“Limits of Islam”
by Beth Peltola
The Taliban have got the world talking!
“Women will be given freedom within the limits of Islam.”
Those last five words are the sticking point, and the world shudders at what they could potentially mean.
Some will say it depends on how you interpret Islamic law; yes, there is that, but what does the Qur’an say? What does the life of Muhammad exemplify for men in their interactions with women. What were his limits? What are the limits implemented by the God of Islam? What does Allah decree?
I’m currently writing a book about Men and Women in Islam. It takes the arguments of Modernist Muslims and contrasts them with the theology of Traditional text-believing Muslims. The book explores the Qur’an and the life of Muhammad. It investigates those ‘limits’ and the aversion many Muslims have against them; this is especially true of Muslim influencers in the West, or from cosmopolitan cities in Islamic influenced lands.
With compassion our minds turn to the women in Afghanistan now facing an uncertain future, and for some, horrific abuse. The Taliban (like Al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, ISIS and the like throughout history) take their creed very seriously. To them the Qur’an is preserved and unchanged, authoritative and filled with edicts from Allah, with Muhammad set up as the example for all mankind,
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Surah 33:21)
And verily, you [Muhammad] are an exalted standard of character. (Surah 68:4)
As a Christian I understand the importance of following creed and text, but more importantly, the Heavenly man I love and worship - Jesus, the ultimate leader. What does He say about women? How does He show value to women?
Muslims obey Muhammad with the same reverence as Allah, a practice derived from direct edicts in the Qur’an.
"He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad) has indeed obeyed Allah..." (Qur’an 4:80)
“And Allah said: "Oh you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger.” (Qur’an 47:33)
The difference between obeying them and obeying Christ, is that Muhammad and Allah declare ‘limits’ on the lives of women and non-Muslims, that most outside of Islam would bulk at. Muslims who don’t align entirely to Allah’s Qur’anic edicts may also find themselves in a precarious situation.
Those ‘limits’ are vastly different to the text of the Bible and its view of women; We’ll look at this in another blog. The chasm between the two continues to grow when we consider the actions of Muhammad towards women to the actions of Christ.
In the media many people are commenting on Islamic law; most are aware that the implementation of Islamic law into Afghanistan will not bode well for the vulnerable, the non-Muslim and women. But we need to go one step deeper into Islam, and go to the texts that Islamic law is derived from; we need to look at the Qur’an, and let it speak for itself….
The following Qur’anic references are taken from Sahih International, a popular English version of the Qur’an. For those new to English translations of the Qur’an be aware of the following:
Sahih International softens some of the difficult verses. In those instances Pickthall’s translation is given to give clarity. (Yusuf Ali, or Hilali and Khan, are other translations to peruse).
Some recent Qur’anic English versions have removed troubling words, such as ‘beating’ of wives, in Qur’an 4:34.
English translations of the Qur’an will add words in brackets that are not in the Arabic Qur’an, this is usually an interpreters addition.
Each of the 114 Surah’s in the Qur’an is given an Arabic title. Muslim scholars usually use these Arabic titles when referencing the Qur’an plus the number: e.g. An-Nisa 4:3. For simplicity, and ease of understanding, Western scholars usually use ‘Qur’an’ plus the number: e.g. Qur’an 4:3
List of Qur’anic edicts on women
*Qur’an 2:25 Reward of 'Azwajun Mutahharatun' (female partners) to men in the afterlife,
‘And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, "This is what we were provided with before." And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses ['Azwajun Mutahharatun'] , and they will abide therein eternally.’
Qur’an 2:223 Wives are a field (tilth) husbands may plow when and how they wish,
Sahih International
Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.
Pickthall
Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad).
Qur’an 2:228b Directions are given for correct divorce procedures, ‘Man have a degree above women’
Divorced women remain in waiting [i.e., do not remarry] for three periods,1 and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation.And due to them [i.e., the wives] is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men [i.e., husbands] have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
Qur’an 2:230 Women can reconcile with a previous husband after divorcing, if she has consummated another marriage with another man first, and then is divorced by him, (often known as Halala marriage).
