Fathwa, - Equality of the sexes

Question
I am currently a Masters student and all I am being taught is the
superiority of men over women in Islam. I whole heartedly agree. Yet I
have some questions which generally arise in our class.
1( Are men superior to women?
2( Men and women are mentioned )individually( how many times in Qur'an?
3( What should I say and what should be my response to such comments?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and
peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and
Companions.
1( Know, as stated clearly in the Noble Qur'an, that men have a degree
of responsibility over women since they pay the Mahr )bridal money(,
spend on behalf of women, protect them and satisfy their needs in
general. Men also are required to wage Jihad; they have stronger
bodies and behave better than women.
Men, according to their Fitra role in life that Allah has granted
them, use their intellectual powers more than women, who are more
influenced with emotions. The man's brain, according to scientific
research, is heavier than that of women. In general, men are more
rational. But, at the individual level, you may find women who are
better reasoners than men.
2( Know that the word men )and its derivatives( is mentioned 32 times
in the Qur'an, while the word women )and its derivatives( is mentioned
42 times.
3( If you want to understand our stated notes and points you have to
study verses that are related to the subject such as:
Allah Says )interpretation of meaning(:}Men are the protectors and
maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the
other, …{]4:34[. He Says:}And they )women( have rights )over their
husbands as regards living expenses, etc.( similar )to those of their
husbands( over them )as regards obedience and respect, etc.( to what
is reasonable, but men have a degree )of responsibility( over them.
…{]2:228[. He also Says:}And get two witnesses out of your own men.
And if there are not two men )available(, then a man and two women,
such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them )two women(
errs, …{]2:282[. And He Says:}Allâh commands you as regards your
children's )inheritance(; to the male, a portion equal to that of two
females; …{]4:11[
So, you can satisfy your need and find explanations supported with
Hadith and opinions of scholars.
Allah knows best.