Lesson 3 – Are Women Subjugated in Islam?

Are women subjugated in Islam? Women in Islam hold a very high place. We’ll discuss all the queries regarding this issue.

Polygamy

The question asked is why men are allowed to have more than one wife, whereas women in Islam aren’t allowed to have more than one husband.

Definition of Polygamy

Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby a person has more than one spouse.

The Qur’an Is the Only Religious Scripture in the World That Says, ‘Marry Only One’

Other religions permit as many marriages as they want. There are no restrictions on the number of marriages; however holy Quran is the only book that mentions marrying one. Women in Islam book are mentioned in high regard.

Hindus Are More Polygynous Than Muslims

In India, it is illegal to have more than one wife; in spite of this restriction, a survey indicated more Hindus having polygamous marriages than Muslims.

Qur’an Permits Limited Polygyny

“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one….” Al Qur’an 4:31

India Has More Male Population

India is among very few countries in which females make a lesser ratio; this is due to female infanticide.

 World Female Population Is More than Male Population

Women outnumbered men by a considerable amount. In many countries of the world, women are more in number than men.

Restricting Each And Every Man to Have Only One Wife Is Not Practical

Since the female population is more, then many females would be left unmarried since the male population is quite less.

Other Reasons for Polygyny Being Permitted

• The wife cannot bear children
• Wife becomes handicap
• Wife suffering from severe disease

Polyandry

The question arises why can’t a wife have more than one husband?

In Islam, Men and Women Are Equal, Not Identical

Women in Islam have their own status. Islam believes in justice. Biologically and physiologically, both are different. The rights of women in Islam are many.

Women Already Married are Prohibited For Other Men

“Also (prohibited are) women already married.”

Al Qur’an 4:24

How to Identify The Father Of The Child?

In a polygamous marriage, it is easy to identify the parents, whereas it becomes difficult in the case of polyandrous marriages.

Biologically, Women Are More Prone To Fail In Polyandrous Marriages

The lifestyle and the monthly cycles that women go through take a toll on them, and thus it becomes difficult for them to maintain a polyandrous marriage.

Women Are More Prone To Acquire Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Having multiple sexual partners make a woman more prone to sexual diseases.

Hijaab for Women

Hijaab degrades women by keeping them behind a veil. Actually, this is a misconception about Islam. The increasing number of rape cases is due to the modern designs of clothes that make the body prone to the evil eyes of men. Hijaab is like an armor for women that saves women from the lusty eyes of men. “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” (Al Quran 24:30)

Join us with Dr. Zakir Naik to learn more about the common misconceptions about Islam. Enroll in our course to learn more.