And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if the latter husband divorces her [or dies], there is no blame upon the woman and her former husband for returning to each other if they think that they can keep [within] the limits of Allah . These are the limits of Allah , which He makes clear to a people who know.
Qur’an 2:282 A woman’s testimony is less reliable than that of a man, taking two women to replace one man, incase one of the women errs.
O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice. Let no scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him. So let him write and let the one who has the obligation dictate. And let him fear Allah , his Lord, and not leave anything out of it. But if the one who has the obligation is of limited understanding or weak or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses - so that if one of the women errs, then the other can remind her. And let not the witnesses refuse when they are called upon…
Qur’an 4:3 Men may marry four women if they can treat them fairly, but if they cannot treat the women equally, then they may marry just one, or take the women they own,
And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hands possess [i.e., slaves]. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].
Qur’an 4:4-6 Men are told to feed and clothe their dependants, the week minded, and speak words of kindness and justice. Orphans are tested till they reach marriageable age.
And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts1 graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease. And do not give the weak-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of sustenance for you, but provide for them with it and clothe them and speak to them words of appropriate kindness. And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant.
Qur’an 4:11 Women receive much less Inheritance than men
Allah commands you regarding your children: the share of the male will be twice that of the female.1 If you leave only two ˹or more˺ females, their share is two-thirds of the estate. But if there is only one female, her share will be one-half. Each parent is entitled to one-sixth if you leave offspring. But if you are childless and your parents are the only heirs, then your mother will receive one-third. But if you leave siblings, then your mother will receive one-sixth—after the fulfilment of bequests and debts. Be fair to your parents and children, as you do not ˹fully˺ know who is more beneficial to you. This is an obligation from Allah. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Qur’an 4:15 lewd wives and women are to be put to death.
Those who commit immorality [i.e., unlawful sexual intercourse] of your women - bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine them [i.e., the guilty women] to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way.
Qur’an 4:24 Men are not allowed to marry already married women, but they are given permission to marry married slaves,
And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation2 as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
Qur’an 4:25 If a man is poor or lacks self-control, slave girls are permitted for marriage,
And whoever among you cannot [find] the means to marry free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. And Allah is most knowing about your faith. You [believers] are of one another. So marry them with the permission of their people and give them their due compensation [i.e., mahr] according to what is acceptable. [They should be] chaste, neither [of] those who commit unlawful intercourse randomly nor those who take [secret] lovers. But once they are sheltered in marriage, if they should commit adultery, then for them is half the punishment for free [unmarried] women. This [allowance] is for him among you who fears affliction [i.e., sin], but to be patient is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Qur’an 4:34a Men are in charge of women and excel women
Men are in charge of women1 by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth.
Pickthall: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women).
Qur’an 4:34b Righteous women are devoutly obedient
So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard.
Qur’an 4:34c Wives can be beaten until they obey
But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them [lightly]. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.
Pickthall: As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.
Qur’an 4:128 Wives who fear abandonment or contempt from their husbands are encouraged to work it out peacefully with them; this stands in stark contrast to Qur’an 4:34 and how a husband may treat his wife if he believes something ill from her.
And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between them - and settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess. But if you do good and fear Allah - then indeed Allah is ever, of what you do, Aware.
Qur’an 4:129 Contrary to Qur’an 4:3, the Qur’an admits that men are unable to treat wives equally,
And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging. And if you amend [your affairs] and fear Allah - then indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
Qur’an 5:6 Men must purify after touching a woman, or after intercourse
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of *janābah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful. (*sexual impurity)
Qur’an 30:21 As a sign, Allah created women for the men to find rest in; kindness and mercy is ordered among them
And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.
Muhammad and women in the Qur’an
Qur’an 33:32-33 Women, especially Muhammad’s women, are told how to speak so as not to seduce men and are to stay in their homes.
O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech. Settle in your homes, and do not display yourselves as women did in the days of pre-Islamic ignorance. Establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah only intends to keep the causes of evil away from you and purify you completely, O members of the Prophet’s family!
Qur’an 33:50 Allah makes women who have received their payment lawful to Muhammad, slave girls are also lawful for him. Muhammad is allowed to accept women who offer themselves to him – a privilege only for him, so he has “no discomfort”.
