Understanding Islam — Page 162
ARE WOMEN VIOLENTLY OPPRESSED IN ISLAM? 160 In short, the teachings of Islam are deeply rooted in the psychology of human behaviour. The Holy Quran gives such teachings to men that diffuses their anger, by advising a man to forego sexual relations with his wife, before proceeding further. Women, on the other hand, are taught to quickly involve third parties if there has been any ill- treatment on the part of the husband. In such teachings, the Holy Quran has struck a balance between the importance of individual rights on the one hand, and the importance of the institution of marriage on the other. While doing this, the Holy Quran has continually drawn attention to God’s attributes of Knowledge, Authority and Power, to remind men, in particular, but also women that God is aware of their behaviour and will call them to account for any injustices against one another. Here below is the most beautiful description of the ideal relationship between a husband and a wife as given by God in the Quran:. . . they are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. . . 47