GUIDING LIGHTS: Spiritual Role of Women in Islam

SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM accepted as models in the society of believers, are good examples for the women of today. To understand the prevalence of the Hijab in Muslim society in the present times, it is necessary to keep in mind that there is a difference between Islam and Muslims. Islam is the name of an ideology, while Muslims are a community that has its own culture, which keeps changing owing to various circumstances. In such a situation, Muslim tradition will be judged in the light of the original teachings of Islam instead of regarding this culture as Islam itself. SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE IN ISLAM Nature demands that men and women lead their lives together. According to Islamic law, the ideal way of leading such a life is within the bounds of marriage. It was to give this relationship legal sanction that the institution of marriage (nikah) was established. Marriage is a matter of mutual consent. The consent of both the man and the woman is sought to solemnise the nikah ceremony. The willingness of women is especially