Woman Between Islam and Western Society
8. Concerning Divorce
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THE MEANING OF PROVISION
In Islamic jurisprudence, the material arrangements
which a man makes for his divorced spouse are
termed “divorce provision.” There is a consensus
among Muslim scholars that this provision in no
way means life-long maintenance, there being
absolutely no basis for this in the divine scriptures.
The concept of maintenance for life is, in fact, a
product of modern civilization. It was never at any
time enshrined in divine laws, either in Islam,
Judaism or Christianity. In material terms
‘provision’ simply takes the form of a gift handed
over by the man on parting, so that the woman’s
immediate needs may be catered for, and in all
cases, this is quite commensurate with his means.
But the Qur’an makes it explicit that the parting
must above all be humane and that justice must be
done: “Provide for them with fairness; the rich man
according to his means, and the poor according to
his. This is binding on righteous men. Do not forget
to show kindness to each other reasonable
provision should also be made for divorced women.
That is incumbent on righteous men.”
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