WikiIslam - User contributions [en]

User:Felann

2016-03-13T02:52:25Z

Felann: Created page with "Hello all"

Hello all

Adult Suckling

2015-11-05T04:02:42Z

Felann: /* Introduction */ to clarify meaning

{{essay|[[:Category:Akira|Akira]]}}
== Introduction ==

Is it halal (allowed) for a Muslim woman to suckle (breastfeed) strange men? Moreover, could suckling of adult men help to improve the communication between not related men and woman within a company? A highly recognised holy text of Islam seems to confirm this - according to a scholar from Al-Azhar University, one of the most reputed universities of the Islamic world.

== Background ==

In Islamic societies [[Sex Segregation in Islam|gender segregation]] is a common practice to avoid any form of adultery.
Thus men and women are not advised to stay in the same room if they are alone, and any adult woman is required to wear a veil in public.

Though there are also some Islamic scholars who deny the need to wear a veil in public, it has become common sense in many Islamic countries and societies. In many cases scholars refer to the Surah of the Light:

{{Quote|{{Quran|24|31}}| '''YUSUF ALI''': And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss.|}}

Thus, only if men and women are closely related or married is there no need for gender segregation and [[Hijab|hijab]]. However, it is obvious that the strict application of [[Islamic law]] may cause some trouble and difficulties to daily life, particularly concerning business.

For example, if there is a small company employing a man and two women there maybe nothing wrong if they all work in the same room. However, if one of the two women happen to not show up for work (e.g, due to sickness) the remaining pair cannot work together any more.

Yes, in many Islamic societies this would be strictly forbidden, and even if it were not, they could both face severe criticism, rumours and tittle-tattles from their community. How can this be avoided?

== The Fatwa of an Al-Azhar scholar ==

Here is where the head of the [[Hadith]] Department in Al-Azhar University, Dr. Izzat Atiyya comes into play. Its worth noting, that the Al-Azhar University in Kairo is considered to be the world´s most renowned Islamic university by all [[Sunni]] Muslims.

Only a few months ago, Dr. Atiyya published a [[fatwa]]. According to this verdict the Islamic rules of gender segregation and veiling can be circumvented if a woman suckles a man. Alternatively, a man can also be breast-fed by a sister or the mother of a woman.

The idea behind this ruling is that there is no law for adoption in many Islamic societies. However, a mother-son-relationship can be established by breast-feeding.

The scholar of Al-Azhar University explained his ruling in an interview given to Al-Watani Al-Yawm, a weekly newspaper published by Egypt's ruling National Democratic Front party.

According to this interview it was the prophet himself who confirmed that a man and a woman are allowed to be together in private if the man had been previously breastfed by the woman.

It must also be noted that Dr. Abd Al-Mahdi Abd Al-Qadir, another Al-Azhar scholar, wrote and published a book rendering similar ideas based on the same Islamic sources.

== The text in question ==

Here is a part of the text Dr. Atiyya referred to in an English translation:

{{Quote|{{Muslim|8|3425}}|'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hadhaifa, lived with him and his family in their house. She (i. e. the daughter of Suhail came to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) and said: Salim has attained (puberty) as men attain, and he understands what they understand, and he enters our house freely, I, however, perceive that something (rankles) in the heart of Abu Hudhaifa, whereupon '''Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said to her: Suckle him and you would become unlawful for him''', and (the rankling) which Abu Hudhaifa feels in his heart will disappear. '''She returned and said: So I suckled him, and what (was there) in the heart of Abu Hudhaifa disappeared'''.|}}

Dr. Atiyya repeatedly declared that the sources he quoted belonged to the Islamic holy texts with the highest possible authority. According to him no less than 90,000 contemporary scholars confirmed that the hadith referred to is authentic. Further related texts:

{{Quote|{{Ibn Majah|9|3|9|1944}}|It was narrated that 'Aishah said:

“'''The Verse of stoning and of breastfeeding an adult ten times was revealed''', and the paper was with me under my pillow. When the Messenger of Allah died, we were preoccupied with his death, and '''a tame sheep came in and ate it'''.” (Hasan)}}

{{Quote|{{Ibn Majah|9|3|9|1943}}|It was narrated that 'Aishah said:

“Sahlah bint Suhail came to the Prophet and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I see signs of displeasure on the face of Abu Hudhaifah when Salim enters upon me.” '''The Prophet said: “Breastfed him.” She said: “How can I breastfeed him when he is a grown man? The Messenger of Allah smiled and said: “I know that he is a grown man.” So she did that''', then she came to the Prophet and said: “I have never seen any signs of displeasure on the face of Abu Hudhayfah after that.” And he was present at (the battle of) Badr. (Sahih)}}

{{Quote|{{Ibn Majah|9|3|9|1942}}|It was narrated that 'Aishah said:

“Once of the things that Allah revealed in the the Qur'an and then abrogated was that '''nothing makes marriage prohibited except ten breastfeedings or five well-known (breastfeedings''').” (Sahih)}}

{{Quote|{{Muwatta|30|3|17}}|Yahya related to me from Malik from Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr ibn Hazm from Amra bint Abd ar-Rahman that A'isha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "'''Amongst what was sent down of the Qur'an was 'ten known sucklings make haram' - then it was abrogated by 'five known sucklings'.''' When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, died, it was what is now recited of the Qur'an."

