The Condition of Women before the Time of Muhammad
The state of women in Arabia prior to the advent of Islam was notably oppressive and disenfranchised. Prophet Muhammad’s message and reforms brought about significant improvements in their status and rights.
Social and Legal Status
Property Rights and Inheritance
In pre-Islamic Arabia, women were often regarded as mere chattels and part of their husband’s or father’s estate. Upon the death of a husband, the widows could be inherited by the deceased’s sons, similar to any other property. This practice, known as “Nikāḥu ʾl-Maqt” (نكاح المقت), was later prohibited by Islamic law.
Marriages and Family Structure
The marital structures of the era frequently involved unions between step-sons and mothers-in-law, prohibited by Islam as “odious marriages”. Women were denied autonomy over their matrimonial choices and were subject to the whims of their male guardians.
Female Infanticide
A harrowing practice among pagan Arabs was the burial of female infants alive. This was prevalent among tribes like the Quraysh and the Kurdah, who viewed the birth of a daughter with disdain. The Qur’an (Sūrah 6:138, 16:58-59) denounces this practice, highlighting the cultural aversion to female offspring and the resulting infanticide.
Cultural Attitudes and Proverbs
Ancient Arabic proverbs clearly reflect the societal attitudes towards women:
- “A man can bear anything but the mention of his wives.”
- “Women are the whips of Satan.”
- “Trust neither a king, a horse, nor a woman.”
- “Our mother forbids us to err and runs into error.”
- “What has a woman to do with the councils of a nation?”
- “Obedience to a woman will have to be repented of.”
These aphorisms encapsulate the disdain and mistrust towards women, emphasizing their perceived inferiority and unreliability.
Qur’anic Reforms and Prophet Muhammad’s Legacy
Prophet Muhammad and the Quranic revelations brought transformative changes:
- Prohibition of Infanticide: Islam strictly condemned and forbade the killing of female infants, granting them the right to life (Sūrah 81:8-9).
- Marriage Reforms: The concept of marriage was reformed to one of mutual consent and respect, outlawing exploitative practices such as Nikāḥu ʾl-Maqt.
- Property and Inheritance Rights: Islamic law granted women property rights and a share in inheritance, empowering them economically.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate” by Leila Ahmed
- “The Rights of Women in Islam” by Asghar Ali Engineer
- “Islam and the Destiny of Man” by Gai Eaton
Takeaways
- The condition of women in pre-Islamic Arabia was markedly oppressive and dehumanizing.
- Islam introduced substantial reforms to elevate the status and rights of women.
- Prophet Muhammad championed the dignity, respect, and welfare of women, transforming social norms.
Conclusion
The pre-Islamic era was characterized by severe gender inequalities and cultural practices that devalued women. The advent of Islam marked a pivotal shift, introducing humanitarian reforms that significantly uplifted the status of women within Arabian society. The progressive teachings of Prophet Muhammad continue to influence contemporary discussions on women’s rights in the Muslim world.
