Gender Differences

Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) narrated: “The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) cursed the effeminate men and those women who assume the similitude of men. He also said, ‘Turn them out of your houses.’ He turned such-and-such person out, and Umar also turned out such-and-such person.” [Al-Jaami Al Saheeh]

Men and women are two of the wonderful creations of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). He has made them of the same species, but different. He (subhana wa ta’ala) has appointed some tasks to them that are the same. For example, each of them must pray and fast and perform Hajj. And he has appointed some roles that are distinct for each of them. Like two wheels of a motorbike, each must work in its place if the bike is to go anywhere.

A woman is like a precious goblet that is protected, wrapped carefully when transported, and handled with care. She is saved from the hardship of having to earn for the family. She is devoted to the task of making the home a sanctuary of peace and a fortress of Islam. A man is given the overall responsibility for the family. He is to provide for them and defend them. He must be respected as the final decision maker.

Each will be rewarded equally for performing the tasks Allah has set for them.

Each of them gets Jannah in reward.

Everything in the universe is humbly Muslim. We don’t see chickens rebelling, “We’re not going to lay eggs anymore, we’re giving milk.” Nor do we see cows swapping their roles with chickens. But it is human beings that are prone to discontent and revolt.

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) warned us against trying to distort our natures. Men should dress, walk, talk and behave like men and women should dress, walk, talk and behave like women. A genderless society is the product of Shaitaan’s handiwork. It is Shaitaan who tells people that they should have the right to “choose” their own gender.

Love yourself the way Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) made you. Maintain the gender differences defined by your Creator and work for your Jannah where there is no discontent, only satisfaction, happiness and peace.