Yahya said that Malik said, "One does not act on this."}}

== Waves in the Islamic World - and in the Rest of the World ==

The fatwa released by Dr. Atiyya and the book of Dr. Abd Al-Mahdi Abd Al-Qadir raised many questions and caused harsh reactions by many Muslims:

Is it really an appropriate solution to suckle an adult to avoid the veil and gender segregation in Islamic companies?

Can Muslims throughout the world still rely on the knowledge of Al-Azhar scholars?

Can Muslims throughout the world still rely on the holy texts of Islam - and even on the wisdom of their prophet?

According to the Institut für Islamfragen in Germany there has been 60 books covering this subject published in Egypt alone. They are also stating that there were already foreign women renouncing Islam because of this discussion.

It comes as no surprise that many women who work are scared that this ruling may encourage harassment by male colleagues . Others are simply disgusted by the idea of having to breastfeed strangers in order to gain permission to work with them.

The Muslim Brotherhood criticised the fatwa harshly and took the matter to parliament, thus putting pressure on the Egyptian government.

The leaders of Al-Azhar University rejected the fatwa as well and suspended Dr. Atiyya.

There are also discussions about the hadith quoted by Dr. Atiyya. Most scholars still regard it as authentic, but there are a few who are voicing their opinions that it may be fake.

There has been increased efforts by political and religious authorities to stop the debate. However, this is not going to be an easy task since the quoted sources belong to the holiest texts of Islam.

Therefore most political and religious leaders are calling for a thoughtful approach to the holy texts. They say that fatwas should agree with logic and common sense and ancient texts should not be “misused” for thrilling headlines.

== Conclusions ==

This issue clearly exposes many doubts and questions in regards to Islam as a whole. Are the holy texts of Islam really as reliable as considered by the Muslim world?

We must ask this question since Islam is the main source for law in many Muslim countries and there are many Muslims who still believe that their Islamic law is derived from [[Allah]] their [[god]] and therefore it is superior to any law made by humans.

However, if we take a look at the fatwa of Dr. Atiyya and the hadith quoted by him, we can clearly see that there is no divine logic behind it. For many people, it just looks like twisted logic - if there is any logic at all.

A woman is forced to wear a veil to prevent herself from becoming harassed. To avoid the veil, she has to breastfeed a strange man.

Does this improve the life of anybody?

==Responses to Apologetics==

# '''''"It was an isolated incident. Permission was only given to that woman in that particular situation. It doesn't apply to others!"''''' Islam at its most basic form is the Qur'an and [[Sunnah]] of Muhammad. Islamic rules and regulations pertaining to all things originate from studying these texts and seeing how Muhammad dealt with them. Islamic jurists then apply these to modern-day situations. Here we find a woman came to Muhammad with a problem and he gave her instructions on how to solve it, i.e. how to make a non-mahram male into a mahram. There is absolutely nothing in the Sahih Muslim narration that would suggest this instruction was only limited to her, or to women in the exact same situation. The fact that the non-mahram was a freed slave who lived in the same house as her (as a foster member of the family) is inconsequential. And even if it were not, that would still mean it is permissible for a foster parent to suckle her adult foster child to make him a mahram. This in itself is disturbing.

{{Core Women}}

==See Also==

{{Hub4|Milk|Milk}}

== References ==
* {{external_link|url=http://frontpagemag.com/2012/04/13/islamic-‘adult-breastfeeding’-fatwas-return/ |title=Islamic ‘Adult Breastfeeding’ Fatwas Return |date=April 13, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://frontpagemag.com/2012/04/13/islamic-‘adult-breastfeeding’-fatwas-return/&date=2012-04-15 |archivedate=2012-04-15 |deadurl=no}}
*[http://www.raymondibrahim.com/7570/fatwa-men-drink-breast-milk New Fatwa Calls on Men to Drink Women's Breast-Milk] ''- June 4, 2010''
*[{{Muslim-url-only|8|3424}} Link to a Translation of the disputed hadith at USC -MSA]
*[http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/totalitarismo.php/2007/06/18/la_diferencia_de_trato_de_los_izquierdis Blog with an article in Spanish]
*[http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Islamic_cleric_tries_to_bypass_gender_segregation Article on Wikinews about the subject]
*[http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA35507#_edn1 The Middle East Media Research Institute on Dr. Atiyyas Suspension and related matters (with many links)]
*[http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2007/05/16/34518.html Article in Arabic on Al Arabia online with more than 2400 comments]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6681511.stm Article about the matter on BBC]
*[http://www.islaminstitut.de/Nachrichtenanzeige.55+M57738d69297.0.html A German article about the subject at the Institut für Islamfragen]
*[http://www.islaminstitut.de/Nachrichtenanzeige.55+M5cacbd3c991.0.html Another German article stating that many female muslima leave islam because of the fatwa]

[[Category:Islam and Women]]
[[Category:Islamic Law]]
[[Category:Akira]]
[[Category:Articles needing to be rewritten]]

Islam and Women

2015-07-08T00:57:38Z

Felann: Closed parentheses

<metadesc>Summaries of articles discussing: Wives of Muhammad, Forced Marriage, Rape, Hijab, 72 Virgins, Wife Beating, Sex Segregation, Honor Related Violence, Adult Suckling</metadesc>

