Gender roles in Islam

Gender roles in Islam are based on scriptures, cultural traditions, and jurisprudence. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, indicates that both men and women are spiritually equal.The Quran states: "Those who do good, whether male or female, and have faith will enter Paradise and will never be wronged; even as much as the speck on a date stone." However, this notion of equality has not been reflected in several laws in Muslim-based institutions. The Quran does not specify gender roles for women, but Islamic practice does. This is partially because men and women are at times allotted different rights and cultural expectations. Hadith Sahih Bukhari (9:89:252) states that a man is expected to be the “guardian of [his] family,” whereas a woman is expected to be the “guardian of her husband’s home and his children.” In some Muslim-based countries, women are legally restricted from practicing certain rights. Cultural traditions often impact gender roles, prevailing cultural norms, and the interpretation of the Quran and other Islamic texts. Some reformist and feminist scholars argue that the concept of guardianship has formed the basis of particular gender roles in Muslim societies. Women are often expected to be obedient wives and mothers, staying within the familial environment. Meanwhile, men are expected to be the protectors and caretakers of their families. However, the majority of Muslim scholars agree that women are not obligated to serve their husbands, do housework, or do any kind of work at home. In Shari'a, it is regarded as permissible for a woman to go out for work if she has the consent of her husband. If there is no mutual consent, then it is not permissible for her to go out and work. Until the period of the rise of Islam, there were many ideas of certain actions and behaviors of women that should be expected that were considered traditional gender roles. Women were seen as inferior to men, and women were supposed to behave and respect men.