Understanding Islam — Page 145
143 something similar to it”. Here the word misw ā k refers to small twigs used for teeth-cleaning in ancient times. They were also commonly used by Prophet Muhammad sa and others in his time. In other words, the form of chastisement that is allowed here is extremely small. The reality is that even holding a woman strongly leaves a mark on her, which is not allowed. Hence, the real form of chastisement mostly becomes symbolic, and to a very limited extent. Another point to be understood here is that the Holy Quran lays out both general commandments and principles, along with detailed commandments pertaining to specific situations. All verses on a given topic must be considered, analyzed, and understood collectively. The Holy Quran itself explains that only those have true knowledge of the Holy Quran who judiciously consider a matter by looking at all the relevant verses in the whole of the Quran instead of reading verses in isolation or cherry-picking quotes to suit preconceived notions: He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book; in it there are verses that are decisive in meaning — they