Source: The Huffington Post
By Qasim Rashid: Author, ‘The Wrong Kind of Muslim’
Critics incorrectly allege that Islam commands husbands to beat their wives, often citing the Quran verse 4:34. Unfortunately, like any Muslim man who harms his wife, critics miss the keen wisdom in verse 4:34 that actively pre-empts domestic violence.
In Virginia, I provide pro bono legal support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Virtually all of our clients are female. Every nine seconds — nearly 10,000 victims daily — a woman in the United States is abused. In America, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, more than car accidents, muggings and rape — combined. Would those who blame Islam for domestic violence also blame Christianity every nine seconds?
Before addressing this question, consider Dr. James Q. Wilson’s perspective — America’s pre-eminent social scientist. He cites the medical fact that the part of the brain that stimulates anger and aggression is larger in men than in women. Likewise, the part of the brain that restrains anger is smaller in men than in women. Simply put, men are far more prone to violence and far less capable of self-restraint than women.
But this is not a “cop out” argument. Part of the problem is that our laws only punish men after the violence has already occurred. We implement educational and rehabilitation programs to decrease and diminish other illnesses, allowing the individual to function in society without harm to him or herself or to others. Likewise, stopping domestic violence means acting to eliminate even initial infractions.
Categories: Americas, Domestic violence, ISLAM, Women, Women In islam, Women Rights, Women's right
In fact it is religion Islam which gives women such favors that she could flourish herself in the best way. Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has set amazing examples by treating women with such justice , honor,and delicacy that no one other religion or law could show such beautiful treatment with women.
Violence against women: One-third of EU women affected – survey
Adultery and fornication can a be great cause of unrest in society. The Quran has prescribed a punishment for that with conditions. Such bad acts are going on in western (predominantly Christian) countries.
The verse 4:34 mentioned in OP is a relaxation in the real punishment of 100 lashes. That is, when the wife misbehaves, it is necessary to control her. There may not be witnesses to punish her properly (which she deserves, 100 lashes). Then it is told to the believers that:
1. They should advise her and admonish her (verbally). If it has no effect then,
2. Not go to bed with her. If not effective, then,
3. punish her gently. and as a last resort,
4. Let her remain inside the house and not go out.
There is nothing harsh or harmful in that compared to what harm she may be doing to the family.
The above guidelines are not only for any case of adultery. They are for any type of disobedience too, or if the wife becomes abusive.
Otherwise man has no licence to punish the wife. They are to make her life happy all the time and provide comfort to her.
I read the article by Qasim Rashid explaining verse 4:34 in great hope. I was looking for some new ideas. I have to agree with the majority of comments written in Huffington Post under his article. His explanations are nothing but mental contortions.
Talk to any Muslim and he would go into a fit to describe the best treatment of women by Islam. He would present verses of the Quran, present the good character of the Prophet. He would also describe the good treatment of the women by the Prophet and other Muslims. He would also tell you the miserable situation of women in Arabia of those days. Then he would turn to verse 4:34 and spend all his time presenting the good in this verse about the women. But at the end would accept that the word ‘daraba’ means beating. According to his ability of expression he would create an aura of fairness before arriving at this conclusion such as Mr. Qasim Rashid. Or he might be very crude about it and completely ignorant such as Mr. Ghulam Sarwar.
Nevertheless they will ultimately justify domestic violence.
One more thing; They will all be men. Never a woman will come and advocate this type of very dangerous and immoral domestic abuse.
Can I draw the attention of all these mental contortionists to the fact that they are all correct when they are describing the good treatment of women by Islam. Why it is so hard for them to accept that the verse has not been understood well and has been translated wrong. This would not be the first time. There are many other examples where verses of the Quran were misunderstood and later corrected as our understanding improved.
So let us not justify a crime and drag its root in the Word of God. Let us say the right thing. “There is no verse in the Holy Quran where a man is permitted to beat a women no matter how lightly and how gently and how justifiably.”
I totally agree with CS. Unfortunately, not even Ahmadi Muslims have correctly interpreted this verse. There is no way that Allah can condone violence against a weaker member of society. It goes against reason, logic, justice and equity.
@CS: Let us say the right thing. “There is no verse in the Holy Quran where a man is permitted to beat a women no matter how lightly and how gently and how justifiably.”
Please give proof.
CS (and Seeker of Truth), if there had been a long time misunderstanding of the verses of the Quran in the past, and now, according to you, the understanding is much improved, please present your improved version of the verse 4:34. Welcome.
The verse describes an extreme case where the foundations of peaceful happy family life are already shaken. Something needs to be done to save the situation. Please give your suggestion and a sample of your wisdom in such a state. Let us know the remedy you suggest. Thank you.
1) Proof of absence of something is not possible. Simple logic!!
2) As for the correct understanding of the verse, here are some thoughts.
This verse is describing the relationship of man and woman in marriage. (limited context)
“Men are responsible for the upkeep of women. (not guardians and not superior)because God has given them more (wealth) (A fact even today. More men work than woman. Men earn more than woman even when they are less educated)and because they spend of their wealth on women. (up to this point man’s responsibility is being explained. And now woman’s) So righteous woman are those who are obedient to God (not to man! as translated by some) and they protect what God has ordered to be protected (Their own honor and the honor of their husband)(then conflict in marriage is mentioned)If you fear (not sure) rebellion from them (such as a woman having an extra marital affair then the remedial steps are suggested) (first step) Talk to them (express your concerns) (2nd step) Separate from them in bed (discontinue sexual relations. This step is directed towards the man. After a while he may want to give up his complaint)(3rd step — daraba) Cite them before authority. (Get professional help. counselling etc)And if they reconcile do not hold a grudge against them. (clear your heart). That is it.
The word ‘daraba’ has been used in the Quran more than 50 times in one form or another. The most common meaning is “to cite”. There is not a single place in the entire Quran where this word has been used for beating of one human being by another.
3)This translation is in line with the teachings of Islam and the practice of the Prophet.
assalaamo alaikum,
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II. and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV. have explained these verses in their commentaries and Dars-ul-Quran. We should always be careful with an own interpretation of the Holy Quran.
wassalaam
Dear CS, you have nearly done it and done very well too. I am presenting the verse 8:13 below where the exact word “Dharabou” is used. I have shown my translation of that verse below. Will you kindly give me an alternate translation please? Thank you.
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[When thy Lord revealed to the angels, saying , ‘I am with you; So give firmness to those who believe (in Allah and the prophet Muhammad s.a.w.s). I will cast terror into the hearts of those who are fanatic disbelievers. So Smite the upper parts of necks, and smite off their all finger-tips. ‘] Verse 8:13.