Page 349 - Bigotry: The Dark Danger

Adnan Oktar
(Harun Yahya)

The False Idea of the "Beating of Women"

The original Arabic word in verse 34 of Surat an-Nisa' that reads
"If there are women whose disobedience you fear, you may admon-
ish them, refuse to sleep with them, and then beat them" that is
translated as "beat" in numerous texts is "idribuhunn(a)." The root is

the verb "daraba" and "daraba" may be the word with the widest
meaning in Arabic. In addition to meaning "to beat," it is also used in
"minting money" and "going on strike." Let us consider a comparable
example in English; when someone says "the doorbell went off," it
does not generally mean that the doorbell is no longer functioning
and therefore no longer of use, but that someone is waiting for us to

open the door. When words (or phrases) with broad meaning are
used, it is therefore very important to analyze with reason and com-
mon sense the way they are used, the context and the true meaning.

One of the most widely employed meanings of the word "daraba"
is to travel and to go out. Indeed, the verb "daraba" is used in verses
of the Qur'an referring to traveling, going on a journey or departing
from somewhere for a period of time. For example;

When you are travelling (darabtum) in the land, there is nothing
wrong in your shortening your prayer if you fear that those who
are irreligious may harass you. (Qur'an, 4:101)
We revealed to Moses, "Travel with My servants by night. Strike
a dry path for them through the sea. Have no fear of being over-
taken and do not be afraid." (Qur'an, 20:77)

It is for the poor who are held back in the Way of God, unable to
travel (darban) in the land.... (Qur'an, 2:273)

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