There are many articles and books that deal with the rights of woman in Islam at book stores and on the internet. Some relate the truth in their production of what prophet Muhammad intended as to the proper and humane treatment of woman.
Yet far too many books and articles tell a darker tell of beating, child marriage and subjugation of woman. These books tell a story of horrific treatment that in some ways reflect certain known aspects of Middle Eastern culture.
However culture is not necessarily religion, but tends to impose itself upon religion as a legitimate practice due to the belief that the traditions of a people are representational of their religious’ practices. This is most evident in what is known about the harsh treatment of women in the Middle East; especially in marriage.
The Quran presents a different picture of how woman should be treated in marriage as compared to cultural practices.
Marriage in the Religion of Islam
The Quran states that women should not be possessed against their will in marriage. They should receive their dowry (to them, not their parents) much like an engagement ring is given in western society.
Furthermore, women should be the selector of who she chooses as a husband. This is evident by the Quranic command, “O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will…” (Quran 4:19)
It is a historical fact that girls as young as 12 to 14 have been married in Middle Eastern cultures. Yet such practices are no different than what has been practice in more recent western societies where girls in this age group were sought as wives.
Harsh Treatment of Women Forbidden in the Quran
During the marriage women should be treated with kindness and equity. Every opportunity should be afforded for their comfort in the home, where they have a very demanding job raising children, and the attainment of their education in whatever field they choose.
"… Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them...on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity” (Quran 4:19)
In lieu of this some have pointed to a verse in the Quran in order to show that women are to be beaten by their husbands.
" As to those women on whose part you see ill conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them. " (Quran 4:34)
But as mentioned in Spiritual Future of Islam: A Journey Into Self, “the Arabic word that has been translated as “beat them” … adribuhunna, can also be translated …“and turn away from them"... although some translators have translated adribuhunna as “beat them” it is not obligatory... “(Green, p. 17)
This verse is found only once in the Quran as compared to the commands for kindness and love toward wives and kin; they are mentioned hundreds of times. Yet the misinterpretation of this one verse has spawned decades of oppressive treatment towards women.
Divorce Power Given to Women in the Quran
One of the reasons for divorce is harsh treatment (like being beaten) of the wives. Women in Islam are not to be treated harshly unless they are guilty of some crime. Just like the men. Laws of equity are a crowning achievement in Islam. Women are not taught to be silent and unheard but have the right to challenge the laws of the land when those laws are based on cultural misgivings.
If a woman finds that she has been mistreated, the Quran gives her the right and power of divorce. She is not forced to stay in an unpleasant situation. Her dowry cannot be taken away (unless she chooses to return it), and she is free to remarry.
Islam unlike cultural practices mandates that women be afforded every care and be allowed to obtain any goal they set for themselves. Far too many cultures that call themselves “Muslim lands” have turned from the Quran in favor of cultural and family traditions that are not conducive for the proper development of woman as they strive to fulfill their goals in life. Rediscovering the message that the Prophet Muhammad brought is key to the end of primitive practices.
Some have suggested that culture must be set aside for a more humane treatment of women in “Muslim Lands" and a return to the Quran and a shedding of archaic cultural practices and traditions must be realized. And many would agree that the fair treatment of married women is a starting point.
Sources:
- Abdullah Yusef Ali. The Holy Quran: Translation with Arabic Text.
- Green, Khalil. Spiritual Future of Islam: A Journey into Self.
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