Islam Faith and History By Mahmoud M.Ayoub - Assignment Example

The haay is where a man or woman belongs to and not the ‘family.’ Thus, child-rearing, indoctrination to culture, and gender roles are the responsibility of the tribe. This is due partly to survival since most societies lived a nomadic lifestyle. Thus, it is crucial that families band together for mutual interests. The role of men is crucial because they are seen as the provider and protector. Women on the other hand are deemed as liability or the weak link because the tribes’ honor hinges on the honor of its girls and women.

And because there is a high-value placed on female honor, it is a necessity to employ force protection. This is done one, by infanticide. The tribe would burry one or several of its female infants alive. And second, provides protection against capture and forced concubinage. Ergo, women are not just burdens but are liabilities to the tribe as well. Another way to which women are ensured of protection is through marriage. Marriage in pre-Islamic society has two types—Sadiqah and Ba’l. Sadiqah marriages are based on female kinship.

As such, the man could either pay a Sadaq which is given to the bride during the time of marriage or a mahr which is a negotiated gift between the man and the bride’s tribe that would be given to her parents or closest relative. Once the bride price is settled, the woman has to consent on the marriage before it could take effect. There are two types of Sadiqah marriages: the mut’an or temporary marriage which is undertaken solely for the purpose of desire or pleasure and bina which is a permanent union.

In bina, the bride remains under the protection of her tribe and the husband would only come for conjugal visits but is free from the liability of taking care of his wife and children. As such children of Sadiqah unions are the responsibility of the mother’s tribe. The ba’l marriage on the other hand is based on