Surah An-Nisaa (4) — Ayah 32

(Ayah 32){ وَ لَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ … :} That is, do not say, "I wish I could have this rank or wealth." This indicates not being content with destiny, and if it goes so far as to wish that the other person loses this blessing, then it is envy, which has been greatly condemned. Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that men participate in jihad, while we are deprived of it, and in inheritance, our share is half. Upon this, this verse was revealed: « { وَ لَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بِهٖ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلٰى بَعْضٍ }» [ أحمد : 322/6 ح : ۲۶۷۹۲ ] That is, nearness to Allah is attained through righteous deeds; a man does not have superiority over a woman in deeds merely because he is a man, and a woman is not deprived of the reward of good deeds merely because she is a woman. Therefore, instead of envy, seek the bounty of Allah. (Ibn Kathir, Baghawi)

32. 1. In its context of revelation, it is mentioned that Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "Men participate in jihad and attain martyrdom. We women are deprived of these virtuous deeds. Our inheritance is also half that of men." Upon this, the verse was revealed. The meaning of Allah Almighty's statement is that the physical strength and power which Allah has granted to men according to His wisdom and will, and on the basis of which they participate in jihad and other external tasks, is a special gift for them. In view of this, women should not desire to perform tasks that require masculine abilities. However, they should participate abundantly in obedience to Allah and in good deeds, and in this field, whatever they earn, they will receive their full reward just like men. Furthermore, one should ask Allah Almighty for His bounty, because the difference in capacity, ability, and strength between men and women is an unalterable divine decree, which cannot be changed merely by wishing. However, by His bounty, any deficiency left in effort and striving can be compensated.

32. Do not covet what Allah has given some of you over others [54]. For men [55] is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah for His bounty. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

[54]
Instead of Envy, One Should Seek Allah’s Grace:

In this world, Allah has granted some people one quality and others a different one. Some are wealthy, some are poor. Some are beautiful, some are unattractive. Some are strong and healthy, while others are weak and constantly ill. Some are physically whole, while others are born blind, mute, or deaf. Some are very intelligent and wise, while others are dull-minded. Some have a great capacity for work, while others have less; some are agile and energetic, while others are naturally sluggish and lethargic. It is through these very differences that the vibrancy of this world is maintained, and people continue to benefit from one another. Now, if one tries to eliminate any of these natural differences, the difference itself will not be removed, but disorder will certainly arise in society. Therefore, if Allah has granted someone a particular quality, one should not harbor envy, greed, or malice towards them, because in return, Allah has surely given you some quality as well. However, you may pray to Allah for His grace for yourself. And if you pray sincerely and also adopt the necessary means for it, then Allah, indeed, is very generous in bestowing favors upon His servants.

[55]
Men and Women Are Equal in Reward and Recompense:

Whether it is a man or a woman, whoever has greater sincerity in intention will receive reward accordingly. And if a woman, despite having less strength and capacity for work, performs the same good deed as a man, then surely the woman should receive even greater reward. In other words, in terms of reward, there is no difference between men and women. However, other factors may affect the increase or decrease of reward. Now, if a woman starts thinking in this way that Allah has allotted two shares to men in inheritance and one to women, or that Allah has made men rulers over women and women subservient, or if a man starts thinking that all financial responsibilities have been placed upon men, yet a woman’s share in inheritance has been fixed for free, or that a man has been made responsible for all the expenses of his wife and children—their food, clothing, housing, and educational needs—so that he must earn by whatever means possible and present it to his family, then in this way, the man becomes a servant to his family, so how is he a ruler? So Allah has said to abandon such incorrect ways of thinking. Allah has given the commands He has given with full knowledge of every matter, so if any of you feels any deficiency, then seek Allah’s grace for it. He is the Possessor of great grace and has full power to remove all your weaknesses and shortcomings.