Was woman created for man to find solace in her, or for them to complement each other in the vicegerency of the earth? And is the vicegerency of the earth for men only? And is woman of lesser status than man?

Islam honored women and considered them fully competent and responsible, just like men. Allah addressed Adam and his wife together in the first commandment: "And We said, 'O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" He granted her rights similar to the duties incumbent upon her, consistent with her nature, and made her a dwelling for man to achieve affection and mercy. He also equated them in the essence of divine obligation, while singling out men for qawamah (guardianship/maintenance).