Pathway to Paradise — Page 37
PATH WAY TO PARADISE 37 a father that he must raise his daughters in the same way as his sons. In fact, taking good care of a daughter opens the door to Paradise for a Muslim. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said: “He who brings up two girls through their childhood will appear on the Day of Judgement attached to me like two fingers of a hand. ” (Muslim) Thus it is clear that Islam raised the status of a daughter from that of being despised and unwanted to being loved and cherished. 2. Wife Islam changed the role of wife from being little more than a servant to being an equal with her husband on all levels. The Holy Qur’an makes it clear that in marriage women have rights similar to men. It says: “Of His signs is that He created mates for you of your own kind that you may find peace of mind through them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are signs for a people that reflect. ” (30:22) Marriage is a harmonious union of two souls, with the object of marriage to seek comfort from each other. The Holy Qur’an beautifully defines the equality of the relationship with this verse: “. . They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. ” (2:188)