Do you think that women in Islam are equal to men?

Model answer:

Islam is one of the few religions in the world where women have equal rights to men. Whereas Christianity blames Eve for the fall of mankind, Muslims believe that both Adam and Eve were equally to blame . It says in the Quran that men and women are equal in the sight of Allah and that it is everyones duty to learn the Quran for themselves, whereas in the Bible it says that Christian women have to ask their husbands if they want to know anything. Women are expected to carry out the same religious duties as men, to learn the Quran and keep the Muslim rules. The Quran also says that women were equal to men as leaders and could be imams and lead worship, whereas Christian women were not allowed to do this for almost 2000 years in the Christian church and still cant in the Catholic church. One of the greatest Muslim teachers was Muhammads (pbuh) wife. The Quran emphasises that women should not be treated as sexual objects but should have the same respect as men and advises them to cover themselves so that men will give them respect. In this way women are equal to men and given the same respect. The Quran also expects women to have the same rights as men in relationships. Women can choose their husbands, seek and divorce and custody of the children and also have their own money. Women do not have to take their husbands name which shows their equal status as individuals. "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife. Muslim women are entitled to equality within their marriage. Mothers are particularly given a place of honour in Islam and the Quran states that, Paradise lies at the feet of your mother. The mother is given a higher place than fathers because they went through the pain of birth and give unconditional love to their children.

On the other hand, some people would say that Muslim women are not equal to men because the Quran still says that women are different to men and perform different functions. Women are expected to stay home and raise children and the man has a duty to provide for her. Also, in some Muslim cultures women have to completely cover themselves in chador or burkas because that it how the Quran has been interpreted. In some Muslim countries women are not allowed to do certain jobs such as police officers, they cannot drive or go out unescorted. The Quran also states that a man has the final word and should expect his wife to be obedient. Man can beat their wives and banish them. In some parts of the world, Muslim women are even subject to acid attacks and honour killings for bringing shame on their families although this has more to do with the culture of the country than anything written in the Quran.

In conclusion, my opinion is that Muslim women are / are not equal to men because ...(a short sentence that shows you have thought about more than one opinion and come to a conclusion).