Ideas about social and gender hierarchy are evident in this religious text. The Quran states that both men and women are spiritually equal and equally rewarded by God. But, continuing, it goes on to state that “men are the protectors and maintainers of women, for God has given one more (strength) than 'other, and because they support them with their own means.' Men and women are said to be “spiritually equal,” yet men are still seen as stronger and women are expected to be “devoutly obedient” to their husbands. The subordination of women during the Middle Ages was determined primarily by local culture, which varied with time and place. In the first communities, women had more freedom, but by the mid-18th century, women began to be subordinated, especially elite women. Although the Quran grants women more rights than the Bible, it also subordinates wives to husbands and women's inheritance to