Are Men Better Than Women in Islam?

Some people think and nurture the idea that ‘men are better than women, even if he is bad’ and jokingly tell this. What does Islam say about this attitude? Is it a sin?

Salam and thank you for your question.

It is a dangerous misconception that women are inferior to men in Islam, as this goes directly against what Allah has said in the Qur’an what means: “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” 

Likewise, Allah also says what means: “Anyone, male or female, who does right actions and is a believer, will enter the Paradise. They will not be wronged by so much as the tiniest speck.”

It is clear in these two verses that the worship of women and men carries the same reward, which is Paradise (the best reward indeed!).

Women’s worship and men’s worship are both equally required and equally valuable. Allah says that the noblest/honourable people are those who are most righteous, regardless of any qualifiers such as race, gender, ability, etc.

What About Verse 4:34?

Some may argue that Chapter 4, Verse 34 of the Qur’an states that men are superior to women: “Men are protectors of women, because Allah has bestowed some of them over others and because they spend their wealth on them…”.

In seventh-century Arabia, and even today, men have been much more involved in public life than women, often have better job opportunities than women do, and make more money than women; because of these conditions, Allah has told men that they must be providers for women.

Insults and Offensive Jokes

You mentioned that you have heard people jokingly say that men, even “bad” men, are better than women.

This is untrue, as we have seen above, and it is very insulting and degrading to women.

Muslims are prohibited from insulting and speaking unkind words to other people, especially towards fellow Muslims.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A believer is never a person who scoffs at others, calls them names, or utters vulgar and obscene phrases” (Al-Tirmidhi).

Our words can have a much more powerful impact on others than we realize.

By avoiding “jokes” like this, and calling other people out on how these jokes are false and insulting, we are helping to foster a safer, more just society for everyone.

I hope that this answers your question.

Salam. Please stay in touch.