Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 445
− Through the teachings of segregation, sexual anarchy was brought to a sudden halt. Order between male and female relationship was established on the basis of deep moral principles. The status of women was simultaneously raised to such high standards that they could no longer be treated as helpless commodities. They were given an equal share in the affairs of life. Whereas previously, they were distributed as chattels of inheritance, now they could inherit not only the estate of their fathers but also of their husbands, children and next of kin. They could now stand up to their husbands and talk back to them. They could reason with them and, of course, had the full right to disagree. They could not only be divorced but they had equal rights to divorce their husbands if they so pleased. . . . . . . The teaching of segregation should be understood in this context. It was not the outcome of any male superiority, but was designed to establish the sanctity of the home; to create greater trust between man and wife; bring temperance to basic human urges; and to harness and discipline them so that, instead of being released as powerful demons in society, they play a constructive role, just as harnessed forces play a role in nature. The Islamic concept of segregation is only to be understood in the − context of measures to protect the sanctity of female chastity and the honor of women in society so that the dangers of violating these objectives are minimized. . . . . . . According to Islam, women must be emancipated from − exploitation and playing a role of being mere instruments of pleasure. They must have more time to themselves to discharge their responsibilities towards homes and the future generation of mankind. (Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues, Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad,1992, pp 78-81) − ± ± − ± − ± 445