O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation1 and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her; [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort [i.e., difficulty]. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Qur’an 33:51 Muhammad was given permission to postpone or take on any wife he willed. This disagrees with Qur’an 4:3 that teaches wives should be treated equally. His women should be content with what they are given.
You, [O Muḥammad], may put aside whom you will of them or take to yourself whom you will. And any that you desire of those [wives] from whom you had [temporarily] separated - there is no blame upon you [in returning her]. That is more suitable that they should be content and not grieve and that they should be satisfied with what you have given them - all of them. And Allah knows what is in your hearts. And ever is Allah Knowing and Forbearing.
Qur’an 33:52 This permission did have a time limit, except for his sex-slaves
Not lawful to you, [O Muḥammad], are [any additional] women after [this], nor [is it] for you to exchange them for [other] wives, even if their beauty were to please you, except what your right hand possesses. And ever is Allah, over all things, an Observer.1
“…except what your right hand possesses” appears fairly often in texts directing men on how to treat their wives and women. Allah often exempted Muhammad from the limits that other men had, but when it comes to treatment of slave-girls, exemptions are given to all Muslim men.
Qur’an 33:53a Permission was needed to enter Muhammad’s house; We learn that he was easily annoyed, and Allah helped by explaining to Muslims not to expect generous hospitality from Muhammad
O believers! Do not enter the homes of the Prophet without permission and if invited for a meal, do not come too early and linger until the meal is ready. But if you are invited, then enter on time. Once you have eaten, then go on your way, and do not stay for casual talk. Such behaviour is truly annoying to the Prophet, yet he is too shy to ask you to leave. But Allah is never shy of the truth.
Qur’an 33:53b Muhammad’s wives had to stay behind a screen when Muslim men visited; Muhammad’s home was an example of gender segregation
And when you believers ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a barrier. This is purer for your hearts and theirs
Qur’an 33:53c Allah warns the people not to annoy Muhammad. Muhammad’s wives (most of whom were still very young adults) were to remain single after his death.
And it is not right for you to annoy the Messenger of Allah, nor ever marry his wives after him. This would certainly be a major offence in the sight of Allah.
Qur’an 33:59 Muhammad’s wives needed to be veiled, or bring a covering over them, the style and extent of covering is not clear,
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Qur’an 65:1 Men are given Instructions on how to divorce wives, a 3 months waiting time is prescribed to see if they are pregnant
O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period and keep count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands'] houses, nor should they [themselves] leave [during that period] unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself. You know not; perhaps Allah will bring about after that a [different] matter.
Qur’an 65:4 Post-menopausal and Prepubescent women can be divorced, but the three month waiting period is still prescribed
And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women - if you doubt, then their period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated. And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they give birth. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease.
Qur’an 65:6 Muslim women being divorced should not be cast out, pregnant women should be provided for until they give birth.
Lodge them1 [in a section] of where you dwell out of your means and do not harm them in order to oppress them. And if they should be pregnant, then spend on them until they give birth. And if they breastfeed for you, then give them their payment and confer among yourselves in the acceptable way; but if you are in discord, then there may breastfeed for him [i.e., the father] another woman.
Qur’an 66:1-2 Allah allows Muhammad (in this translation all Muslims) to be absolved from his oaths, especially as two of his wives had told one of his secrets. Allah intervened to warn them of consequences if they did not repent, (verses 3-4).
O Prophet, why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allah has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. Allah has already ordained for you [Muslims] the dissolution of your oaths. And Allah is your protector, and He is the Knowing, the Wise.
Qur’an 66:4-5 Allah threatens the wives of Muhammad that they would be replaced with “better wives” who are obedient, if they did not begin to obey Muhammad.
If you two [wives] repent to Allah, [it is best], for your hearts have deviated. But if you cooperate against him - then indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous of the believers and the angels, moreover, are [his] assistants.Perhaps his Lord, if he divorced you [all], would substitute for him wives better than you - submitting [to Allah], believing, devoutly obedient, repentant, worshipping, and traveling1 - [ones] previously married and virgins.
