Woman in Islam — Page 8
8 As wife and mother the primary and normal sphere of woman’s activities is the home; as breadwinner the normal sphere of man’s activities and operations is the outdoors. A social system, which is based on wisdom and beneficence, brings about and helps to maintain an accord and balance between the two. Islam claims to do that. MARRIAGE The ultimate purpose of marriage in Islam is to win the pleasure of Allah, through chastity, fulfilment, contentment and continuation of the species. For instance, among the characteristics of true believers, the safeguarding of chastity through marriage is stressed along with strict and humble observance of Prayer, the shunning of all that is vain, the payment of the Zakat and watchfulness of trusts and covenants: “These are the true heirs who will inherit Paradise, wherein they shall abide. ” (23:11-12) Then there is the direction: “Arrange the marriages of widows from among you, and of the righteous from among those under your control, male and female. If they be poor, Allah will grant them means out of His bounty. ” (24:33-34) The Holy Prophet has said: “Conjugal life is our way, he who turns aside from our way is not of us. ”