Male Superiority in Quran: A Critical Appraisal

The role of a woman as an individual in many Muslim societies has been undermined. When the Quran uses the word 'Nafs' or person, it describes the relation of the individual with Allah without taking into account any difference of male or female. Quran is the last revelation on Earth has to be interpreted in its best meaning. The superiority of male in the Quran must be read with conditions attached to it. Only those men who are breadwinners are preferred. Secondly, faddala does not mean preference of all men overall women, but the word ba'd have been specifically used in the said verse. Moreover 'Daraba' interpreted as beating or scourging of a wife by husband in order to make her obedient is not supported by any tradition of the Prophet (SAW). Ijtehad or independent reasoning must be encouraged for the revival of Islamic jurisprudence.