Woman in Islam — Page 27
27 SAFEGUARDING OF MEN AND WOMEN Men and women are a divine bounty for each other and as such must be cherished as a means of fulfilment and of winning the pleasure of God. He Who has created both knows well their weaknesses and their strength and He has, of His Grace, furnished adequate guidance both for safeguarding them against their weaknesses and fostering their strength. Mischief and ruin ensue upon the disregard of that guidance, and its strict and careful observance renders life serene and joyful. The Holy Quran affirms: “Assuredly, We have created man and We know well what assails his mind. ” (50:17). “We created man from a sperm-drop possessing diverse qualities, that We might try him; so We made him hearing and seeing, and We showed him the Way. He is either appreciative and follows it, or is ungrateful and rejects it. ” (76:3-4). Man’s mind receives impressions through hearing, sight and other senses, and incites him to virtue or to vice. He is, therefore, cautioned: “Follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for the ear and the eye and the mind shall all be called to account. ” (17:37). Thus the restraint of the senses and constant watchfulness over them is the essence of righteousness. The Holy Prophet was commanded: “Direct the believing men to restrain their looks and to guard their senses. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of that which they do. Direct the believing women to restrain their