The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 322
322 Essence of Islam-III as in such cases marrying more then one would be dis- obedience and a cause of punishment rather than a source of merit. . . It is a great sin to hurt somebody's feelings, and female sentiments are very delicate. Just imagine for a moment all the hopes and expectations of the girl when she leaves her parents and is consigned to the care of an- other man. We can understand their feelings through the Divine injunction: عَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ 228 The law of God Almighty should not be used contrary to its purpose, nor should it be invoked to serve as a shield for self-indulgence. To do so would be a great sin. God Almighty has repeatedly admonished against yielding to carnal passions. Righteousness alone should be your mo- tive for everything. [Malfūzāt, vol. 7, pp. 63-65] Islām and the Rights of Women No other religion has safeguarded the rights of women as Islām has done. It lays down the injunction so succinctly: وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ 229 'Just as men have rights upon women, so do women have rights upon men. ' It is said of some people that they treat their wives like shoes and require them to perform the lowliest of ser- vices. They abuse them and despise them and enforce the injunction regarding the veil with such harshness, as to virtually bury them alive. The relationship between a husband and wife should be like two true and sincere 228 'Consort with them in kindness. '-Al-Nisa', 4:20 [Publisher] 229 Al-Baqarah, 2:229 [Publisher]