REDVET - Revista electrónica de Veterinaria - ISSN 1695-7504 Vol 25, No. 1S (2024) http://www.veterinaria.org Article Received: 5/08/2024 Revised: 10/09/2024 Accepted: 29/09/2024 1422 The Role Of Women In Abrahamic Scriptures: A Comparative Study Of Selected Sacred Books Zafer Ahmad Ganai 1* , Yasmeen Jan 2 1* Research Scholar, University of Kashmir. Email id- zi714039@gmail.com 2 Research Scholar, University of Kashmir. Abstract This article examines the role of women in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as depicted in their respective religious texts. It suggests that Christianity and Judaism have experienced distortions over time, focusing on the New Testament and the Hebrew and Samaritan Torah as the primary texts. The study explores themes of creation, family, and society within these religions. The Bible and Torah describe Eve's temptation and Adam's fall, whereas the Quran attributes the temptation equally to both Adam and Eve, emphasizing devotion and piety over gender. In contrast, Judaism and Christianity exhibit clear patriarchal elements, imposing restrictions on women's authority and roles within the family. The patriarchal structure in Islamic societies is suggested to stem more from cultural influences than from religious doctrine, with elements from Israelite traditions infiltrating Islamic culture and jurisprudence under the guise of religion. The study employs a comparative methodology for its analysis. Keywords: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Role of Women, Patriarchal elements 1.1 Introduction The role of women in human creation and their importance in the family and the preservation of the human race are central to all heavenly religions and deeply emphasized in their holy texts. Women are valued for their health and their role in maintaining the privacy of the family. Religious beliefs consider women as the cornerstone of human life and the foundation of society, and people's lives are often influenced by these beliefs. Consequently, religious teachings have been expressed to protect the privacy and dignity of women. However, throughout history, discussions regarding women have sometimes been taken to extremes. It is important to note that the teachings of heavenly religions underscore the significance of women. Many verses in the Torah, the Bible, and the Qur'an are dedicated to the topic of women, highlighting their importance in these sacred texts. 2 Furthermore, the creation of man and all creatures is described as a blend of physical and intrinsic beauty, both in material and spiritual realms 3 . As divine religions are founded on the wisdom, knowledge, and infinite mercy of God and all pursue a common goal, theirteachings are the most beautiful, clear, and best, originating from the source of divinerevelation. Despite some variations in their written teachings, they all pray for the same purpose. 4 The discussion in this article focuses on the adaptation of the position of women in divine religions. It is related to their creation, individual and social behavior, as well as their position in the family and the preservation of their privacy. It is important to note that women, as human beings, are subject to the same laws that apply to men, as they were created in the same type and gender. All heavenly religions share a common view of women, as the source of sending all religions goes back to a singleGod. However, it is believed that the current heavenly books have undergone distortions over time. The discussion on women in the three books of the Torah, Al- Jabal, and the Qur'an is based on the current holy books. Historical discrimination and conflicts regarding the position and dignity of women are discussed in these three divine books. In modern times, religiously women could have relative freedom and attend religious institutions, but there have been instances where women were prevented from entering churches or mosques in certain regions. Discrimination against women was prevalent in the modern era, and it created the belief that men are superior to women, leading to violence against women. However, from the 1950sonwards, there has been a social movement for the restoration of equal and fair rights for women. In the name of feminism, women have assumed many social roles and their presence in various institutions has become more important in the construction of their identity. 5 This discussion on the creation, position, and dignity of women inthe family and society is vital. 1.2 The Creation of women according to the Torah In the Old Testament, there are two different narratives about the initial creation of women. The first narrative presents the creation of humanity in general terms, mentioning both man and woman without attributing any particular significance to one over the other. According to this account, God created man in His image to rule over the animals, the earth, the sea, and the birds of the sky. 6 God created both man and woman in His image, blessed them, and instructed them to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.” In the second narrative, the creation of man isconsidered primary, with the creation of woman derived from man's existence. Commentators of the Bible defend this narrative, dismissing any doubts or uncertainties about its interpretation. 7