One of the most hotly debated issues in regards to [[Islam]] is its views and [[Islamic Law|laws]] concerning women. This page contains easy-to-read summaries of articles discussing Islam in relation to women.
{{Core}}
==Primary Articles==

===General Look at Women in Islam===
{{Main|Women in Islam - From Islam's Sources}}

To hear groups like the Council of American-Islamic Relations or the Islamic Society of North America, one might be given the impression that Islam holds women in high regard. Indeed, Souad Saleh, a female professor at Al-Ahzar University in Cairo and a vocal proponent of women's rights in Egypt, recently stated, "Islam is pure and simple, and it holds women in high esteem."<ref> Gamal Nkrumah - [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/766/profile.htm "Soaud Saleh: Time to tear down the divides"] interview in Al-Ahram Weekly, online publication</ref> If women are treated equally in Islam, is there justification for it in the sacred writings of Islam, or is this 'equal treatment' in conflict with sacred directives? What does the Qur'an say about women? What does Muhammad say about women as recorded in the hadith, and what kind of example did he set in the way he treated the women in his life? Do the reports we hear of women being oppressed accord with sacred scripture, or are they rather anomalies having no foundation in Islam? What have women from an Islamic background actually experienced – what are their stories? These are some of the issues this article addresses.

===Islamic Writing and Women===
{{Main|Women (Primary Sources)}}

Islamic scriptures and scholars have much to say in regards to Women and their role in Islam.

{{Quote|{{Bukhari|7|62|33}}|Narrated Usama bin Zaid: '''The Prophet said, "After me I have not left any affliction more harmful to men than women."'''}}

{{Quote|{{Bukhari|1|9|493}}|Narrated 'Aisha: '''The things which annual prayer were mentioned before me (and those were): a dog, a donkey and a woman.''' I said, "You have compared us (women) to donkeys and dogs. By Allah! I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in (my) bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I disliked to sit and trouble the Prophet. So, I would slip away by the side of his feet."}}

===Women are Deficient in Intelligence===
{{Main|Women are Deficient in Intelligence}}

Muhammad's dislike for women caused him to declare that the ''majority of the inhabitants of Hell are women''.<ref>{{Bukhari|1|6|301}}</ref> When asked why he said it was because they are deficient in intelligence and religion and because they are ungrateful to their husbands. Although Muslim apologists and female Muslims use a lot of creative arguments to explain away Muhammad's declarations about women, they don't stand up to scrutiny. This article will present evidence showing Muhammad's belief that ''all'' women are less intelligent than their male counterparts, as well as examine and refute the common Muslim claims about the ahadith in question.

{{ quote | {{Bukhari|1|6|301}}|

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. '''I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you.''' A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, '''"Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?"''' They replied in the affirmative. '''He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence.''' Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion." }}

===The Reason Why Women Have to Wear the Hijab===
{{Main|Revelation of the Hijab|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Hijab}}

If you ask a Muslim why Muslim females wears the Hijab (veil) the reason given is usually one of two (or a mixture of both):

* They are showing obeying a command from Allah as given in the Quran; it is a matter of piety.
* They are protecting their modesty by dressing this way instead of showing their body off for everyone to see.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The real reason that Muslim women wear the hijab today is not a spiritual one, nor a matter of piety. Covering the hair/face cannot be considered an act of modesty because Muslim men are not required to cover theirs. The sole reason they do it is because Umar bin Al-Khattab, a companion of Muhammad, wished that Muhammad would reveal verses from Allah requiring women to wear it. when Muhammad did not oblige, Umar did not bother praying to Allah for assistance. Umar knew he had to make it personal for Muhammad himself in order to bring the revelation down. He followed Muhammad's wives out when they went to go to the toilet and made his presence known. When Muhammad heard of this, the revelation that Umar had so wanted was sent down from Allah. Umar knew where these revelations were really coming from, which is why he pestered Muhammad and bothered his wives instead of asking Allah.

===The Purpose of the Nikah Contract (Islamic "Marriage")===
{{Main|The Meaning of Nikah}}

The correct Arabic word for "marriage", used primarily by non-Muslim Arabs, is "zawaj". In Islam, the nearest equivalent to a marriage is the nikah, a contract between a male and a female Muslim. Nikah literally means "sexual intercourse", hence an Islamic marriage is a "contract of coitus".

{{Quote|Ruxton (1916: 106). Quoted by Ziba Mir-Hosseini in volume five of Voices of Islam, pp. 85-113|When a woman marries, she sells a part of her person. In the market one buys merchandise, '''in marriage the husband buys the genital ''arvum mulieris'''''. As in any other bargain and sale, only useful and ritually clean objects may be given in dower.}}

{{Quote|Ronak Husni, Daniel L. Newman, Muslim women in law and society: annotated translation of al-Tahir al Haddad al-Ṭāhir Ḥaddād, p. 182|The Arabic word for marriage is zawaj or '''nikah, the latter being derived from the verb nakaha (‘to have sexual intercourse’): cf. Qur. II: 230'''. Nikah is also used to denote the marriage contract (cf. ‘aqd, ‘aqd qiran).}}

