rebuttal to islam sikhism blind equality

8/8/2019 Rebuttal to Islam Sikhism Blind Equality

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www.SikhingTruth.com

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Rebuttal toBlind Equality in

Sikhism



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1 Contents Page1 Contents Page.............................................................................................................. 22 Islam-Sikhism website wrote: Muslim challenge to the rights of Sikh women ......... 4

2.1 SikhingTruth response: Proofs for equality between men and women .............. 4

2.1.1 The Light of God sits equally within everyone .......................................... 42.1.2 Both men and women are described as beautiful soul brides of God......... 4

2.1.3 The cessation of suffering is available to both men and women ................ 5

2.1.4 Both men and women regarded as women of God ..................................... 5

2.1.5 A challenge to men to accept women as equals. This is the direct oppositeview held by the older Indian religions with their focus on asceticism and shunning

of women. ................................................................................................................... 5

2.1.6 A woman is regarded as the one half of man.............................................. 52.1.7 A menstruating woman is not considered impure. Only people with God in

their mind are considered pure, which is independent of the condition of ones

clothing or physical body cycles................................................................................. 6

2.1.8 Blessings of a mother.................................................................................. 62.1.9 God is described as mother and father........................................................ 6

2.1.10 The nature of a mother is associated with Wisdom.................................... 6

2.1.11 The Guru is associated with the nurturing and caring qualities of a mother6

2.1.12 God takes the form of both men and women.............................................. 7

2.1.13 The veil as a useless outdated piece of clothing ......................................... 72.1.14 Hindu tradition of Sati (burning of alive widow on funeral pyre) redefined

7

2.1.15 Marriage is part of the spiritual journey to realise God. ............................. 72.1.16 Examples from the Lives of the Gurus ....................................................... 7

2.1.17 Hereditary rights for Sikh Women.............................................................. 72.1.18 Identity of a woman .................................................................................... 8

2.1.19 Opportunity to Pray for a woman ............................................................... 82.1.20 Restrictions on clothes for a woman........................................................... 8

2.1.21 Examples of women leaders through Sikh history ..................................... 8

2.1.22 Modern examples of pioneering Sikh women ............................................ 93 SikhingTruth response: Summary regarding Sikhism.............................................. 104 Islams denial of even basic Women rights .............................................................. 10

4.1 Testimony of 2 women is equal to the testimony of 1 man.............................. 104.2 Menstruation is regarded as an illness during which time women should be left

alone 10

4.3 Women are regarded as a piece of land (tilth) .................................................. 114.4 Men have a degree over women ....................................................................... 114.5 Slave girls are allowed...................................................................................... 11

4.6 Death is the punishment for an unfaithful woman............................................ 11

4.7 Women who are captured in war can be sexually violated even if they aremarried .......................................................................................................................... 11

4.8 Men are in charge of women ............................................................................ 12

4.9 Certain food reserved for a male....................................................................... 12


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4.10 Women that have been won through war do not have the same rights as normal

women........................................................................................................................... 124.11 Women assumed to be bad as majority in hell are women............................... 12

4.12 Women are regarded as deficient in intelligence and religion.......................... 13

4.13 Women are likened to dogs and donkeys ......................................................... 13

4.14 Prophet Muhammad struck his wife Aisha on the chest................................... 134.15 Muslim Men are allowed to beat / scourge their women.................................. 14

5 Conclusions regarding equality between men and women in Sikhism and Islam.... 14


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2 Islam-Sikhism website wrote: Muslim challenge to therights of Sikh women

Where are these revolutionary rights of women in Sikhism so often lauded as a substitute

to Islaam? If this right is absent in a divinely proclaimed scripture, are we to assume the

Most Merciful Creator considered this subject unimportant?

2.1 SikhingTruth response: Proofs for equality between menand women

Our fellow Muslim brethren are challenging the well know fact that Sikhism provides

complete equality of opportunity between men and women. This section looks at thesequestions and provides scriptural evidence for equality in Sikhism and non-equality of

opportunity between men and women in Islam.

