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unequal match. "If you can't find an equal matchsays Qays ibn<br />

Zuhayr to the Namir. the beat marriage for them is the grave. "<br />

This was one <strong>of</strong> the reasons for burying daughters- alive as will be<br />

discussed later.<br />

The qualities sought by a woman in a man are less<br />

. fuZ13E,<br />

documented since it was shameless for her to disclose her opinion.<br />

In general, the girl liked a man who was a free man <strong>of</strong> noble origin,<br />

and who had good manners. Naturally. some preferred a rich man, -<br />

and some a young man. 2<br />

When a partner reputedly possessing these features - had been<br />

found, the man used to send a trustworthy woman, from his tribe to<br />

make sure that his future bride genuinely was <strong>of</strong> this calibre.<br />

For example, Kenda's king sent al-UZrith bin- 'Awf (a man) together<br />

with a woman who was known for her shrewdness, to check on the<br />

b3<br />

features <strong>of</strong> GumZiah b#: nt 'Awf.<br />

-<br />

After this step j -the groom himself,<br />

or anyone from his'family, would ask -the father for herhand ; Ln marriage. If<br />

Acy-<br />

guardian agreed, the marriage would be arranged. The guardian in<br />

Jahiliyyah, played a significant role in the life <strong>of</strong> the girl. "For<br />

women generally, this would appear to have been the rule, it is to be<br />

doubted whether more than a very few had any degree <strong>of</strong> personal<br />

independence to the extent <strong>of</strong> being able to choose a husband for<br />

themselves. or even to have disposed <strong>of</strong> property <strong>of</strong> any value. "<br />

However, exceptions might be seen in some cases where the father consulted<br />

his daughter in choosing the groom; for example. when Hirith bin 'Awf<br />

0<br />

1. Smith, op. cit., P. 97<br />

2. al-ýabtragh, op. cit., P. 157<br />

3. Ibid. P. 159<br />

4, See Levy, op* cit*, Pe 93<br />

20

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