In the Unitarian belief, a human being is their rational soul, and the body is nothing but a material instrument in the finest mold through which the soul exercises its knowledge and action, ascending through reason from one station to a higher one, or degenerating through ignorance from one station to a lower one. This soul is a living, immortal essence that is receptive to knowledge as it is to ignorance, to light as to darkness, and to obedience as to disobedience.
This perspective proves that souls are equal in essence among all creatures of different kinds, and this world is a world of equality. The only distinction lies in an individual's capacity to engage with goodness—whether male or female—and in ascending spiritual stations according to their resolve, effort, and sincerity of intention.
This progressive and revitalizing Unitarian belief established from the very beginning that the soul—whether in a male or female body—is an independent, integral entity with its own distinct being and unique imprint that sets it apart from others, making it uniquely itself and nothing else. This signifies that a woman is not a mere shadow of a man; rather, just like a man, she is an active agent, recipient, contributor, and beneficiary.
The philosophy of Tawhid considers the human being—man or woman—as an independent, integral, rational, free, and accountable entity, neither coerced nor compelled.
The Unitarian woman embodies Unitarian virtues and acts accordingly, demonstrating noble character in aiding the weak, showing kindness to neighbors, displaying warmth in welcoming guests, and working alongside her husband in addition to managing household responsibilities to earn a lawful livelihood. More importantly, she serves as an exemplar for her children in truthfulness, integrity, sound faith, diligence in seeking knowledge, hard work, self-chastity, and rising above petty matters. She also stands as a model of tolerance toward her neighbors and brethren, forgiving wrongdoers, and reciprocating with benevolence. In raising her children, she fosters solidarity and bonding among them, their relatives, and all members of their community by instilling that an individual's dignity is part of the community's dignity—not achieved at its expense—and the same applies to their happiness and success. The Unitarian woman has no claim to boastfulness or arrogance, as religious ethics have taught her humility and forbearance. If she takes pride, she takes pride in her nobility, chastity, and modesty.
Therefore, let us preserve the traditions and customs that honor and dignify, and let us uphold that which fulfills our humanity in harmony with the laws of reason and nature. Let us cast aside whatever reduces us to slaves with paralyzed wills and stripped of initiative; for we are the children of Reason, and we do not sanction knowledge that contradicts the logic of the mind. We are the children of honor and chastity; our happiness lies in knowledge, nobility, generosity, courage, and a good reputation that is imprinted upon the essence of the soul and accompanies it eternally. We pray to the Almighty that He may, by His grace, spare us and you from desires and doubts that perish with the death of the physical body composed of transient elements, whereas the human soul is immortal, neither perishing nor dying.
Text contributed by: Kamal Sarieddine.
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