A Comparative Analysis Of The Events Of Women Mentioned In Quran And Bible

Abstract

This comparative study aims to compare the stories of the women that are cited or found in the Quran and the Bible; these women are Hawwa (Eve), Maryam (Mary), Asiya, Hajar (Hagar), and Sarah. In the process of such investigation, the study would try to present the way women are depicted in two dominant faiths and their holy scriptures, concerning similarities as well as differences. The given paper explores the benefits and harms of such representations for society and gender roles. 

It is unlike the biblical account where a woman is blamed, thus the creation of man in the matter as an equal partner to a woman. However, the concept related to original sin has a negative reception. Likewise, in the Quran, Maryam’s story is for purposes of preservation and elevation and at the same time proving high moral standards, especially for women. Asiya is an example of strength and becoming righteous in the face of oppression and Hagar’s story of the strength and faith displayed in the desert.

About Sarah’s role in Islamic literature, however slightly less significant than other characters, faith and divine blessing as narrated by Sarah are highlighted. 

While the Bible proves women’s importance as equal beings who are valuable contributors to society albeit in supportive roles, these scripts also paint a number of clichéd perceptions to women right from calling Eve responsible for the fall of man to setting Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a role model while expecting such a status from [1]women in that society. There are no characters like Asiya in the Bible which hardly acts as positive models for women and although Hagar is another character, her portrayal may be representative of the distinct class. What emerges from the story of Sarah in the bible is faith and God’s word, albeit cuts for a moment when Sarah laughed a moment after the pronouncement of the angel.