Women and the Koran: The Status of Women in Islam

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 278 pages
• Published by: Prometheus Books September 1997
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1573921629
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1573921626
• Book Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 1.1 pounds

Product Review
The Koran tells us that "Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other." In Women and the Koran: The Status of Women in Islam, Anwar Hekmat tells us of the brutality inflicted on women in the Islam religion in the name of God. Hekmat clearly outlines all the basic rights given to men through Mohammed and The Koran, which include: the right to multiple wives and concubines; the right to beat and rape one's wife if she refuses to submit to sex; the right to terminate a marriage at any time without legal process; the right to all children and property from the marriage if divorced; the right to bring one's wife to court for suspected adultery; and, if she is found guilty, the right to bury her in the ground up to her waist and stone here to death (as was done in at least four cases in Iran in the last seven years). These same rights do not extend to women in regards to their husbands. Hekmat argues that the Muslim religion created by Mohammed is a barbaric tradition, created more to bring glory to God. His argument is compelling. Hekmat paints a picture of Mohammed as a cruel dictator who orchestrated horrific purges on his enemies, and captured many of the women to be used as wives (of which he had 15) or concubines for his own pleasure. Mohammed is also depicted with insatiable sexual appetites that knew little boundaries, including that of age. His favorite wife was nine when they married, and he brought her toys to the bed on their wedding night. Much of the Islamic religion, claims Hekmat, is clever propaganda simply created to allow Mohammed to do as he pleased. Indeed, Hekmat argues as strongly against the entire Islamic religion as he does against the disparity against women. The book is well researched and clearly organized, and while the language becomes awkward in spots, it is still a good read. His thesis is that the Muslim religion's treatment of women should be re-thought and quickly. This book helps remind us that equality is a matter of perspective, and lends itself to shaping your perception of women's equality in the eyes of religion in a whole new way. -- From Independent Publisher

Reader Reviews
I am amazed at the reviews I am reading about this book -- most of which are biased and based on ignorance. (Don't write a review if you can't spell or punctuate.) This book is not well written as far as good writing goes. It is obviously emotional and written by a person who truly feels that women are treated unfairly in Islam societies. It, perhaps, shows a general view of the way women are treated in Islamic societies (as not all Islamic countries are equal in their treatment of women), but the picture is not as incorrect as some of the reviewers would have you believe. No one denies that women are separated in these societies, that they must wear veils and are not allowed, in many Islamic countries, to enjoy the many joys of living--including physical activities such as swimming, hiking, playing ball, eating in a restaurant alone, etc. And yet, these people who are stating that women are honored in these societies are not letting women have choices in these matters. I have just read, "Reading Lolita in Tehran" which goes into detail about how women are treated there--being killed for showing a small curl of hair or having a tempting voice that causes men to desire them. The problem is not this book, but it is these reviewers who extol and excuse this behavior and claim it is honoring women. The fact of the matter is, that under Islamic law, women are blamed for the actions of men who are unable to discipline their own bodies and thoughts. This book says to you--It is time to allow women to choose for themselves what they want to do. As for the research--Hekmat gave almost twenty pages of footnotes -- so those of you who aren't sure if the information is correct --be brave -- be a true intellectual -- check out the sources.