Islam states that the man and the woman were created equally, O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female (Al-Hujurat). Islam also states that it does not discriminate between man and woman and that they are not superior to each other in birth, death and life after death. For, man will stand and be reckoned in the presence of Allah alone (Maryam). The state of the believing women who do righteous deeds and never leave the way of Allah is mentioned as: Whoever works righteousness, man or woman and has Faith, verily, to him will we give a life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions (An-Nahal). The difference between man and woman originates from their bodies; it is stated that women are weak and delicate beings. Therefore, differences are seen in their functions in individual and social life; it is seen that women are protected there. Islam did not push women down as it was the case in Jahiliya life beliefs; it did not make women dominant either as it is the case with matriarchal families. Islam has introduced such a family model that every member of the family has different duties and there is no injustice in those duties. Islam adopted a family model that launched a new era, eliminating all of the attitudes that could put pressure on women in the family and that could harm the family. Islam gives the duty of being the head of the family to the man.
The continuation of Islamic family life is possible only by preserving mutual rights. You have some rights over women and women have some rights over you (Tirmidhi). What is meant by the surrendering and obedience in mutual rights for the woman is to fulfill her duties toward her husband legitimately.
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means (An-Nisa). Allah states the following in another verse giving the duty of being the head of the family to the man: And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them and Allah is exalted in Power, Wise (Al-Baqara). The man has to meet all of the needs of the family and to protect the family from all kinds of external effects; he has very important responsibilities. The man cannot interfere with the personal property of the woman in the family; he cannot lay a burden on her. Furthermore, if the woman does not want to look after her baby, she can ask a maid from her husband; she does not have to do housework, either. However, household duties and responsibilities like that are the indications of the Taqwa of women; therefore, they are encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The woman is supposed to obey the legitimate order of her husband (Abu Dawud). The continuation of Islamic family life is possible only by preserving mutual rights. You have some rights over women and women have some rights over you (Tirmidhi). What is meant by the surrendering and obedience in mutual rights for the woman is to fulfill her duties toward her husband legitimately.
