YOU ARE MEMBERS,
ONE OF ANOTHER
The Quran tells us that men and women who reflect deeply on the signs of the heavens and the earth ultimately come to recognize the existence of the Creator through the order and harmony of creation. They declare that this world has not been made without purpose. This realization leads them to acknowledge the true messenger. They accept him and commit themselves to his mission, hoping that in the Hereafter they will be among the saved.
Regarding such people, the Quran declares:
“Their Lord accepted their prayer, saying, ‘I will deny no man or woman among you the reward of their labours. You are members, one of another. I will certainly forgive the sins of those who emigrated and were expelled from their homes, who suffered persecution in My cause, who fought (in defense) and were killed. I will certainly admit them to gardens through which rivers flow—as a reward from God: and with God is the best reward.’” (Quran, 3:195)
The phrase “You are members, one of another” refers to both men and women. It means that they are essential to each other—integral halves of the same whole.
In other words, woman is the other half of man, and man is the other half of woman. According to the Quran, they are companions, equal partners, and sharers of the same human dignity. There is no distinction in their inherent worth or rank before God.
There are two kinds of differences among human beings: physical and human. Physical differences exist not only between men and women but also among individuals of the same gender. However, just as physical differences between two men or two women do not imply any difference in their human worth, the physical differences between men and women do not imply any inequality in dignity. In terms of roles, there may be a natural division. But in terms of value, there is complete equality.
As the Quran makes clear, just as men and women are equal in this world, they are equal in the Hereafter. Both will be judged by the same criteria. Their words and actions will be measured by the same standard. What brings salvation to one will bring salvation to the other. What leads to success for a man will lead to success for a woman as well.
What is this shared standard? The verse cited above outlines it: deep reflection on the universe that leads to spiritual awareness, recognition of the Creator, belief in the Prophet of Islam, longing for the Hereafter, migration in the way of God, striving for His cause, God-consciousness (taqwa), humility, and patience.
The universe is a treasure house of signs and meanings. When men and women reflect upon it sincerely, it nourishes their inner world. They come to see the manifestations of truth and light. Through this reflection, they come to recognize the Creator of all things.
This awareness—that the universe has a purpose, and that life is a trust—leads to a deeper understanding: that no man or woman can live in this world without accountability. Everyone will be judged for their words and actions and rewarded accordingly. Belief in God naturally leads to belief in His Prophet, because it is through the Prophet’s guidance that one learns how to know, worship, and obey God.
In this context, Hijrah (migration) does not simply mean leaving one’s homeland; it means that a man or woman gives up, for the sake of God, those things that He has forbidden.
Abandoning what is undesirable and adopting what is desirable is a continuous process that lasts throughout the life of every believing person. In this way, their life becomes one of constant striving.
Along the way, they repeatedly experience states of piety and humility. They learn to be patient for the sake of God.
