Islam and Human Rights — Page 140
Isl am and Hum an R ights 140 covenant and the stability of the family. The restraints imposed are, up to a point identical in the case of men and women; an additional safeguard, in the interest of both men and women, is added which has to be observed by women, as they are the ones who have been invested with the additional quality that charms and subdues. They alone can be the guardians of it in the context under consideration. But there are many other factors which operate within the sphere of marital relationship which entitle the fairer and the frailer sex to consideration and protecting care on the part of the stronger sex. Some of these stem from their respective functions and spheres of activity. In anticipation of motherhood and after achievement of that sacred dig nity, woman is entitled to certain privileges, exemptions, and a degree of additional care which it is the duty, and should be the pride, of the husband to provide and make available. Also, in normal circumstances, the husband’s sphere of activity is the office, the workshop, the factory, the field, the legislature, and in times of peril, the front line. The greater part of the wife’s solicitude, care and attention is claimed by the home and children. This position has, in recent times, been placed in unbalance, with little advantage and considerable damage to all