Clarification And Analysation On What’s Confusing

My reaction to the hues and cries generated by Sultan of Sokoto’s statement that “MEN SHALL INHERIT DOUBLE OF WHAT WOMEN INHERIT”.
There is no where God says men are superior to women in the Qur’an. Men and women are equal in Islam. However, as for inheritance, Islam has apportioned double to men, due to the enormity of duties and responsibilities they are saddled with. Men fend for the family. Men have more financial responsibilities than women. Though, there are some women who bear more financial burden than men, but it’s not so common. Therefore, a male child is given double of what a female inherits. This does not mean superiority of male over female, but assistance to ease his burden.
Moreover, Islam places so much premium on the womenfolk. Islam has accorded them due respect in all ramifications. Islam protects their dignity and honour, and bestows on them the right to ownership of estate and property. Islam encourages them to strive to attain the peak of their academic career. It affords them a pride of place in the society. They can vote and be voted for. They can aspire to reach the zenith of their career, as long as it will not negatively affect their home; which is their primary constituency. Benazir Bhutto (Nobel Prize Winner), Nobel Laureate Tawakkul Karman, Nobel Laureate Shirim Ibadi are all glittering examples of what a Muslim lady can be without losing her religious identity.
Nevertheless, there are some Muslims who believe men are superior to women. They believe women cannot speak freely in the society, especially in the presence of men. The fact they adduce is that: the voice of a lady is part of her nakedness. This is a faulty assumption which has no basis in our religion. This cannot be substantiated in or traced to any of the fundamental sources of Islamic jurisprudence. Neither does the Qur’an affirm this nor any of the traditions of the Holy Prophet. What Islam frowns at is an alluring or seductive manner of speaking.
Those who say Islam does not support a woman speaking in public should also consider the fact that Muslim women are lecturers in many of the ivory towers in our country, and they are duty bound to teach and lecture in front of male students. Preventing them from expressing their opinions and thoughts in public has a damaging effect on their psyche. Also, doing this will deprive the society of their meaningful suggestions and contributions. The roles of women in societal reformation and thought edification can never be overemphasised.
In conclusion, let me reiterate, Islam accords equal rights to male and female, and it saddles them with specific duties and responsibilities in establishing a virile society that is devoid of rancour, animosity and oppression. Sultan of Sokoto was right.