{{Quote|The Risala of 'Abdullah ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani (310/922 - 386/996) A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh (Inc. commentary from ath-Thamr ad-Dani by al-Azhari) Ch. 32|[These are eight things. The first, marriage, is the root and rest are consequences. Each has a linguistic meaning and usage which we will mention in its proper place. Marriage '''(nikah) linguistically means intercourse''' and is used as a metaphor for the contract. In technical usage, it is actual for the contract and metaphorical for intercourse. It is used in custom to mean to mean intercourse as the Almighty says, "Until she marries a husband other than him," '''(2:230) and so it is known from this that nakaha is used for intercourse between any man and woman. Marriage in the sense of intercourse''' is only permitted in the Shari'a by one of two matters: the contract of marriage or ownership by the words of the Almighty, "those who guard their private parts – except from their wives or those they own as slaves, in which case they are not blameworthy." (23:5-6)}}

===The Purpose of the Mahr (Dowry)===
{{Main|Purpose of the Mahr|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Mahr}}

The apologetic claim made for provision of a mahr is that it is a token of goodwill given by the husband to the wife as a demonstration that he will be able to support her financially throughout the nikah (Islamic marriage). However the Qur'an and ahadith make it clear that this is not its true purpose.

{{ quote | {{Muslim|9|3557}} |
Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying to the invokers of curse: Your account is with Allah. One of you must be a liar. You have now no right over this woman. ''''He said: Messenger of Allah, what about my wealth (dower that I paid her at the time of marriage)? He said: You have no claim to wealth. If you tell the truth, it (dower) is the recompense for your having had the right to intercourse with her'''', and if you tell a lie against her, it is still more remote from you than she is. Zuhair said in his narration: Sufyan reported to us on the authority of 'Amr that he had heard Sa'id b Jubair saying: I heard Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) saying that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had said it. }}

The purpose of the mahr as explained by the Islamic texts is clear - it is a payment from a man to a women; payment in full for the future sexual relations (nikah) he will have with her. This is illustrated by the requirement for a mahr in temporary "marriages", the statements of Muhammad, and the fact that a mahr cannot be taken back (except under extenuating circumstances) because the man has availed himself of the service for which it was payment. The apologetic claim that it is simply a demonstrative token of his ability to financially support his wife does not hold up to scrutiny once all of the evidence is examined. Even the Qur'an alone makes it clear this is incorrect.

===Rape of Women in Islam===
{{Main|Rape in Islam|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Rape}}

There is no equivalent term for ‘rape’ in the Qur'an. Likewise, there is not a single verse in the Qur'an which even remotely discourages forced sex. In contrast, there are several verses in this book which give the green light to rape and other sexual crimes against women.

Qur'an chapter 4 verse 24 discusses lawful and forbidden women for pious Muslims.

{{Quote|{{Quran|4|24}}|Also (forbidden are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess. Thus has Allah ordained for you. All others are lawful, provided you seek them from your property, desiring chastity, not fornication. So with those among them whom you have enjoyed, give them their required due, but if you agree mutually after the requirement (has been determined), there is no sin on you. Surely, Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.}}

What we see in the beginning of this verse as “forbidden” refers to sexual intercourse. The Qur'an dictates, women already married are forbidden for Muslims except those whom their right hands possess (sex slaves). It is obvious from this verse, a Muslim can have sexual relations with his slave-woman. This, along with other verses, apologetic objections, and marital rape ({{Quran|2|223}}) is discussed in detail.

====Coitus Interruptus====
{{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Al-'Azl}}

'''Al-'Azl''', (العزل) also known as ''coitus interruptus'', is the practice of having sexual intercourse with a woman but withdrawing the penis before ejaculation. Apparently this was a pretty important topic for Muhammad and his companions as evidenced by the abundance of Hadith material on the subject.

According to Muhammad, when having sex with (i.e. raping) a captive, it's better if you do not pull out the penis at the end.

{{Quote|1={{Bukhari|3|34|432}}|2=Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: that while he was sitting with Allah's Apostle he said, "O Allah's Apostle! '''We get female captives as our share of booty, and we are interested in their prices, what is your opinion about coitus interruptus'''?" The Prophet said, "Do you really do that? It is better for you not to do it. No soul that which Allah has destined to exist, but will surely come into existence."}}

===Domestic Violence Against Women in Islam===
{{Main|Wife Beating in Islam|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Wife Beating}}

Wife-beating in the Muslim world comes from the teachings of Islamic religious texts such as the Quran and the Hadiths. It has been an accepted part of Islam since its inception. Muhammad himself declared "A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife."<ref>"''The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife.''" - {{Abu Dawud|11|2142}}</ref> and according to Aisha, "I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing women. Look! Her skin is greener than her clothes!"<ref>"...''so when Allah's Apostle came, 'Aisha said, "I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing women. Look! Her skin is greener than her clothes!"...''" - {{Bukhari|7|72|715}}</ref> Because of this, domestic violence has been used as a tool to maintain control and dominance over Muslim women, this has created an intensely patriarchal society where men rule women and women must submit to men. In this article we will explore how wife-beating is promoted in the Qur'an and Hadiths along with commentary from Muslim scholars, statistics on wife beating in the Muslim world and common apologetic arguments made by Muslims and responses to them.