The below sample of quotes from Sikh scripture and the life of the Gurus should besufficient to highlight the fact that Sikhism promotes complete equality of opportunity

between men and women. The creator indeed considers equality important and has given

an updated message to humanity through the Sikh Gurus.

2.1.1The Light of God sits equally within everyoneIn the earth and in the sky, I do not see any second. Among all the women and the men,

His Light is shining. ||3|| In the lamps of the sun and the moon, I see His Light. Dwelling

among all is my ever-youthful Beloved. ||4|| In His Mercy, He attuned my consciousnessto the Lord.

(Guru Granth Sahib page 223)

2.1.2Both men and women are described as beautiful soul brides ofGod

Her Husband Lord is Beautiful; His Body is forever fresh and new. The True One does

not die, and shall not go. He continually enjoys His happy soul-bride; He casts His

Gracious Glance of Truth upon her, and she abides in His Will. ||4|| The bride braids her

hair with Truth; her clothes are decorated with His Love. Like the essence of

sandalwood, He permeates her consciousness, and the Temple of the Tenth Gate is

opened. The lamp of the Shabad is lit, and the Name of the Lord is her necklace. ||5|| She

is the most beautiful among women; upon her forehead she wears the Jewel of the Lord's

Love. Her glory and her wisdom are magnificent; her love for the Infinite Lord is True.

Other than her Beloved Lord, she knows no man. She enshrines love for the True Guru.

||6||



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2.1.3The cessation of suffering is available to both men and womenThe Transcendent Lord has given me His support. The house of pain and disease has

been demolished. The men and women celebrate. The Lord God, Har, Har, has extended

His Mercy. ||1||


2.1.4Both men and women regarded as women of GodThe women come and sing the songs of joy. Meeting with their Beloved, lasting peace is

obtained. ||1|| I am a sacrifice to those, whose minds are filled with the Lord. Meeting

with the humble servant of the Lord, peace is obtained, and one intuitively sings the

Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||Pause|| They are always imbued with Your Joyful Love;

O Dear Lord, You Yourself come to dwell in their minds. They obtain eternal glory. The

Gurmukhs are united in the Lord's Union. ||2||


2.1.5A challenge to men to accept women as equals. This is thedirect opposite view held by the older Indian religions with theirfocus on asceticism and shunning of women.

From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged

and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.

When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her

bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there

would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman. That mouth

which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be

radiant in the Court of the True Lord. ||2||


2.1.6A woman is regarded as the one half of manBecause of the love of woman, circumcision is done; I don't believe in it, O Siblings of

Destiny. If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. ||2|| If

circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman? She is the other half of a

man's body, and she does not leave him, so he remains a Hindu. ||3|| Give up your holy

books, and remember the Lord, you fool, and stop oppressing others so badly. Kabeer

has grasped hold of the Lord's Support, and the Muslims have utterly failed. ||4||8||



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2.1.7A menstruating woman is not considered impure. Only peoplewith God in their mind are considered pure, which isindependent of the condition of ones clothing or physical bodycycles.

As a woman has her periods, month after month, so does falsehood dwell in the mouth

of the false; they suffer forever, again and again. They are not called pure, who sit downafter merely washing their bodies. Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the

Lord abides. ||2||


When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, soap can wash them clean. But when

the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the

Name.


2.1.8Blessings of a motherFruitful are the lives of those who walk in harmony with the Will of the True Guru.

Their families are saved; blessed are the mothers who gave birth to them. By His Will He

grants His Grace; those who are so blessed, meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har.

||3||


2.1.9God is described as mother and fatherLike a foolish child, I have made mistakes. O Lord, You are my Father and Mother. ||1||

It is easy to speak and talk, but it is difficult to accept Your Will. ||1||Pause|| I stand tall;

