Understanding Islam — Page 158
ARE WOMEN VIOLENTLY OPPRESSED IN ISLAM? 156 blame Th ā bit for defects in his character or his religion, but I, being a Muslim, dislike to behave in un-Islamic manner (if I remain with him)”. On that Allah’s Messenger sa said (to her), “Will you give back the garden which your husband has given you (as dowry)?” She said, “Yes”. Then Prophet Muhammad sa said to Th ā bit, “O Th ā bit! Accept your garden, and divorce her at once”. 34 Another narration records her excuse as “I cannot endure to live with him”. 35 Let alone enduring domestic abuse from husbands, Islam allows women to divorce simply on the basis that they do not like their husbands. This is the absolute freedom that Islam has granted to women that is not found in any other religion. C OMPARISON WITH THE B IBLE It is strange that often the foremost critics of the above teachings are Christians, who take guidance from a book that provides no rights to women in relation to inheritance from their brothers, sons or