4. THE STATUS OF WOMAN

4. The status of woman ~ 55 ~ THE CONTRACT OF LIFE The relationship formed by marriage in Islam is described in the Qur’an as a “firm contract.”45 It is exactly the same as any ordinary contract in that it is bilateral in nature: where it differs is in its spelling out of the rights and responsibilities which bind a man and a woman together in a vital partnership, making them companions for life. There is a saying of the Prophet Muhammad on this subject: “Beware, your women have rights over you and you have rights over your women.”46 45. Qur’an, 4:21. 46. Ibn Majah, Sunan, Kitab an-Nikah, 1/593. WOMAN - SOURCE OF GOODNESS Here are some verses from the Qur’an and some traditions which elaborate this point. Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may well be that you dislike a thing which God has meant for your own abundant good.47