 27. Allah will not take you to task for inadvertent statements in your oaths, but He will take you to task for the intention your hearts have made. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, All-Forbearing. (Surat Al-Baqara, 225) 28. Those who swear to abstain from sexual relations with their wives can wait for a period of up to four months. If they then retract their oath, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al-Baqara, 226) 29. Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than sadaqa followed by insulting words. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, All-Forbearing. (Surat Al-Baqara, 263) 30. Shaytan promises you poverty and commands you to avarice. Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and abundance. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Surat Al-Baqara, 268) 31. If you make your sadaqa public, that is good. But if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is better for you, and We will erase some of your bad actions from you. Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat Al-Baqara, 271) 32. Our Lord, do not make our hearts swerve aside after You have guided us. And give us mercy from You. You are the Ever-Giving. (Surat Al Imran, 8) 33. Those who say, Our Lord, we believe, so forgive us our wrong actions and safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire. (Surat Al Imran, 16) 34. The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the givers, and those who seek forgiveness before dawn. (Surat Al Imran, 17)

35. Say, If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you for your wrong actions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat Al Imran, 31) 36. Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people Allah loves the good-doers (Surat Al Imran, 134) 37. If you are killed in the Way of Allah or if you die, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than anything you can acquire. (Surah Al Imran, 157) 38. If You punish them, they are Your servants. If you forgive them, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surat Al-Maida, 118) 39. He said, I will ask my Lord to pardon you. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Yusuf, 98) In Praise Of Oor Beloved Prophet MUHAMMAD S.A.W HIS EXALTED STATUS 1. He is Nur (Sacred Light) (5:15) 2. Allah blesses him (33:56) 3. Mercy for all the worlds (21:107) 4. His name is Muhammad (Meaning the Most Praised One) (47:2) 5. Allah has exalted his Zikr (remembrance) (94:1-4) 6. His exaltation on the Night of Miraj: his heavenly ascent (53:8-9) 7. His Station of Praise (Al-Maqam al-Mahmud) (17:79) THE BELOVED OF ALLAH 1. If you want to gain the love of Allah, follow him (3:31) 2. Allah addresses him with love and affection (20:1) (36:1) (73:1) (74:1) 3. Allah says: Realize that My Prophetic Messenger himself is with you (49:7) 4. Allah describes him with His Own Attributes of Rauf (Most Kind) and Rahim (Merciful) (9:128) 5. Allah Himself praises him (33:45-47) 6. Possessor of Allahs Grace (4:113) 7. He is a special favour of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (3:164) 8. Allah does not punish people if he is in their midst (8:33) 9. Allegiance to him is allegiance to Allah (48:10) HE RECEIVED THE HOLY QUR'AN 1. Allah gave him Surah al-Fatiha and the whole Quran (15:87) 2. Totally inspired (53:3-4) 3. Allah revealed the Noble Quran on his blessed heart (26:192-197) 4. The first revelation he received (96:1) 5. Teaches the Holy Quran and Hadith Sharif (Wisdom) and purifies people (62:2)

AMONG THE PROPHETS ('Alayhimussalam) 1. He is the Final Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) (33:40) 2. Mentioned first among the greatest Prophets (Alayhimussalam) (33:7) (4:163) 3. A Prophet whom Allah appointed with proven prophecies (30:1-6) (48:1) (48:27) (61:13) 4. Given the knowledge of the unseen (3:179) 5. Nabi Ibrahim (Alayhissalam) prayed for his coming (2:129) 6. Foretold by Nabi Isa (Jesus) (Alayhissalam) (61:6) 7. Allah asks all the Prophets to believe in him (3:81) 8. Confirms the previous (Prophetic) Messengers of Allah (37:37) SERVES ONLY ALLAH (THE GLORIFIED AND THE EXALTED) 1. Worships only Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (72:19-20) 2. Puts total trust in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (9:129) 3. Selflessly labours for Allah, asks for no reward (25:57) (42:23) 4. Rewarded by Allah (68:3) (108:1) HIS EXEMPLARY CHARACTER 1. Most examplary character (33:21) (68:4) 2. Sadiq (Truthful) (33:22) 3. Final judge and arbiter (4:65) (24:51) 4. Honoured, Noble (69: 40) 5. Forgiving (7:199) 6. He is Burhan (Clear Proof) (4:174) 7. Brave: Commands Muslims in battle (3:121) PREACHES ISLAM 1. Established the correct Message of Islam (6:161-163) (39:11-12) 2. Preacher to all humanity (4:170) (25:1) (34:28) 3. He is Bashir and Nadhir (Bearer of glad tidings and a warner) (5:19) 4. Invites people to Islam (12:108) 5. Even the jinn respond to his call (46:29-31) 6. He brought the truth (17:81) (39:33) 7. He brought a new law (Sharia) (7:157) 8. A perfect guide to be followed (7:158) 9. He calls you to that which gives you life (8:24) 10. Brings people from the darkness (of Ignorance) to the Light (of Islam) (65:11) 11. His religion prevails over all religion (48:28) HIS BLESSED FAMILY AND COMPANIONS (Rady Allahu 'Anhum) 1. His Family purified by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (33:33) 2. His Companions praised by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (48:29) 3. His Companions: The Muhajirin and the Ansar (8:74) (9:100) (59:8-9)

