Senior Saudi Shaykh Rejects Equality Between Muslims and Non-Muslims, Men and Women

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Translated from the original Arabic by Al Mutarjim


Saudi Shaykh, 'Abd-al-Rahman bin Nasir al-Barrak explains that there is no equality in Islam, or at least not in the way that most non-Muslims and the Human Rights Charter defines it.

What is the ruling on the saying uttered by some people: "Islam is a religion of equality"?

Answer: Praise be to God. Many people have spoken the phrase, "Islam is a religion of equality." They should know that this statement is heinous and false. Some Muslims may say it out of good intentions, seeking to praise and glorify Islam. Perhaps they don't know the real truth behind this phrase. This phrase is spoken by some whimsical people, who thereby reach out for purposes that are contrary to the law of Islam, such as the equality of rights between Muslims and infidels, and between men and women. They do this for the infidels, running behind their ways and their calls. But God hath differentiated between men and women in terms of rights, duties, and judgments. He hath also differentiated between Muslims and infidels in terms of judgments and penalties. The universal, legitimate, and penal Sunnah of God recognizes the differences--this is common sense. The Qur'an is frank in rejecting equality among things that are different. The Most High said: "Not equal are the blind and the seeing, nor the darknesses and the light, nor the shade and the heat, and not equal are the living and the dead..." [Qur'an 35:19-22]. He also said, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember who are people of understanding" [Qur'an 39:9]. [...] The Almighty also said, "The woman is not like the man." He also said regarding the inheritance of sons and brothers, "The man receives the fortune of two women."

Therefore there should only be equality among things which are identical. The ruling of one thing is also the ruling of its counterpart, logically and legally. Therefore we believe in all of the messengers of God: "We do not differentiate between one of his messengers." We also disbelieve in everything which worships something other than God: "Say, 'O infidels, we do not worship what you worship'." It is correct to say, "Islam is a religion of justice." Justice means placing things in their proper places, by giving everyone his proper right. This includes some things which are known logically, and others which are known only by the law, and others which fit in both categories.

There are two issues here which are defined and called for by the UN, and which it requires every member nation to apply, specifically targeting Muslims. The first issue is regarding the difference between Muslims and infidels. It is known that this contradicts the shari'a of Islam, in terms of retribution, inheritance, marriage, brotherhood, and loyalty. [...] The call for equality between Muslims and infidels has been made in conferences and seminars under the banner of humanitarianism and the like. Branching out from this is the call for coexistence, religious dialogue, and world peace, by which they deceive the Muslims into giving up the law of jihad in the path of God, and God's requirement of disloyalty to the unbelievers.

The second issue: the call for equality between men and women. The UN issued this in a document entitled, "Preventing Discrimination Against Women," [...]

God hath differentiated between men and women in the shari'a of Islam, required by their natures and legacy. [He hath differentiated] among them in inheritance and testimony, in the cordiality of a man toward a woman, in rights in marriage, in clothing, in comings and goings, in travel, in mandate, and in responsibilities. [...]
What is the ruling on the saying uttered by some people: "Islam is a religion of equality"?
Sheikh 'Abd-al-Rahman bin Nasir al-Barrak, Fatwa No. 38610, October 7, 2010