Islamic Women

Many times when feminists looked at Islamic women they criticized the man for not treating women properly. However, as Jane I. Smith states, women of Islam are not really offended by that fact, on the contrary, they believe that it is better for them. The Holy Koran is the basis for the Islamic believers. It has many interpretations, however there are certain facts that are sure to be clear as to the position of women in an Islamic society. Koran did introduce very significant changes as to treatment of women. Certain women did play powerful roles in societies. However, whatever the earlier realities for women in terms of marriage, divorce, and inheritance of property, it is clear that Islamic men believe that they are above woman. However, they are supposed to support them and make sure that they have everything that they need to help raise their children and praise the god. In Islam, marriage is not a sacrament, as it is in other religions. It is a contract that man and woman sign and in which the woman can clearly includes her own clauses and negotiate terms. It is rare however possible for a man to have more the one wife. However, when that happens the man is responsible for caring and supporting both of them. In order to marry another woman however, the man must have the permission of his first wife. Although Muslim women have had been married at extremely young age, this practice is related to the fact that father and other male relatives generally have chosen the grooms themselves. There are however some discrepancies. Islamic women are not treated equally in the face of the law. “Ones women statement in the court is equal to half of one man.” The same principle also applies to inheritance and other issues. The Koran states that the man, since he is supporting the woman, should receive twice as much of everything. Until recently education for women in the Muslim world has been minimal.