4. His Companions pledge allegiance to him (48:18) BELIEVE, HONOUR, LOVE, RESPECT AND OBEY HIM 1. Believe, honour and respect him (48:9) (61:11) 2. Love Allah and His Beloved Prophet more than anything else (9:24) 3. He is closer to the believers than their own selves (33:6) 4. Respect him (49:1-3) 5. Obey Allah (Taala) and His Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) (3:132) (4:13) (4:59) (4:69) (4:80) (9:71) (24:52) (24:54) (24:56) (33:71) (49:14) (64:12) 6. Follow the Commands of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and of His Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) (33:36) 7. Whatever he gives you, take it (59:7) 8. The reward of believing in him (57:28) WAGED JIHAD AMIDST PERSECUTION 1. Non-believers plot to kill him (8:30) 2. His persecution (22:39-40) 3. Commanded to fight alone for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (4:84) 4. He led Muslims in prayer while in battle (4:102) 5. Allah asks him to seek peace (8:61) 6. Allah helped him in Jihad (33:9) 7. Allah made him victorious (110:1) HIS MIRACLES 1. Living miracle: The Holy Quran (2:23) (17:88) (52:34) 2. Human miracle: he was the wasila (means) through whom peoples hearts were transformed (5:83) 3. Heavenly miracle: Isra and Miraj (his heavenly ascent) (17:1) (53:8-18) 4. Historic miracle: Hijra; escaped while surrounded (9:40) 5. The miracle of the Battle of Badr: Victory against all odds (3:123-125) 6. The splitting of the moon (54:1-2) INTERCESSOR (SHAFI') 1. Allah appointed him as an intercessor to plead for peoples forgiveness (3:159) (4:64) (60:12) 2. An accepted intercessor (19:87) (20:109) 3. His supplication a relief for hearts (9:103) Multiple Qura'anic references

Know Each Other O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female And made you into nations and tribes That ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other) Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Qur'an 49:13

Righteousness It is not righteousness That ye turn your faces toward East or West; But it is righteousness To believe in Allah (The One and Only God) And the Last Day And the Angels And the Book And the Messengers; To spend of your substance out of love for Him For your kin For orphans For the needy For the wayfarer For those who ask, And for the ransom of slaves; To be steadfast in prayer And practice regular charity; To fulfil the contracts which ye have made; And to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity And throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth the Allah-fearing (God-conscious). (2:177) Forgiveness and a Vast Reward for Men and Women Lo! men who surrender unto Allah, and women who surrender, And men who believe and women who believe, And men who obey and women who obey, And men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, And men who persevere (in righteousness) and women who persevere, And men who are humble and women who are humble, And men who give alms and women who give alms, And men who fast and women who fast, And men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), And men who remember Allah much and women who remember-Allah hath prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward. (33:35)

Modesty: Men and Women

Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: That will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; That they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty Except to their husbands their fathers their husbands' fathers Their sons their husbands' sons Their brothers or their brothers' sons or Their sisters' sons or their women or The slaves whom their right hands possess or Male servants free of physical needs or Small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; And that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah that ye may attain Bliss. (24:30-31) No Distinction Between Prophets Say (O Muhammad): "We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and in (Books) given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)." If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good). (3:84-85) The Major Sin Allah forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods (partners) with Him: but He forgiveth whom He pleaseth other sins than this: one who joins other gods (partners) with Allah hath strayed far far away (from the right path). (4:116) No Compulsion In Religion There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (2:256) On Charity

They ask thee how much they are to spend (in charity); say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah make clear to you His Signs: in order that ye may consider. (2:219) On Suspicion O ye who believe! avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay ye would abhor it...but fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning Most Merciful.. (49:12) On Intoxicants and Gambling O ye who believe! intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones and (divination by) arrows are an abomination of Satan's handiwork: shun such (abomination) that ye may prosper. (5:90) ***** They ask thee concerning wine (strong drink) and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin and some profit for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend (in Charity); say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah make clear to you His Signs: in order that ye may consider.(2:219) Forbidden Food Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah that which hath been killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a headlong fall or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any forced by hunger with no inclination to transgression Allah is indeed Oft-Forgiving Most