You are my Strength. I know that You are mine. Inside of all, and outside of all, You are

our Self-sufficient Father. ||2||

2.1.10 The nature of a mother is associated with WisdomLet wisdom be your mother, and contentment your father. Let Truth be your brother -

these are your best relatives. ||1|| He has been described, but He cannot be described at

all. Your All-pervading creative nature cannot be estimated. ||1||Pause||

2.1.11 The Guru is associated with the nurturing and caringqualities of a mother

Just as the mother, having given birth to a son, feeds him and keeps him in her vision -

indoors and outdoors, she puts food in his mouth; each and every moment, she caresses

him. In just the same way, the True Guru protects His GurSikhs, who love their Beloved

Lord. ||1||



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2.1.12 God takes the form of both men and womenSomewhere He bears the quality of rajas (activity), somewhere tamas (morbidity) and

somewhere sattva (rhythm). Somewhere He takes the form of a woman and somewhere

man.

2.1.13 The veil as a useless outdated piece of clothingStay, stay, O daughter-in-law - do not cover your face with a veil. In the end, this shall

not bring you even half a shell. ||1||Pause|| The one before you used to veil her face; do

not follow in her footsteps. ||1|| The only merit in veiling your face is that for a few days,

people will say, "What a noble bride has come". ||2|| Your veil shall be true only if you

skip, dance and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||3|| Says Kabeer, the soul-bride

shall win, only if she passes her life singing the Lord's Praises. ||4||1||34||


2.1.14 Hindu tradition of Sati (burning of alive widow on funeralpyre) redefinedDo not call them 'satee', who burn themselves along with their husbands' corpses. O

Nanak, they alone are known as 'satee', who die from the shock of separation. ||1|| They

are also known as 'satee', who abide in modesty and contentment. They serve their Lord,

and rise in the early hours to contemplate Him. ||2||

2.1.15 Marriage is part of the spiritual journey to realise God.A married couple must live together as equals. It is the duty of both husband and wife toshare the responsibilities of rearing Children. All other family duties should also be

shared equally.

They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather they alone are

husband and wife who have one soul in two bodies.

2.1.16 Examples from the Lives of the Gurus During the time of the 3rd Guru, Sikhism had established 22 centres around the

country. 4 of the leaders at these centres were women. This makes Sikhism the only

religion to have the equivalent of 4 Bishops in 15th Century

3rd Guru sent out over 100 missionaries. Just under half were women.

Sikh men and women have always helped in the Community Kitchens with cookingand cleaning

2.1.17 Hereditary rights for Sikh Women Hereditary rights have never been an issue in Sikhism. Sikh women have full rights to

contest any hereditary claim


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In, Womens Property Rights A Sikh Perspective, Prof Dalip Singh writes, Sinceall children both male and female are equal in all respects, the property of the

father/mother is equally divisible amongst the children.

2.1.18

Identity of a woman In most cultures, when a man marries a women, it is customary for the woman to

adopt the mans surname.This is a subtle form of superiority of the male over thefemale, with the latter losing her identity.

However in Sikhism the Guru considers the woman a Princess and has given her thesurname Kaur. This frees the woman from having to take her husbands surname after

marriage.

2.1.19 Opportunity to Pray for a woman Many religions blame women, for the inability of a man to remain focused on God.

However, in Sikhism it is not the woman who is blamed for causing sinful thoughts inmen, but the men who let Lust dominate their mind.

Any woman can:

Enter a Gurdwara and is accepted in all prayers. No area is made exempt Women are always an integral part of the Congregation

2.1.20 Restrictions on clothes for a womanThe Sikh Code of Conduct states, It is not proper for a Sikh woman to wear a veil or

keep her face hidden by veil or cover Article XVI,s

2.1.21 Examples of women leaders through Sikh history Mata Nanaki was Guru Nanak's sister and perhaps the first Sikh. She played a vital

role in sustaining and spreading Guru Nanak's spiritual message.

Mata Tripta was Guru Nanak's mother and encouraged Guru Nanak to pursue his lifelong mission.

Mata Sahib The Spiritual Mother of the Khalsa. During the first Amrit ceremony ofthe Khalsa on Vaisakhi 1699, She added sugar wafers (Patasae) in the preparation of

the Holy nectar (Amrit) in order to infuse mercy and benevolence into the preexistingproperties (courage and strength) of the Amrit.

