Woman Between Islam and Western Society
2. Woman in Society
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affairs, it was because it did not remain just a
philosophical creed, but went on to conquer most
parts of the inhabited world of the times.
In the world of today, even those commentators
who generously acknowledge the virtues of Islam
often repeat the dictum that Islam has relegated
women to an inferior status. But to say that Islam
gives women a share in property and then to say at
the same time that Islam has degraded women is
contradictory. From ancient times till today, the
question of inheritance has been the most important
social issue, and might well be considered the sole
criterion of status in society. Entitling women to
have a share in property, contrary to the custom of
the time, is a clear proof that Islam had no desire to
degrade them. Had this been so, the first
demonstration of this desire would have been to
deprive them of their share in property, a correct
and justifiable practice according to the traditions of
the times.
It is interesting to see the reverse side of the coin as
presented by a recent convert to Islam, namely, the
English pop singer, Cat Stevens, now known as
