{"_id":"668da07f0b76658b4c2338ca","title":"What is the Tafseer of the verse that mentions men possess a single degree in rank above them (women)?","question":"What is the meaning of the end of 2:228? I'm reading from Nuh Ha Mim Keller's translation, so it reads, \"...And women possess rights like those they are bound to fulfill, in lawful fairness, while men possess a single degree in rank above them...","answer":"There is a difference of opinion regarding the interpretation of \"degree.\" Some say it refers to the preference that Allah has given to men over women in inheritance and jihad. Others say it means authority and obedience. Another group believes it refers to the dowry that a man gives to a woman. Others say it refers to his kindness towards her, fulfilling her rights, and forgiving some of what is due to him from her.\n\nIbn Jarir (4/123-124) preferred the latter opinion attributed to Ibn Abbas, based on the Quran and language. He said: \"Allah - the Exalted mentioned - said: 'And for men is a degree over them' immediately after saying: 'And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in a just manner.' This indicates that men must not harm their wives in their dealings during the three waiting periods or in other matters and rights, just as women must not harm their husbands by concealing what Allah has created in their wombs and other rights. Then Allah encourages men to be generous towards women if they fail to fulfill some of their obligations, saying: 'And for men is a degree over them,' due to their generosity and forgiving some of what is due to them. This is what Ibn Abbas meant by saying: 'I do not want to exact all my rights over her because Allah says: 'And for men is a degree over them.'' \n\nIbn Attiyah (1/560) commented on Ibn Abbas's statement, saying: \"This is an excellent and admirable opinion.","tags":[{"_id":"668d9fe00b76658b4c2327c8","tag":"Women: Other","count":52},{"_id":"668d9fe70b76658b4c2328a0","tag":"Quran: Tafseer","count":34},{"_id":"668da0230b76658b4c232f2c","tag":"Men: Other","count":23}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:41:35.492Z"}