Merciful. (5:3) All Things Good and Pure Lawful This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers but chaste women among the People of the Book revealed before your time when ye give them their due dowers and desire chastity not lewdness nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects faith fruitless is his work and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good). (5:5) Verses in the Quran about justice "You who believe! be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look after them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, Allah is aware of what you do." (Surat an-Nisa, 135) "Among those We have created there is a community who guide by the Truth and act justly according to it." (Surat al-Araf, 181) "If you do judge, judge between them justly. Allah loves the just." (Surat al-Maida, 42) "You who believe! show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to taqwa. Fear [and respect] Allah. Allah is aware of what you do." (Surat al-Maida, 8) "Every nation has a Messenger and when their Messenger comes everything is decided between them justly. They are not wronged." (Surah Yunus, 47) "We sent Our Messengers with the Clear Signs and sent down the Book and the Balance with them so that mankind might establish justice." (Surat al-Hadid, 25) "Say: My Lord has commanded justice (Surat al-A raf, 29) "So call and go straight as you have been ordered to. Do not follow their whims and desires but say, I have iman in a Book sent down by Allah and I am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and you have your actions. There is no debate between us and you. Allah will gather us all together. He is our final destination." (Surat ash-Shura, 15) "Among those We have created there is a community who guide by the Truth and act justly according to

it." (Surat al-A raf, 181) "Those with faith, those who are Jews, and the Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in Allah and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Surat al-Baqara, 62) "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way." (Surat an-Nahl, 125) "Is it not likely that, if you did turn away, you would cause corruption in the earth and sever your ties of kinship? Such are the people Allah has cursed, making them deaf and blinding their eyes." (Surah Muhammad, 22-23) "Allah does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you in the deen or driven you from your homes,or from being just towards them. Allah loves those who are just. Allah merely forbids you from taking as friends those who have fought you in the religion and driven you from your homes and who supported your expulsion. Any who take them as friends are wrongdoers." (Surat alMumtahana, 8-9) "As for those who reject Allahs Signs, and kill the Prophets without any right to do so, and kill those who command justice, give them news of a painful punishment." (Surah Al Imran, 21

Ahadith about justice Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money (to compensate for wrong deeds), but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari. Hadith 3.629. Narrated by Abu Huraira) "Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never have even the smell of Paradise."(Al-Bukhari). "Behold! The Dispensers of Justice will be seated on the pulpits of light beside God, on the right side of the Merciful, Exalted and Glorious. Either side of the Being is the right side both being equally meritorious. (The Dispensers of Justice are) those who do justice in their rules, in matters relating to their families and in all that they undertake to do." (Sahih Muslim Hadith 4493.Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar) "If anyone seeks the office of judge among Muslims till he gets it and his justice prevails over his tyranny, he will go to Paradise; but the man whose tyranny prevails over his justice will go to Hell."

(Sunan of Abu-Dawood. Hadith 3568. Narrated by Abu Hurayrah) "The best fighting (jihad) in the path of Allah is (to speak) a word of justice to an oppressive ruler". (Sunan of Abu-Dawood. Hadith 4330. Narrated by AbuSa'id al-Khudri) "The Quraish (the tribe of our beloved prophet) people became very worried about the Makhzumiya lady who had committed theft. They said, "Nobody can speak (in favor of the lady) to Allah's Apostle and nobody dares do that except Usama who is the favorite of Allah's Apostle." When Usama spoke to Allah's Apostle about that matter, Allah's Apostle said, "Do you intercede (with me) to violate one of the legal punishment of Allah?" Then he got up and addressed the people, saying, "O people! The nations before you went astray because if a noble person committed theft, they used to leave him, but if a weak person among them committed theft, they used to inflict the legal punishment on him. By Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad committed theft, Muhammad will cut off her hand!" (Sahih AlBukhari. Hadith 8.779. Narrated by Aisha) Seeking Knowledge

"Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks."(Qur'an) "Verily We have created man into toil and struggle Have We not made for him a pair of eyes; and a tongue, and a pair of lips; and shown him the two ways (obedience and disobedience)?" (Qur'an, Al-Balad 90:4-10) "So know that there is no god save Allah, ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women. Allah knows well your moving and your place of rest." (Qur'an, Muhammad 47:19) "And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge." (Qur'an, Ta-Ha 20:114) "Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who has most taqwah." (Qur'an, AlHujurat 49:13) "Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks and (degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do." (Qur'an, Al-Mujadilah 58:11) "There is no one worthy of worship but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels and those endowed with knowledge, Standing firm in Justice (or maintaining His Creation in Justice). There is no god but He, the Exalted in power, the Wise." (Qur'an, Al-'Imran 3:18) "It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah."(Qur'an, Fatir 35:28)

