WOMEN IN ISLAM

DIVORCE IN ISLAM being murdered by their in-laws, it is because they have the alternative—separation. Separation, of course, is strongly advised against minor provocations. Are we not commanded by God to be tolerant and forgiving? It is meant only as a last resort when it is unavoidable. THE MEANING OF PROVISION In Islamic jurisprudence, the material arrangements that a man makes for his divorced spouse are termed “divorce provisions.” There is a consensus among Muslim scholars that this provision in no way means life-long maintenance, there being absolutely no basis for this in the divine scriptures. The concept of maintenance for life is, in fact, a product of the modern civilization. It was never enshrined in divine laws, either Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. In material terms, ‘provision’ takes the form of a gift handed over by the man on parting so that the woman’s immediate needs may be catered for, and in all cases, this is entirely commensurate with his means. But the Quran makes it explicit that the parting must, above all, be humane and that justice must be done: “Provide for them with fairness, the rich man according to his means, and the poor according to his. This is binding on righteous men. Do not forget to show kindness to each other. Reasonable provisions should also be made for divorced