1. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given one more strength than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all). Quran 4:34.
Men and Women in Islam.
To explore the position of women in Islam.
To evaluate the contributions of the hadith and the Quran.
Do Now: Read the Quran passage and watch the video clip. What are your views on this?

2. Complete the mind map with the different Islamic views, history and expectations on women from your prior knowledge. This can include:
Rights
Modesty
Equality
History
View of the prophet
Women in Islamic countries today.
Women in Islam.

3. “Allah said, ‘It is My obligation to make Eve bleed once every month as she made this tree bleed. I must also make Eve stupid, although I created her intelligent.’ Because Allah afflicted Eve, all of the women of this world menstruate and are stupid. Al-Tabari, Vol. 1
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said: "I was shown the Hell-fire and that the majority of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful." It was asked, "Do they disbelieve in Allah?" (or are they ungrateful to Allah?) He replied, "They are ungrateful to their husbands and are ungrateful for the favours and the good (charitable deeds) done to them. If you have always been good (benevolent) to one of them and then she sees something in you (not of her liking), she will say, 'I have never received any good from you."
Sahih Bukhari 1:2:28
“Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other.” Quran 4:34.
Call in two male witnesses from among you, but if two men cannot be found, then one man and two women whom you judge fit to act as witnesses.
Qur'an 2:282
“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women.” (Qur’an, 2: 228)
“When one of them gets a baby girl, his face becomes darkened with overwhelming grief. Ashamed, he hides from the people, because of the bad news given to him. He even ponders: should he keep the baby grudgingly, or bury her in the dust. Miserable indeed is their judgment.” (Qur’an, 16: 58-59)
“O Messenger of Allah! Who is most deserving of my fine treatment?” He said, “Your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then your nearest, then nearest.” (Narrated by Abu Hurairah – Bukhari and Muslim)
“Their Lord responded to them: “I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female – you are equal to one another.” (Qur’an, 3: 195)
“Observe your duty to Allah in respect to the women, and treat them well.” (Prophet Muhammed’s Last Sermon)
Look at the hadith and the Quran. What is the place of women in Islam? Add to your mind map.

4. Assess approaches to gender in the Quran and Hadith. (12 Marks).