BOOK REVIEW

times of dire distress, were totally Islamic in their conduct’ (p. 70). All this is thus mentioned to reveal that the ‘position of women in Islam... is a matter neither of conjecture, abstract theory nor of ancient history ... [but] is a matter of actual fact’ (p. 69). In the 6th chapter, the author discusses the ‘rights of the husband and wife” (pp. 79–94) and argues that the ‘rights of men and women are not a matter of legal lists, but rather a matter of good living’ (p. 93). These are followed by a detailed discussion, in the light of Islamic teachings and historical evidence, on concepts and issues concerning divorce, polygamy, dowry, and hijab in Islam in chapters 7 to 10, respectively. The book ends with a chapter on “Success in Marriage”, in which the author cites real-life examples. He draws these conclusions: ‘The secret of a successful marriage is the ability to forge bonds of loyalty’ and ‘happiness in marriage is closely linked with awareness’ (p. 153–154). o