***********

Ahadith on Seeking Knowledge "Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female)." (Hadith) Ibn Mas'ud relates that the Prophet said, "Only two persons are worthy of being envied; a person upon whom Allah bestows riches and gives him the power to spend it in a righteous cause; and a person upon whom Allah bestows wisdom by which he judges and which he teaches." (Related by Bukhari and Muslim) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: One who treads a path in search of knowledge has his path to Paradise made easy by God - Riyadh us-Saleheen, 245 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A servant of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned about his (time on earth) and how he used it; about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth and from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his body and how he used it." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 148 The Prophet also said: "Knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of God." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 108 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 422 The Prophet also said: "Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 107 ***********
Verses of Wisdom "For this We sent a Messenger to you from among you to recite our Verses to you and purify you and teach you the Book and Wisdom ( Hikma) and teach you things you did not know before." (Qur'an 2:151) "This is part of the wisdom (Hikma / ) Allah has revealed to you. Do not set up other god together with Allah and so be thrown into Hell, blamed and driven out." (Qur'an 17:39) "These are the verses of a Wise Book" (Qur'an 31:2) "[Wives of the Prophet], Remember what is recited (yuthla / ) in your houses of Allah's Verses

( / ayaat Allah) and Wisdom (Hikma / ,) for Allah is All-Sublte, All-Aware." (Qur'an 33:34) "We sent our messengers with clear Revelations, and we sent down the Book and Balance so that people could uphold justice." "Remember, Allah's blessing on you and the Book and Wisdom He has sent down to you to admonish you. Have fear of Allah and know that Allah has knowledge of all things." (Qur'an 2:231) Remember when Allah made a covenant with the prophets 'Now that We have given you a share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a messenger comes to you confirming what is with you, you must believe in him and help him.' (Qur'an 3:81) (Ibrahim said), 'Our Lord, raise up among them a Messenger from them to recite Your verses to them and teach them the Book and Wisdom and purify them. You are the almighty, the All-Wise.' (Qur'an 2:129) "Or do they in fact envy other people for the bounty Allah has granted them? We gave the family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We gave them an immense kingdom." (Qur'an 4:54) "He gives wisdom to whoever He wills and whoever has been given wisdom has been given great good. But no one pays heed except the people of intelligence." (Qur'an 2:269) General Manners of Living

1. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in ignorance and afterwards repent of what you did. [49:6] 2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception [33:70] 3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way [17:53, 2:83] 4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31:19] 5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and ostentatious [22:30] 6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2:42]

7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3:167] 8. Speak in a civilized manner in a language that is recognized by the society and is commonly used [4:5] 9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative [6:152] 10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31:18] 11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23:3, 28:55] 12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play, then pass by with dignity [25:72] 13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious or overt. [6:151] 14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct yourself expeditiously. [3:134] 15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31:18] 16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17:37] [31:18] 17. Be moderate in thy pace [31:19] 18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25:63] 19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and salacious stares. [24:30-31] [40:19] 20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, better keep your mouth shut. You might think that speaking about something

without full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave consequences [24:15-16] 21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favorable view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter. Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and truthful evidence [24:12-13] Gender Equality in Islam

"I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other (3:195)" "O mankind! Be conscious of your Sustainer, who has created you out of one living entity (nafs), and out of it created its mate, and out of hte two spread abroad a multitude of men and women. And remain conscious of God, in whose name you demand your rights from one another, and of these ties of kinship. Verily, God is ever watchful over you! (4:1)" "No human being shall be of the least avail to another human being" (82:19) "And whatever wrong any human being commits rests upon himself alone; and no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another's burden..." (6:165) "Verily for all men and women who have surrendered themselves unto God, and all believing men and believing women, and all truly devout men and truly devout women, and all men and women who are true to their word, and all men and women who are patient in adversity, and all men and women who humble themselves before God, and all men and women who give in charity, and all self-denying men and self-denying women, and all men and women who are mindful of their chastity, and all men and women who remember God unceasingly: for all of them has God readied forgiveness of sins and a mighty reward." (33:35) "But whoso does good works, whether male or female, and is a believer, such shall enter Heaven" (4:125) "For men is a share of that which parents and near relations leave; and for women is a share of that which parents and near relations leave, whether it be little or much - a determined share" (4:8) "A husband and wife have an equal role to play in providing support, comfort and protection for one another, fitting each other like a garment fits the body. (They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them." (2:188)) *****

The Holy Prophet (saw) has said,

"The best among you is he who is best In his treatment towards his wife. (Abu Daud) Paradise lies under the feet of your mother. (Nisai) It is the duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman to acquire knowledge (Ibne Majah) A person who is blessed with a daughter or daughters and makes no discrimination between them and his sons and brings them up with kindness and affection, will be as close to me in Paradise as my forefinger and middle finger are to each other. (Muslim II, Section