The Role of Women in Islam
The Qur'an teaches that men and women were created from a single soul (Sura 4:1) and that God will reward both men and women (Sura 16:97; 33:35; 43:70). However, Muhammad the prophet of Islam said, "Amongst the inmates in Paradise the women would be in the minority." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 6600). Elsewhere he is mentioned to have said, "Had it not been for women, God would have truly, truly been worshipped" (Kanz-el-'Ummal, Vol. 21, H. 825). About ritual prayer Muhammad said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of a praying person" (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 2, 135). So why is there such a contradiction?