"The Muslim men and women, the believing men and women, the devout men and women, the truthful men and women, the enduring men and women, the humble men and women, the fasting men and women who engage much in God's praise - for them God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward." (The Holy Koran, Surah 33, Verse 35).

In our world today, there are many growing religions and developing cultures. One of the fastest growing religions worldwide, is the religion Islam. Unfortunately, along with rapid growth of a religion not known by many, strong misconceptions about it come forth. In western society, one of the many misconceptions of Islam is the mistreatment of women by Muslim men. As a follower of this religion, one frequently asked questions posed to me is, "Why are Muslim women treat so unequally?"

A major aspect of American society, is the equality of men and women. Equality, however, isn't an issue in Islam. Islam, conveys the ideal of both sexes working together to make each ones life as easy as possible. God created men and women distinctly, physically and psychologically, which is which is why men and women have different capabilities. These different capabilities

There is also a few exemptions put on women during her menstruating and pregnancy periods. During menstrual periods, the obligation of performing the daily mandatory prayers is lifted from her. Also, if the period falls within the fasting month, the woman is to postpone the obligation of fasting till the end of the fasting month to make up the days she missed. These days must also made up while the woman isn't going through menstrual period. During pregnancy, the woman is also exempted from fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Muslim women don't feel inferior when covering their bodies, or consider it a sexist act.(Personal Interview) This feeling is portrayed from Amira Ebied, a young Muslim woman, attending hunter College. Commenting on this issue of inequality, Amira states: "If anything, I feel superior. Wearing a scarf is empowering, dignified, and elevating to my statusÖI am not looked at as a sexual objectÖ I am respected as a human being and appreciated for my personality and intelligence, not for my looks."

The choice of the woman, should be based upon her personal preferences or values for which she looks for in a man. However, there is one characteristic that the man must have in order for the two to get married. He must be a follower of Islam.(Badawi, 24) In Islam, in terms of decision making the family usually goes through the man. If the family is run by a non-Muslim man, he will have the power to run his family and raise his kids in a non-Islamic fashion, and in an Islamic family, the children must be Muslims.

" Among all permissible things, divorce is the most hated by God."(Majah, 650)

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Approximate Word count = 3317
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)