WOMEN Many Muslims believe that Allah & Muhammad set high standards for the treatment of women Before Islam it was common for Arabs to kill their daughters they were less valuable than boys

WOMEN Women did not have the right to own property They were dependent on fathers, brothers, husbands for their basic human needs e.g. food etc

WOMEN Widows and women deserted by their husband could be left destitute Muhammad challenged their attitudes and practices

WOMEN He passed on the message from Allah that they were not to be killed at birth and had the right to property. He called for people to treat widows and orphans fairly. Religious duties were equaL FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Stereotypes for Muslim women Muslim women don’t get education because it’s a waste of money They are forced to hide their bodies under heavy veils Muslim women stay at home to look after children they are not allowed to work

Stereotypes for Muslim women Task Read page 87 GCSE Islam text books The three sections answer these stereotypes. Answer the ‘what do you think ?’ questions 1-8

marriage Family very imp to Islam All Muslims expected to marry Should be Equally desirable to men and women

marriage Belief that the young should want the support and advise of parents As mixing is undesirable the parents are asked to help with finding the right partner – arranged marriage

marriage Muslims are not allowed to arrange a marriage against anyone's will They have the right to say yes or no to the choice given from the parents

marriage Marriage is announced Nikah (contract is drawn up) Mahr – gift is given to the bride by her husband Ceremony witnessed by Allah and the ummah

SEX Sex is a gift from Allah Allah has provided perfect guidance on how sexual desires should be fulfilled Sex must be inside a marriage as an expression of love

SEX Casual sex,prostitution or homosexual sex is forbidden

Divorce Marriages should be saved if at all possible so everything should be done to avoid divorce but ….. if a man states he divorces his wife then there is a 3 month cooling off period - Iddah

Divorce If no reconciliation they are divorced. If a woman wants to divorce her husband then she applies for a Khul – case can be presented to a shariah court

Divorce She can divorce him if: Adultery desertion Lack of companionship or marital relations over 4 months Lack of maintenance

Divorce Insults to herself or parents Harm to her