1. Women in Islamic Society

2. History of Women in Islam
Islam began in Arabia in the early 600s, ever since then there have been shifting social, economic, and political views about women
Women were caught between traditionalists and reformers
There was a strong patriarchal government that discriminated against women in politics
Women were viewed as a man’s property not as an individual
   
   
   
   
   

3. History continued Women didn’t have a say in who they married
Dowries were always paid to male relatives of the bride
Women were not educated
Female infanticide was a common tradition
Polygyny was practiced widely throughout Islamic societies

4. A Brief Definition of Polygamy
Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses
Polyandry is the practice of having multiple husbands
Polygyny is the practice of having multiple wives

5. Women and the Quran
The Quran says that men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah however men are “a degree above” women
It also says that women must be respectful of men and dress modestly unless in the company of their husband, servants, or children
A woman who’s husband goes to hell must accompany him to hell no matter her actions
One man is equal to two women

6. Marriage Women are married often as teens
Marriage is viewed as a legal contract not a religious sacrament
Betrothal is allowed only with the consent of both the man and the woman
One man may have up to three partners but legally only one wife
The dowry is paid to the bride not her father

7. Divorce
If a man wants to divorce his wife he must announce it three times then wait three months to divorce his wife unless she is pregnant in which case he must wait until the child is born
Women may remarry
Ill-treated women may divorce their husbands

8. Family Women are expected to control the affairs of the home
Children are taught that they must obey and respect their mothers
Birth control is now acceptable in Islamic society

9. Education In recent years girls are now given full time education
Girls attend Mosque schools and attend separate classes than boys
Women are now permitted to attend universities

10. The Tradition of Dress
Hijab is the veil used to cover the head that originated from the Byzantines

11. The Tradition of Dress
Chadors are a type of dress that leaves the face open but covers the entire body

12. The Tradition of Dress
Burkas are a type of dress that covers the entire body and face with the idea that women are should be able to see but not be seen

13. Modern Dress
Modern versions of traditional dress include head scarves and long sleeves

14. More Modern Dress
Modern dress is also colorful opposed to the black robes of classical times

15.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Politics
                                                                                                                                                                          
During the 20th century the majority of Muslim countries gave women the right to vote
In 1988 Benazir Bhutto was elected prime minister of Pakistan becoming the first women to lead a Muslim country
She was followed by Khalaeda Zia in Bangladesh and then Tansu Ciller in Turkey

16. Religion
In mosques there are usually separate rooms where men and women pray; if not the women must sit behind the men
Women are now allowed to worship at home so they may care for their children
Women must follow the rules of fasting like the men unless they have young children or are pregnant

17. In the Workplace
Women are not forced to work but rather they choose to get jobs to help support their families
Many women work in factories because they were not educated otherwise

18. Women’s Rights Own land Inherit property from deceased relatives
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Women’s Rights
Own land
Inherit property from deceased relatives
Divorce husbands
Run businesses

19. The End