11.04.2013 Views

Download - University of Salford Institutional Repository

Download - University of Salford Institutional Repository

Download - University of Salford Institutional Repository

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

assault on this institution. Adultery furthermore, subjected men and<br />

women to degradation and the gradual erosion <strong>of</strong> their spiritual well<br />

being. More <strong>of</strong>ten than not. it was a debasement for women and<br />

subjected them to special strain. Chastity (that Is fidelity to one's<br />

husband or wife) was a commitment to God as well as to one's lawful<br />

partner. It is significant moreover, that the Qurlanic verses refer to<br />

Muýsir7at and Mubsarrin (chaste) in the context <strong>of</strong> marriage, one verse<br />

states;<br />

"Are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but<br />

chaste women among the people <strong>of</strong> the Book revealed<br />

before time, when you give them their due dowers and<br />

desire, chastity. not lewdness nor secret intrigues.<br />

Saddiqi comments: -"The Qurlan has constantly used the word Mubsin<br />

for chaste men and Mubsiýat for chaste women, both <strong>of</strong> which came from<br />

the Arabic root 'Uisn' meaning fort. The underlying idea is that<br />

marriage safeguards and protects chastity in the same manner as a fort<br />

protects the garrison within from a beseiging army. "<br />

Irrespective <strong>of</strong> such differences, marriage in Islam has a permanent<br />

importance; it protects the individual from committing sins, it<br />

regulates the individual sexuality by lawful means and it is healthier<br />

for the individual. Furthermore, marriage and the family encourage the<br />

begetting <strong>of</strong> children and, consequently. help the survival <strong>of</strong> the human<br />

race.<br />

Al-Mukaran7at (Women to whom a man cannot Ret married)<br />

'Islam has forbidden a man's getting married to certain groups <strong>of</strong><br />

women. Such women are called 'Al-Mubararrat'. Al-Muharamat are <strong>of</strong> two<br />

kinds:<br />

Q. 5.6<br />

Siddiqi, Women in Islam, P. 33<br />

2<br />

77

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!