Islam and Human Rights — Page 133
Article 16 133 are raiment for them” (2:188). Raiment serves many purposes. It is a covering for such parts of the body as should not be ex posed to view and is also a source of elegance and delight (7:27). It affords protection and comfort against weather and climate and against harmful and injurious substances. Of all man’s possessions it stands in the closest and most intimate relationship to him. Husband and wife are all this to each other, only very much more so. For while man’s relationship with articles of dress is purely physical, the relationship between husband and wife is a union which involves their total personalities in all their aspects. One aspect of this relationship is that in many respects it is complementary, which emphasizes and enhances its character and value, but also necessitates a certain degree of discrimination, beneficial and not prejudicial, both in re spect of its object and its operation. The concept of equality must be viewed and appraised against the background and character of the relationship which marriage is designed to establish between the spouses. Woman is in many respects more vulnerable than man and therefore, is in greater need of protection and security. Islam takes account of this and makes due provision for it where needed. For instance, while men and women are both protected against calumny and