Mata Gujari was an illuminating force behind her husband Guru Tegh Bahadur (theninth Guru) and her son Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru).

Mata Ajit Kaur nurtured and guided the Khalsa for forty years after the Guru's (10thMasters) death.

Mata Khivi was Guru Angad Dev's wife and she occupies a special place in Sikhhistory. She played a critical role in the second Guru's life. Her most important


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contribution is that she made the concept of langar (community kitchen), a reality.

She helped create a new social consciousness in Sikh women.

Bibi Bhani has a unique position in Sikh history. She was the daughter of the thirdGuru (Guru Amar Das), wife of the fourth Guru (Guru Ram Das), and mother of the

fifth Guru (Guru Arjan Dev). Bibi Bhani was an inspiration during the formative

period of Sikh history and symbolizes responsibility, dedication, humility andfortitude.

Sada Kaur described as a first woman commander-in-chief and a leader ofunprecedented qualities. She along with her son in law Ranjit Singh defeated ZamanShah, son of Abdali near Amritsar and established the Khalsa Kingdom.

Rani Jind Kaur married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, mother of Maharaja Dalip Singh,first female freedom fighter in the struggle to drive out the British from India. She

tried her best to stop British from annexing her kingdom.

Mai Bhago Fought side by side with Guru Gobind Singh, was the lone survivor ofthe battle in which Fourty Mukte defeated Mughals. She led and fought in many

battles for Guru Gobind Singh, and also served as his bodyguard. She led a battalion

of 40 men in the battle of Muktsar. Mai Bhago kaur survived to remain a member ofthe Khalsa army.

Bibi Khem Kaur A general of Sikh forces that supported a revolt against British in1849.

Bibi Sahib Kaur Phulkian A Princess of Patiala. She led armies into many battles andwas the only woman in Indian subcontinent to win a battle over a British General.

Bibi Rajinder Kaur Princess of Patiala, displayed her chivalry in numerous battles.

2.1.22 Modern examples of pioneering Sikh women Dr. Kalpana Chawla - First Indian Woman (and 1st Sikh) to go into Space (1997) Harita Kaur Deol - First Indian Woman to perform a solo flight in 1994 Kiran Bedi - First Indian Woman IPS Officer (1974) Kamaljit Sandhu - First Indian Woman to win an Asian gold (1970) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur - First Indian Woman Union Health Minister: (1954) Bibi Jagir Kaur - First woman President of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak

Committee (SGPC) which is the Sikh parliament of India

Snatam Kaur Khalsa - New Age Grammy Award Nominee for her Spiritual music Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa - Bhai Sahiba of Sikh Dharma of the Western

Hepsiphere

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa is director of Golden Bridge in Los Angeles. Author of TheEight Human Talents; Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: A Spiritual Path to Pregnancyand Birthing; and three DVDs on Kundalini Yoga and pre- and postnatal yoga.

Siri Sikdar Sahiba Guru Amrit Kaur joint head of 3HO Healthy, Happy and Holyorganization


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3 SikhingTruth response: Summary regarding SikhismWe feel that the above is a good deal of evidence to suggest that Sikhism provides

complete equality of opportunity for men and women

4 Islams denial of even basic Women rightsWe have shown that Sikhism does in fact have plenty of proof which highlights theequality between men and women. Unfortunately for Muslim prostelizers Islam in no

way can compare to Sikhism. Some quotes from the Hadiths and the Quaran highlight

this.

4.1 Testimony of 2 women is equal to the testimony of 1 manScripture: Quran

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/002.qmt.html

002.282 PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term,record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No

scribe should refuse to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who

incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish

naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable

himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And

call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand)

then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth

(through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when

they are summoned.

4.2Menstruation is regarded as an illness during which timewomen should be left alone

Scripture: Quran


002.222 PICKTHAL: They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation.

Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are

cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath

enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who

have a care for cleanness.


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4.3 Women are regarded as a piece of land (tilth)Scripture: Quran


002.223 PICKTHAL: Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as

ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know thatye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad).