====In-Depth Analysis of an Apologetic Claim====
{{Main|Beat your Wives or Separate from Them - Quran 4-34|l1=Beat your Wives or "Separate from Them"?}}

This article was written by non-Muslim Arabs in response to the mysterious translation of the verb ''darb'' (meaning "hit" "beat" or "strike") that has been presented on a few sites which claim to have "modern" translations of the Qur'an. These Islamic sites are directed at non-Arabic speakers, as anyone who has an adequate command of the Arabic language will find the claim being presented to be ridiculous.

They claim that the following verse ('''4:34''') does not mean "to beat them," but rather to "separate from them" or to "strike them out."

{{Quote|{{Quran|4|34}}|''"Men are overseers over women, by reason of that wherewith Allah hath made one of them excel over another, and by reason of that which they expend of their substance. Wherefore righteous women are obedient, and are watchers in husbands absence by the aid and protection of Allah. And those wives whose refractoriness ye fear, exhort them, and avoid them in beds, '''and beat them'''; but if they obey you, seek not a way against them; verily Allah is ever Lofty, Grand."'' <ref name="darayabadi4-34">[http://www.quran4theworld.com/translations/Majid/4_31-60.htm Quran 4 the World - Quran 4:34 (Daryabadi)]</ref> }}

''Beat them'' and ''leave/separate/abandon them'' are different phrases in Arabic. The arabic word ''idribohunna'' derived from the root word ''Darab'' does not have any other meaning than ''Beat'' when it comes to mean ''"Yadreb Ahadan"'' = Hit someone. ''Idriboohunna'' (أضربوهن) means beat them (for female plural). ''Adriboo Anhunna'' (اضربوا عنهن) is the one that means abandon or leave them. According to the Arabic lexicon.<ref>"[http://lexicons.sakhr.com/html/7071942.html arabic-lexicon]" (page in Arabic language)</ref>:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Arabic
! Transliteration
! Meaning
|-
| ضرب
| ''Zarb''
| Beat
|-
| أضربوهن (used in 4:34)
| ''Idriboohunna''
| Beat them
|-
| اضربوا عنهن
| ''Adriboo Anhunna''
| abandon them, leave them
|}

Quran 4:34 says Idriboohunna أضربوهن, not Adribu Anhunna اضربوا عنهن. These two phrases have different meanings. All the verses that contain darb against a human are understood to mean "beat" or "strike" that human, by their context, and this is agreed upon by these obscure Islamic pseudo-scholars. Why then do they consider verse 4:34 to be a special case and translate "darb" to mean "separate from them"?

===Honor Violence and Islam===
{{Main|Honor Killing Index|l1=Honor Killing Index|Muslim Statistics - Honor Violence|l2=Muslim Statistics (Honor Violence)}}

Honor Related Violence is physical violence that is inflicted on an individual by perpetrators who believe the victim has brought dishonor upon the family, clan, or community by engaging in any conduct that is perceived as immoral or unacceptable by religious or social/cultural standards. This violence almost always happens in Muslim families.

Muslim women are killed for many "honor" related reasons, including being raped, associating with non-related males, getting pregnant outside of marriage, and for the belief they might have done something else immoral. In the eyes of their family this is a capital crime which demands death in order to restore the family's honor. The entire family may all collaborate on this, and in some cases the whole community may participate and even celebrate the occasion.

===Polygamy in Islam===
:''Main Article: [[Polygamy in Islam]] See also: [[Responses_to_Zakir_Naik#Polygyny_in_Islam|Rebuttal of Zakir Naik's defense of Polygyny in Islam]]

Muhammad was a polygamist, and Islam allows a man to marry up to four wives at any one time:

{{Quote|{{Quran|4|3}}|And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice (between them), then (marry) only one or what your right hands possess; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course.}}

It is also interesting to note that a Muslim male does not require the permission of his first wife before marrying a second. These articles analyze the various arguments used by Muslims to defend this practice and the actions of Muhammad.

====Justice for Women in Islam====
:''Main Articles: [[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)|Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans]] and [[Unjust Treatment of Wives (Qur'an 4:129)|Unjust treatment of wives]]''

A common Muslim explanation for 4:3 is to give a partial quote of the verse and explain that a Muslim man '''may''' marry up to four women. However, if he cannot deal justly with each of the wives then he is forbidden to marry that many; and can marry only one wife, to prevent treating women unfairly. Muslims explain that the use of the word "Justice" or "Justly" (depending on which translation is being used) refers to the man's ability to treat each of his wives exactly the same in every regard: not just materially (ie. food, clothing, shelter, time, money, etc..) but also that he must be able to love them all exactly the same. He must be able to feel the same amount of affection and love for each of his wives. If he cannot do this, then, according to the Qur'an he cannot marry more than one wife. In reality, Qur'an 4:3 has nothing to do with treating your wives equally, its about the orphan's and their Mahr. Injustice in this verse is talking about financial equality regarding bride price (for orphans) and financial viability of having that many wives, not equality between them.

===Adultery is Permitted in Islam===
:''Main Articles: [[Zina]], [[Adultery is Permitted in Islam]] and [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Stoning|The Punishment for Zina]]''

Zina (Arabic: الزنا‎ ) is the Arabic word for "unlawful sexual relations." It is used to refer to both adultery and fornication.

