Smooth_daddy said:It is true that in Surat Baqarah Allah swt stated that men hold a degree higher above women. It is very important to take the context of the statement before drawing any conclusions.
This verse was mentioned right after the verse: "And the women have rights similar to men over them to what is reasonable". These are the verses where Allah swt has given the strength and balance in the relationship between husband and wife.
Ibn `Abbas said, "I like to take care of my appearance for my wife just as I like for her to take care of her appearance for me. This is because Allah says: "And the women have rights similar to men over them to what is reasonable".
Giving men a higher degree is of responsibility, not mere authority. This Ayah indicates that men are in a more advantageous position than women physically as well as in their mannerism, obedience (of women to them), spending, taking care of the affairs and in general.
In another Ayah, Allah swt says: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means." (4:34).
Allah is just, He will treat humans equally, however, people of responsibility and authority will have greater accountability. It would be unfair to treat a slave and a master with same standards of responsibilty. In the matters of belief and worship, all are equal, but when it comes to responsibilites, accountability is by status.
This my humble understanding, Allah knows the best.
