Islam and Human Rights — Page 208
Isl am and Hum an R ights 208 in certain respects. A more hopeful note is called for with regard to the future, on the basis of the amelioration and progress that have already taken place. The last vestiges of slavery are disappearing. It is de voutly to be hoped that that institution, with all its horrer and poignancy, will now be finally suppressed in those obscure corners where it still lingers and will be no more heard of. Legal codes and judicial procedures have been and are being overhauled so as to eliminate all traces of privilege and discrimination where they may have crept in and to ensure speedy and equal justice for all. Civil and commer cial codes have been modernized and improved in the light of experience gained in societies which have made rapid advances in commerce and industry. In the sphere of Personal Law declaratory legislation has, in many Muslim States, cleared up doubtful points and obscurities in the effort to bring current doctrine into con formity with the standards prescribed by the Quran. On the subject of marriage and divorce, misinterpretations and abuse have been sought to be corrected. Registration of marriages and divorces has been prescribed; procedures for divorce have been clarified and the rights and obligations of the parties have been defined, thus placing them in a position of