Professor, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modarres University
Abstract
The story of the creation of man and woman in the Qur’an differs in fundamental ways from the story of creation in the Bible. The Qur’an explains that, contiguous with the creation of Adam, was the creation of his mate from the same material and essence. These two, Adam and Eve, hold equal positions as Allah’s khalafah(vicegerent) on earth. This article discusses the Kiramat(generosity) of women in the Qur’an with respect to their creation, status, understanding, ability to be guided, devoutness to God, and freedom to choose. It delineates the specific expression of kiramat for women in modest dress, behavior and in procreation. Her role as a mother places a unique burden upon her, not only to maintain her own status before Allah, but also to safeguard the spiritual health of children and prepare them to assume the role of vicegerent of Allah in the future.
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