Humanity from a Single Source and Gender Equality in Islam: Scriptural Foundations and Contemporary Practice

Abstract

This article reviews the scriptural foundations of gender equality in Islam, centered on the Qur'anic principle that all humanity originates from a single soul (nafs wāḥidah). It analyzes key verses and prophetic examples (Hadith) to establish the absolute spiritual and moral equivalence of men and women before Allah, emphasizing that human worth is determined solely by piety and righteousness, not by gender. The paper demonstrates how this concept of equality is institutionally embedded in acts of worship, accountability, and women's historical and contemporary agency in knowledge and leadership. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges in contemporary Muslim-majority societies, where the core Islamic principles of equality are frequently undermined by cultural practices, patriarchal structures, and diverse legal interpretations, leading to persistent disparities in economic, educational, and political spheres. The conclusion asserts that despite these cultural discrepancies, the foundational message of Islam is unmistakable, calling for a continuous effort to ensure that the values of shared human dignity and spiritual equality shape current Muslim practice.