Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 96
96 islam’s response to contemporary issues forefathers (four fathers, sic. ) A pun on the word ‘four’, which effectively turned the table against the teaser. Apparently, it was a joke, but when you examine it closely, you will discover more than a joke, for it refers to a tragic situation prevailing in societies and offers a befitting case for comparing the attitude of Islam with that of modern society. It is not only a matter for carefree student assemblies but even the serious-minded highly respected members of society do not consider it unkind and discourteous to express their disapproval of this injunction with a joke. Not long ago, I received a letter from a senior judge in Frankfurt, whom I personally know to be a very wise, open-minded, courteous and well-meaning person. He, too, objected to the Islamic provision on limited polygamy and could not suppress the temptations to drive the point home with the help of a crude joke, or, at least so I thought. For a fleeting moment I thought of returning the compliment of his joke with the joke about forefathers, but discretion had the better of me. The brief answer I sent him was to the effect that first this provision in Islam of marrying more than once is not a generality. It pertains to certain situations when it becomes necessary for both preserving the health of society and the rights of women to have this provision available. The Holy Quran is a logical book. As such, it could not have instructed Muslims to achieve the impossible. God has created men and women in almost equal numbers—with a few pluses and minuses here and there. How could a rational religion like Islam, which repeatedly emphasises the fact that there is no inconsistency between the Act of God and the Word of God, preach something so glaringly unnatural and unrealistic, which, if attempted, would create grave