4.4Men have a degree over womenScripture: Quran


002.228 PICKTHAL: Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart,

three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which

Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And

their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire areconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in

kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.

4.5 Slave girls are allowedScripture: Quran


004.003 PICKTHAL: And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of

the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do

justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus

it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.

4.6 Death is the punishment for an unfaithful womanScripture: Quran


004.015 PICKTHAL: As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to

witness four of you against them. And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation) then

confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Allah appoint for them a way(through new legislation).

4.7 Women who are captured in war can be sexually violatedeven if they are married

Scripture: Quran



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004.024 PICKTHAL: And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those

(captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you

are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock,

not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them

their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreementafter the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.

4.8Men are in charge of womenScripture: Quran


004.034 PICKTHAL: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of

them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of

women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath

guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them tobeds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo!

Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.

4.9 Certain food reserved for a maleScripture: Quran


006.139 PICKTHAL: And they say: That which is in the bellies of such cattle is reserved

for our males and is forbidden to our wives; but if it be born dead, then they (all) may be

partakers thereof. He will reward them for their attribution (of such ordinances untoHim). Lo, He is Wise, Aware.

4.10 Women that have been won through war do not have thesame rights as normal women.

Scripture: Quran


033.052 PICKTHAL: It is not allowed thee to take (other) women henceforth, nor that

thou shouldst change them for other wives even though their beauty pleased thee, save

those whom thy right hand possesseth. And Allah is ever Watcher over all things.

4.11 Women assumed to be bad as majority in hell are womenScripture: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 28

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/searchhadith.html


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Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said: I was shown the Hell-fire and that the majority

of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful." It was asked, "Do they disbelieve in

Allah?" (or are they ungrateful to Allah?) He replied, "They are ungrateful to their

husbands and are ungrateful for the favors and the good (charitable deeds) done to them.

If you have always been good (benevolent) to one of them and then she sees something in

you (not of her liking), she will say, 'I have never received any good from you.

4.12 Women are regarded as deficient in intelligence andreligion

Scripture: Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/searchhadith.html

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer

the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O

women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you

(women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You cursefrequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in

intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some

of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and

religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?"

They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it

true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in

the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion.

4.13 Women are likened to dogs and donkeysScripture: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 9, Number 490:http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/searchhadith.html

Narrated 'Aisha: The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They

said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the

praying people)." I said, "You have made us (i.e. women) dogs. I saw the Prophet

praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need

of something, I would slip away. for I disliked to face him."

4.14 Prophet Muhammad struck his wife Aisha on the chestScripture: KITAB AL-SALAT, Book 4, Number 2127

http://isna.net/library/hadith/muslim/004c_smt.html

He stood there and he stood for a long time. He then lifted his hands three times, and

then returned and I also returned. He hastened his steps and I also hastened my steps. He

ran and I too ran. He came (to the house) and I also came (to the house). I, however,

preceded him and I entered (the house), and as I lay down in the bed, he (the Holy


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Prophet) entered the (house), and said: Why is it, O 'A'isha, that you are out of breath? I

said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me or the Subtle and the Aware would inform me. I

said: Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be ransom for you, and then I told

him (the whole story). He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front

of me? I said: Yes. He struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did

you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you? She said: Whatsoeverthe people conceal, Allah will know it. He said: Gabriel came to me when you saw me.

He called me and he concealed it from you. I responded to his call, but I too concealed it

from you (for he did not come to you), as you were not fully dressed. I thought that you

had gone to sleep, and I did not like to awaken you, fearing that you may be frightened.

4.15Muslim Men are allowed to beat / scourge their womenScripture: Quran


004.034 PICKTHAL: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one ofthem to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of

women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath

guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to

beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo!

Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.

5 Conclusions regarding equality between men andwomen in Sikhism and Islam

Suffice to say: Sikhism provides equality of opportunity between men and women Islam does not even come close to providing equality of opportunity between men

and women

Muslims can try as hard as they like to challenge Sikhism but unfortunately for them the

foundations of Sikhism are solid!

rebuttal to islam sikhism blind equality

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