Entry Task

How do you feel about this image?

Hook into learning

From these images, what do you think that Islam teaches about women. Try to write 3 points or ideas down.

All mankind is descended from Adam and Eve, an Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab; a white person is not better than a black person, nor is a black person better than a white person except by piety and good actions. Learn that every Muslim is the brother of every other Muslim and that Muslims form one brotherhood.

GCSE revision
Do you think that women in Islam are equal to men? Give reasons for your point of view and show that you have thought about more than one opinion. F basic knowledge, some reasons, simple connections made between religion and life. C sound knowledge & understanding, awareness of religion in lives & differences within religion. A detailed knowledge & understanding, interpret meaning of beliefs, reasoned arguments supported by a range of evidence.

Pouring in new learning

Women in Islam

At a time when the rest of the world, from Greece and Rome to India and China, considered women as no better than children or even slaves, with no rights whatsoever, Islam acknowledged women's equality with men in a great many respects.

 Muslims believe that Adam and Eve were created from the same soul. Both were equally guilty of their sin and fall from grace, and Allah forgave both. Many women in Islam have had high status; consider the fact that the first person to convert to Islam was Khadijah, the wife of Muhammad, whom he both loved and respected. The Prophets wife, Aishah, became renowned as a scholar and one of the greatest sources of Hadith literature.

Explain how this attitude is different from the Christian one.

 You might also mention that while many in the West criticize Islam with regard to the treatment of women, in fact a number of Muslim countries have had women rulers and presidents. To name a few: Turkey; Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Which is Christian and which is Muslim?

With regard to education, both women and men have the same rights and obligations. "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every believer. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. Any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled dishonours her head.

If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home.

Islam the religion and Islam the culture

Despite the Quran stating all of these things, there is still a confusion between Religion and culture. Acid attacks against women are most common in Muslim countries. This is normally due to women refusing a marriage offer. Who are judged to be immodestly dressed or sometimes just because girls attended school.

Men and women have different purposes. It is part of Allahs design and purpose for men and women to have different physical characteristics for different jobs

Men can inherit more

Women are encouraged to cover more

Not Equal?

It is the duty of a man to provide for the financial needs of his family, and for a woman to look after the home and family.

Men are appointed guardians over women. Surah 4:35

Applying your learning

match up the sentences
A. Discrimination = B. The Quran teaches C. Article 1 states that all humans are D. Women have the right E. All mankind is descended from F. Paradise lies G. Sometimes men 1. have the final word 2. to take part in politics 3. prejudice + power 4. that everyone is equal 5. at the feet of your mother 6. born free and equal 7. from Adam and Eve