Alhamdu Lillahi wassalatu wassalamu ala Rasooli Allahi wa ala Alihi wa Sahbihi wa man walalah.

The issue of gender equity is important, relevant and current. Debates and writings on the subject are increasing and are diverse in their perspectives.

The Islamic perspective on the issue is the least understood and most misrepresented by non-Muslims and, at times, by some Muslims as well. The predominant local cultural practices in different parts of the world and the actions of some Muslims tend to reinforce erroneous perceptions of the Islamic perspective. These problems are enhanced by the tendency to treat some juristic interpretations as if they were identical with Islam.

As such, there is a pressing need to reexamine this issue in the light of the primary sources of Islam. This brief book is a call for such an over due task. It is based on a more detailed treatment by the author in album 4 of the Islamic Teachings audiotape series and may be a prelude to a more comprehensive work on the subject, Allah willing.

The author wishes to express his gratitude to all reviewers of the manuscript, especially Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad, who made several thoughtful comments. Any shortcoming or error is mine, and I seek both forgiveness and correction.

As a reader, your comments, criticisms and suggestions are appreciated and encouraged. Let us all engage in a collective search for truth, guided by the revelatory sources of Islam, the Quran and Sunnah.

Comments may be sent to the author:
Jamal Badawi, 8 Laurel Lane, Halifax, NS, B3M 2P6,
CANADA.