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 “How
does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then
embrace (sleep with) her?” Considering the rates of domestic violence
all over the world, this question, which was asked by the Prophet Muhammad
more than 1400 years ago, is applicable today to all people of all faiths
and cultures.
Despite
the universality of domestic violence, Muslim men involved in wife-abuse
have attracted more attention than others. Horrific stories of husbands
beating their wives while claiming that the Qur’an gives them the right
to do so are highlighted in the media. At the same time, Muslims assert
that Islam honors and respects women, giving them rights that promote and
preserve their human dignity.
The
crux of the matter lies in the need for the distinction between Islam and
the behavior of some Muslims. Each and every Muslim has rather unfairly
been caste as a representative of his or her faith, and his or her
behavior is immediately a reflection of Islam, not of the Muslim as a
human individual.
This
special file aims at clarifying the position Islam takes regarding
wife-beating. Although the material presented, which is compiled from
various IslamOnline.net pages, concentrates on the very specific issue of
wife-beating, it is essential to point out that Islam has extensively
elaborated on the rights of women at all times and in totality.
Dr.
Muzammil H. Siddiqi and Dr. Jamal Badawi point out that the Prophet
Muhammad never hit any female, and said that the best of men are those who
do not hit their wives… More>>
In
one of his sayings, the Prophet Muhammad equated perfect belief with good
treatment of one’s wife: “Among the Muslims, the most perfect as
regards his faith is the one whose character is most excellent, and the
best among you are those who treat their wives well.” More>>
Dr.
Abdullah Rahman stresses the fact that no marriage can thrive if one or
both of the spouses resort to verbal or physical abuse… More>>
The
relationship between the spouses should be based on tranquility, love and
mercy. These three summarize the ideals of Islamic marriage, Zeinab
Mostafa says… More>>
“You
ask about obedience to the husband and his “right” to beat you. The
answer is that he does not have the right to beat you!” More>>
Islam
has honored woman and granted her an equal status with man. Moreover, Dr.
`Abdul-Fattah `Ashoor assures that a woman can excel a man by obeying
Allah, drawing near to Him, and perfectly fulfilling her religious
duties… More>>
“As
far as I know, Muslim men treat women with no respect, beat them, oppress
them and sometimes kill them!” one visitor says. But, as our consultant
points out, the problem is with the practice and not with the law either
in Islam or any other culture… More>>
Islam
considers marriage to be one of the most virtuous and approved of
institutions, and Islam has many teachings on how husbands and wives
should deal with each other lovingly… More>>
In
Islam, the marriage of a man and a woman is not merely a financial and
physical arrangement of living together but a sacred contract, a gift of
God, to lead a happy, enjoyable life… More>>
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