The Islamic definition of adultery differs from the modern/secular definition as well as the Biblical definition. The meaning also differs in relation to gender. Adultery is a serious offense in Islam warranting death to offenders. However, according to the most widely accepted definitions of the term, Islam in fact allows adultery. Both the Bible and modern, secular definitions of adultery condemn actions that are condoned in the Qur'an, Hadith, and Tafsir. Not only may a Muslim man have sex with a married woman, but he may also sell her as a slave to another man.

==Miscellaneous==

===Sex Segregation in Islam===
{{Main|Sex Segregation in Islam}}

Islam prohibits free-mixing between men and women. It is argued that direct references for this prohibition can not be found in either the Qur'an or the Sunnah of the Prophet; but this can not mean that such conduct is permissible in Islam. As a complete way of life, Islam has not failed to address the matter. Various scholars of Islam have formulated their opinions on this matter and acknowledged the practice of free-mixing as a crime punishable under Shari'ah laws. All of the Jurists have sourced their views from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the prophet, using these as the basis of their argument. Under Islamic law, it is not permissible for women to freely mix or socialize with non-Mahram men (''Mahram'' i.e. those whom marriage is prohibited in Islam, include fathers, uncles, brothers and close blood relatives) under any circumstances. Islamic scholars are unanimous on this matter.

===72 Virgins in Paradise===
:''Main Articles: [[72 Virgins]] and [[Authenticity of 72 Virgins Hadith]]''

These articles discusses what the Qur'an, hadith and Islamic scholars say about the 72 Virgins, and dispel popular misconceptions surrounding them. The Qur'anic Paradise is sensual in nature, promising Muslim men voluptuous virgins but does not specify their exact number. This cannot possibly be a mistranslation because raisins do not have large eyes or cannot be wed to men. The hadith literature compliment the Qur'anic text by specifying the exact number of virgins as 72 and providing us with detailed descriptions of their characteristics. These narrations are not weak but vary in strength from good to authentic. We are also given details on the physical attributes given to men to sustain 72 virgins, namely, ever-erect penises that never soften and the sexual strength to satisfy 100. Although it does say they will receive a "great reward" and there are also hasan (good) hadith which refer to 72 virgins as one of the "seven blessings from Allah" to the martyr, the Qur'an does not specify these virgins are a reward for jihadists/martyrs, but rather for any Muslim male who gains admittance to Paradise.

===Forced Marriage===
:''Main Articles: [[Forced Marriage]] and [[Contemporary Pedophilic Islamic Marriages]]''

Forced marriages are sanctioned in Islam despite what the Muslim apologists claim to the contrary. Shari'a fails to protect the most vulnerable--children. A father's consent is all that is required to marry a young girl to an adult man, and the burden is upon her (once she reaches puberty) to seek an annulment or a divorce. In the meantime, the girl is vulnerable to spousal abuse and childhood pregnancy which greatly jeopardizes her health and future. Child marriages occur all over the world, especially in Muslim countries that practice Shari'a.

===Adult Suckling===
{{Main|Adult Suckling}}

In Islamic societies gender segregation is a common practice to avoid any form of adultery. Thus men and women are not advised to stay in the same room if they are alone, and any adult woman is required to wear a veil in public. Only if men and women are closely related (Mahram) or married is there no need for gender segregation and hijab. However, it is obvious that the strict application of Islamic law may cause some trouble and difficulties to daily life, particularly concerning business. However, there is a way around this.

{{Quote|{{Muslim|8|3425}}|'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hadhaifa, lived with him and his family in their house. She (i. e. the daughter of Suhail) came to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) and said: Salim has attained (puberty) as men attain, and he understands what they understand, and he enters our house freely, I, however, perceive that something (rankles) in the heart of Abu Hudhaifa, whereupon '''Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said to her: Suckle him and you would become unlawful for him''', and (the rankling) which Abu Hudhaifa feels in his heart will disappear. '''She returned and said: So I suckled him, and what (was there) in the heart of Abu Hudhaifa disappeared'''.}}

Dr. Atiyya, the head of the Hadith Department in Al-Azhar University, repeatedly declared that the sources he quoted belonged to the Islamic holy texts with the highest possible authority. According to him, no fewer than 90,000 contemporary scholars confirmed that the hadith referred to is authentic.

==Muhammad and Women==

===Wives and Concubines of Muhammad===
:''Main Articles: [[List of Muhammads Wives and Concubines|List of Muhammad's Wives and Concubines]] and [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammads Wives and Concubines|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammad's Wives and Concubines]]''

According to multiple sources, Muhammad had many wives and concubines, and was known as a "womanizer".<ref>"....''Layla’s people said, "’What a bad thing you have done! You are a self-respecting woman, but the Prophet is a womanizer. Seek an annulment from him.’ She went back to the Prophet and asked him to revoke the marriage and he complied with [her request]''...." - al Tabari vol.9 p.139</ref> Muhammad consummated his marriages with thirteen women and divorced another six. He also used to visit all his wives in one night:

{{Quote|{{Bukhari|1|5|268|}}|Narrated Qatada: Anas bin Malik said, "The Prophet used to visit all his wives in a round, during the day and night '''and they were eleven in number.'''" I asked Anas, "Had the Prophet the strength for it?" Anas replied, "We used to say that the Prophet was given the strength of thirty (men)." And Sa'id said on the authority of Qatada that Anas had told him about nine wives only (not eleven).}}

====Aisha====
{{Main|Aisha}}

''Aisha'', sometimes spelt as 'Ayesha', was the nine year old child-bride of Muhammad. She was engaged to him at the age of six. She was also the daughter of Abu Bakr, a close friend of Muhammad. Historically, she is known as Muhammad's "favorite wife."

