Page 11 - Status of Women in Islam
P. 11
Status of Women in Islam
She was offered to others as a present or borrowed for
entertainment. Furthermore, the poor father was allowed to
sell his daughter like a slave to relieve himself from misery.
She had to accept anyone selected by her guardian as her
husband.
Once she moved to her husband’s house she would
become only an object to satisfy his excessive sexual
craving.
The man had the right to unlimited polygamy, a custom
which was widespread at the time in Byzantium, Persia, as
well as Arabia.
It was for man alone to exercise his right to divorce,
and he was not obliged by custom to provide any
compensation for his divorced wife. Even after divorce he
could prevent her from remarrying.
She had to live under his authority and was always the
victim for his inclination and interest.
She was condemned to live as a miserable creature
who had no role to play in the human society. She was a
helpless captive condemned to live and die without rights
and dignity. She did not live to enjoy life or exercise her
human rights.
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