Title: Roles of Women and Men Question: What are the roles of women and men in Muslim Society? Answer: Muslim societies differ from one to another. As such they do not necessarily consist of Islamic elements. Islam, the religion, does not give a list of roles for men and women to abide by. Rather, it guides them to appropriate behavior and moral conduct, including beliefs relating to the religion. Islam does affect certain structures which can be viewed as giving roles. Of them are those related to the family. A husband is given the responsibility to provide for the family needs. Though the wife is given the right, by Islam, to work she is obligated to her children just as the husband is only in a different capacity, obviously because of the typical time spent with the children. In terms of society-wide issues Islam is neutral or balanced. Both men and women can seek any employment they choose (of course within the moral guidelines). Both can venture into any endeavor they want. Simply put, men and women are given the same rights as one another. This is of course the true Islamic view. What occurs in Muslim societies around the world may differ greatly and cannot always be attributed to Islam. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan April 15, 2005