{{Quote|{{Muslim|8|3310}}|'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) married me when I was six years old, and I was admitted to his house when I was nine years old.}}
The age of Muhammad's child-bride Aisha, has only in recent times become an actively contested issue, with many Muslims (through embarrassment) falsely claiming that she was in fact older than nine when married or when the marriage was consummated. It has also been recorded in authentic Islamic sources that Muhammad struck Aisha<ref>"''...He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front of me? I said: Yes. He struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you?...''" - {{Muslim|4|2127}}</ref> and also allowed Abu Bakr to do the same.<ref>"''....Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) then got up went to 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) and slapped her on the neck, and 'Umar stood up before Hafsa and slapped her saying: You ask Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) which he does not possess....''" - {{Bukhari|1|7|330}}</ref> Contrary to what Muslims often claim, Aisha was not 'offered' to Muhammad by her father. It was Muhammad who approached Abu Bakr, and Abu Bakr originally protested.<ref>"''....The Prophet asked Abu Bakr for 'Aisha's hand in marriage. Abu Bakr said "But I am your brother."....''" - {{Bukhari|7|62|18}}</ref> However, Muhammad justified his perversion with a 'divine' vision from Allah,<ref>"''....You were shown to me twice (in my dream) before I married you. I saw an angel carrying you in a silken piece of cloth, and I said to him, 'Uncover (her),' and behold, it was you. I said (to myself), 'If this is from Allah, then it must happen.....''" - {{Bukhari|9|87|140}}</ref> which also happens to destroys the apologists appeal to cultural relativism.

====Khadijah====
{{Main|Khadijah bint Khuwaylid}}

''Khadijah bint Khuwailid/Khuwaylid'' (555 – 619 AD) was the first wife of Muhammad and also a distant cousin. Belonging to the Bani Asad tribe, Khadijah was the daughter of Khuwaylid bin Asad bin. ‘Abd al-‘Uzza bin Qusayy, the Grand son Qusayy. She was a wealthy woman aged forty who ran her own business, and her love affair with Muhammad was a controversial one which almost ended in bloodshed.

Muslims often try to use her high social standing as "proof" that women are equal in Islam.<ref>For example, take a look at [http://www.wikiislam.net/w/index.php?title=Women_are_Deficient_in_Intelligence&diff=prev&oldid=67738 this] bit of vandalism.</ref> What they neglect to explain is that she was a "great independent businesswoman" ''before'' Islam, during the so-called "Period of Ignorance" (Jahiliyah), and you cannot find any examples of successful women ''after'' Islam, during Muhammad's lifetime. In fact, Muhammad prohibited women from taking leadership positions<ref>"''Narrated Abu Bakra: During the battle of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a Word (I heard from the Prophet). When the Prophet heard the news that the people of the Persia had made the daughter of Khosrau their Queen (ruler), he said, "Never will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their ruler.''" - {{Bukhari|9|88|219}}</ref> and this is why in some Islamic countries women "cannot run for president or become judges."<ref name="Islamic laws on women">[http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSDAH44354320070704 Don't "play" with Islamic law, Iranian women told] - Reuters, July 4, 2007</ref><ref>Stacey Moore - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,151838.html|2=2011-12-09}} Man is the Leader] - NewsDay, December 7, 2011</ref>

====Safiyah====
{{Main|Safiyah}}

''Safiyah bint Huyayy'' (610 - 670 AD) was the bride of Kinana and the chief mistress of the Jewish tribes of Quraiza and An-Nadir. When the Muslims invaded and conquered Khaibar, the fighting men were killed and Safiya was taken captive (along with the rest of the women and children) and allotted as booty to Dihya Al-Kalbi, a Muslim.<ref>{{Bukhari|2|14|68}}</ref> Kinana was tortured and executed by the Muslims in order to discover the hiding places of treasure,<ref>Ishaq. I (Author), Guillaume. A (Translator). (2002). [http://www.amazon.com/Life-Muhammad-I-Ishaq/dp/0196360331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252901691&sr=8-1#reader ''The Life of Muhammad'']. (p. 515). Oxford University Press - Tabari vol. 8, p.123 - Muir, Sir William. (1878). [http://books.google.com/books?id=5QMMAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''The Life of Mahomet, New Edition'']. (pp. 390-391) London:Smith, Elder and Co.</ref> and one source relates that he and Safiya had been married only one day.<ref>Muir, Sir William. (1878). [http://books.google.com/books?id=5QMMAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''The Life of Mahomet, New Edition'']. (pp. 392) London:Smith, Elder and Co.</ref> She was so beautiful, that the Muslims began praising her in the presence of [[Muhammad]]<ref>{{Muslim|8|3329}}</ref>, and so the prophet commanded that Dihya be brought before him along with Safiya. Upon seeing her, Muhammad said, "Take any slave girl other than her from the captives"<ref>{{Bukhari|1|8|367}}</ref> and he selected her for himself.

From the information provided in the Hadith, we can reasonably conclude that Safiya did not have a choice in this marriage. She was held captive up until the marriage, and when Muhammad decided that she would be a wife rather than a slave-girl, that is when he made known that her manumission was her mahr.

====Mariyah====
{{Main|Mariyah the Sex Slave of the Holy Prophet}}

''Mariyah the Copt'' was one of the prophet’s wives’ maids. Muhammad slept with her without any ceremony, which caused uproar among his wives and finally was settled by "divine intervention."

{{Quote||Waqidi has informed us that Abu Bakr has narrated that the messenger of Allah (PBUH) had sexual intercourse with Mariyyah in the house of Hafsah. When the messenger came out of the house, Hafsa was sitting at the gate (behind the locked door). She told the prophet, O Messenger of Allah, do you do this in my house and during my turn? The messenger said, control yourself and let me go because I make her haram to me. Hafsa said, I do not accept, unless you swear for me. That Hazrat (his holiness) said, by Allah I will not contact her again. Qasim ibn Muhammad has said that this promise of the Prophet that had forbidden Mariyyah to himself is invalid – it does not become a violation (hormat).<ref>Tabaqat v. 8 p. 223 Publisher Entesharat-e Farhang va Andisheh Tehran 1382 solar h ( 2003) Translator Dr. Mohammad Mahdavi Damghani</ref>}}

===Muhammad and the Violation of the Qur'an===
:''Main Article: [[Muhammad and the Violation of the Qur'an]] See also: [[The Marriages of Muhammad - A Violation of the Quran|The Marriages of Muhammad: A Violation of the Qur'an]]''

When we diligently study the biography of Muhammad and the ahadith we find quite a few examples where Muhammad had openly transgressed the provisions of the Qur'an. Sex was an important aspect of Muhammad’s life. His unbridled indulgence in sex had, on many occasions, forced him to violate Allah’s rule overtly. To suppress his breach of the Qur’anic laws on sex and sexuality, he, as usual, concocted stories of Allah’s exemption to his dearest friend. This article exposes the hypocrisy of some Islamists who claim adamantly that Muhammad could have never violated the Qur’an. What you will find are numerous examples of how Muhammad had violated the Qur’an vis-à-vis sex.

===Women and the Farewell Sermon===
:''Main Article: [[The Farewell Sermon]] See also: [[Analysis of Muhammads Farewell Sermon|Analysis of Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon]]''

''The Farewell Sermon'' (خطبة الوداع‎, Khuṭbatu l-Wadā') is Muhammad's last sermon before his death in 632 CE. There are different versions of the sermon, but in this version Muhammed's order to beat women coincide with the Qur'anic order of wife-beating in 4:34. In this version, he also compares women to domestic animals. A related hadith:

{{Quote||"You have rights over your wives and they have rights over you. You have the right that they should not defile your bed and that they should not behave with open unseemliness. '''If they do, God allows you to put them in separate rooms and beat them''' but not with severity. If they refrain from these things they have the right to their food and clothing with kindness. Lay injunctions on women kindly, '''for they are prisoners with you having no control of their persons.''' You have taken them as a trust from God, and you have the enjoyment of their persons by the words of God, so understand…"<ref>Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah, p. 651</ref>}}

==See Also==

'''Articles'''

*[[Women (Translations of Arabic/Islamic Media)]]
*[[Violence Against Women - Muslim Statistics|Violence Against Women (Muslim Statistics)]]
*[[Top 10 Controversial Verses Concerning Women]]
*[[The Story of Umm Qirfa]]
*[[Islamic Witch Hunts]]
*[[Islam on the Net: Women's Rights]]
*[[Cousin Marriage in Islam]]

'''Multimedia'''

''Images:''

*[[Pictorial Explanation of Quran 4:3|Pictorial Explanation of Qur'an 4:3]]
*[[Images:Violence Against Women]]

''Videos:''

*[[Videos on Islam: Women]]
*[[Videos on Islam: Violence Against Women]]
*[[Videos on Islam:Hijab]]

'''Satire'''
*[[Farsideology: Lesson 9 - Four Wives]]

'''Other Core Articles'''

''Core articles contain an overview of other articles related to a specific issue, and serve as a starting point for anyone wishing to learn about Islam:''
* [[Islam and Apostasy]]
* [[Islam and Homosexuality]]
* [[Islam and Miracles]]
* [[Islam and Pedophilia]]
* [[Islam and Propaganda]]
* [[Islam and the People of the Book]]
* [[Islam and Science]]
* [[Islam and Scripture]]
* [[Islam and Violence]]

==External Links==
*[http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/women_in_islam1.htm Women in Islam]
*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/Articles/abulkazem/Women_in_Islam.htm Women in Islam: An exegesis]
*[http://www.faithfreedom.org/Articles/abulkazem/SexualityinIslam.htm Sex and sexuality in Islam]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Core Article]]
[[Category:Islam and Women]]
__NOEDITSECTION__