Women in Islamic Society

History of Women in Islam Islam began in Arabia in the

early 600s, ever since then there have been shifting social, economic, and political views about women

Women were caught between traditionalists and reformers

There was a strong patriarchal government that discriminated against women in politics

Women were viewed as a man’s property not as an individual

                   

History continued Women didn’t have a say

in who they married Dowries were always

paid to male relatives of the bride

Women were not educated

Female infanticide was a common tradition

Polygyny was practiced widely throughout Islamic societies

A Brief Definition of Polygamy

Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses

Polyandry is the practice of having multiple husbands

Polygyny is the practice of having multiple wives

Women and the Quran The Quran says that men

and women are equal in the eyes of Allah however men are “a degree above” women

It also says that women must be respectful of men and dress modestly unless in the company of their husband, servants, or children

A woman who’s husband goes to hell must accompany him to hell no matter her actions

One man is equal to two women

Marriage Women are married

often as teens Marriage is viewed as a

legal contract not a religious sacrament

Betrothal is allowed only with the consent of both the man and the woman

One man may have up to three partners but legally only one wife

The dowry is paid to the bride not her father

Divorce If a man wants to divorce

his wife he must announce it three times then wait three months to divorce his wife unless she is pregnant in which case he must wait until the child is born

Women may remarry Ill-treated women may

divorce their husbands

Family Women are expected to

control the affairs of the home

Children are taught that they must obey and respect their mothers

Birth control is now acceptable in Islamic society

Education In recent years girls are

now given full time education

Girls attend Mosque schools and attend separate classes than boys

Women are now permitted to attend universities

The Tradition of Dress Hijab is the veil used to

cover the head that originated from the Byzantines

The Tradition of Dress Chadors are a type of

dress that leaves the face open but covers the entire body

The Tradition of Dress Burkas are a type of

dress that covers the entire body and face with the idea that women are should be able to see but not be seen

Modern Dress Modern versions of

traditional dress include head scarves and long sleeves

More Modern Dress Modern dress is also

colorful opposed to the black robes of classical times

Politics During the 20th century

the majority of Muslim countries gave women the right to vote

In 1988 Benazir Bhutto was elected prime minister of Pakistan becoming the first women to lead a Muslim country

She was followed by Khalaeda Zia in Bangladesh and then Tansu Ciller in Turkey

                                                                                                                                                                          

Religion In mosques there are

usually separate rooms where men and women pray; if not the women must sit behind the men

Women are now allowed to worship at home so they may care for their children

Women must follow the rules of fasting like the men unless they have young children or are pregnant

In the Workplace Women are not forced to

work but rather they choose to get jobs to help support their families

Many women work in factories because they were not educated otherwise

Women’s Rights Own land Inherit property from

deceased relatives Divorce husbands Run businesses

The End