“There needs to be a clear distinction between the
normative teachings of Islam and the cultural practices among Muslims, which or
may not be consistent with them... In identifying what is “Islamic” it is
necessary to make a distinction between the primary sources of Islam ( Qu’ran
and Sunnah) and the legal opinions of scholars on specific issues, which may
vary and be influenced by their times, circumstances, and cultures”
1. According to the Qur’an men and women have the same
spiritual human nature:
O mankind: Reverence your Guardian Lord Who created you from a
single person and created of like nature his mate.
single person and created of like nature his mate.
2. According to the Qur’an, a woman (Eve) was not
blamed for the “fall of man.” Pregnancy
and
childbirth are not seen as punishments for “eating from the forbidden tree.”
childbirth are not seen as punishments for “eating from the forbidden tree.”
O Adam ! Dwell you and your
wife in the garden and enjoy (its good things)
as you (both) wish: but approach not this tree or you (both) run into harm and transgression.
as you (both) wish: but approach not this tree or you (both) run into harm and transgression.
I command you to be kind to
women.
O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against
their will. Nor should you treat them
with harshness that you may take away part of the marital gift you have given
them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary,
live with then on a footing of kindness and equity. ( Qur’an 4: 19)
3. On Marriage and Divorce: Women have the right to accept or reject
marriage proposals. Divorce, while
discouraged by the Qur’an, is permissible and includes the following
conditions:
a. Dissolution by mutual consent
b. Husband’s initiative
c. Wife’s initiative
( with return of marital gift to husband)
4. Custody of
children (up to age 7) is given to the mother.
A child later chooses between the mother and father.
5. Polygamy:
Like many other religions at the time, the Qur’an did not outlaw
polygamy, but regulated it and restricted it
If you fear that you shall not
be able to deal justly with the orphans (after a war), marry women of your
choice two or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal
justly with them, then only one. (
Qur’an 4:3)
6. On Female Children and Infanticide:
When news is brought to one of them of a female child his face darkens
and he is filled with inward grief !
What shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news
he has had. Shall he retain her on
contempt or bury her in the dust ? Ah ! what an evil choice they decide on
When the female ( infant) buried alive is questioned for what crime, she
was killed !
Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult
her, and does not favor his
son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise.
son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise.