Women’s Rights in Islam (Article)

Author: John Esposito

Excerpt: Social customs such as seclusion (purdah) – originally meant to give honor and distinction to women – hardened into what was believed to be religious precepts and then stringently applied to women in all circumstances.

KUTUBNOTES

Test Your Knowledge

Recalling strengthens the memory.

3 questions
1. Which Qur'anic reform regarding the dower (mahr) is described in the article?
2. According to the article, what was a major factor that contributed to the decline in women's status as Islam spread?
3. Which description correctly contrasts ṣadīqah and ba‘l marriage arrangements in pre-Islamic Arabia as presented in the article?

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