The Worth of a Woman

WOMEN: PRECIOUS IN GOD’S EYES VS. RESTRICTED UNDER SHARIA LAW

✝️ JESUS AND WOMEN (BIBLICAL VIEW)

Core message: Women are made in the image of God and equally worthy of dignity, relationship with God, purpose, and honor.

1. Equal Value Before God

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

— Galatians 3:28

→ Women are co-heirs of salvation, not spiritually inferior.

2. Jesus Publicly Honored Women

• Spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) — crossing cultural barriers.

• Defended the woman caught in adultery (John 8) — “Let him without sin cast the first stone.”

• Allowed women to learn at His feet (Luke 10:38–42) — considered radical for the time.

3. Trusted Women as Witnesses

• First resurrection witnesses were women (Matthew 28; John 20).

• In a culture where women’s testimony was often dismissed, Jesus chose them first.

  
  

  → Women were the first preachers of the Resurrection.

4. Women in Early Church Leadership

• Phoebe — a deacon/minister (Romans 16:1–2)

• Priscilla — a teacher of doctrine (Acts 18:26)

• Junia — honored as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7)

Summary:

➡️ The Bible elevates women as honored, capable, worthy, spiritually equal, and entrusted with mission.

☪️ WOMEN UNDER SHARIA LAW (TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATIONS)

Important note: Sharia is interpreted differently across countries and communities.

Some places apply it harshly; others blend it with civil law.

1. Legal & Testimony Inequality

• In many classical interpretations, a woman’s testimony counts as half of a man’s in financial matters.

• Male guardianship is often required.

2. Limited Autonomy

• Restrictions may include: travel, marriage, divorce, employment, dress, or education.

• A woman may need a father/husband/brother’s permission for decisions.

3. Polygamy vs. Monogamy

• Men may marry up to four wives; women may only have one husband.

4. Clothing & Modesty Laws

• In some regions, strict enforcement (hijab/niqab/burqa).

• Non-compliance can bring social or legal penalties.

5. Marriage & Age

• Some Sharia-based legal systems allow child marriage with guardian approval.

Summary:

➡️ Traditional Sharia interpretations often reduce women’s legal autonomy, limit rights, and center authority in male guardians.

KEY CONTRAST — JESUS vs SHARIA (traditional)

✝️ Jesus / Christianity

• Women equal in God’s image

• Co-heirs with men spiritually

• Legal and moral responsibility equal

• Women serve, teach, and lead (Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia)

• Marriage is monogamous, mutual honor

• Women have personal autonomy and dignity

• Jesus protects, restores, and empowers women

☪️ Sharia (Traditional Interpretation)

• Hierarchical structure, male authority

• Spiritual access often mediated through male guardianship

• Testimony of 2 women = 1 man (legal/financial)

• Leadership for women limited or forbidden

• Men may marry up to 4 wives

• Women often under male guardian control

• Law prioritizes obedience and restrictions

CONCLUSION

Jesus restored dignity, voice, and value to women.

Traditional Sharia frameworks often restrict women’s rights, autonomy, and public participation.

Understanding these differences helps us advocate for freedom, compassion, and protection of women everywhere.