I went to him and reminded him of the promise.

I went to him and reminded him of the promise. But he went back on his promise and demanded a fresh dower. Now I have come to you to find out whether he is right, or I am right". How old is the girl?" "The girl is grown up. Grey hair has also appeared on her head". "If you ask me, neither you nor Tariq is right. Go after your business and leave the girl alone". The man was taken aback at this reply and stared at the Prophet for several moments. He wondered what sort of verdict it was.

Even if he paid a fresh dower to the girl's father and he willingly gave his daughter to him, still the deal was not proper. The Prophet observed his wondering looks and said: "Don't worry. If you do things the way I have told you, neither you nor your friend, Tariq, will be doing anything wrong".

EXCHANGE OF DAUGHTERS During the pre-Islamic days there was a form of marriage in vogue in Arabia under the name of Shighar marriage, (exchange of daughters) which was a manifestation of the absolute authority of the fathers over their daughters. A man would give his daughter in marriage to another man in consideration of the latter giving his daughter in marriage to him. In such a form of marriage neither of the wives would get a dower. Islam abolished this custom.

It is worth noting that the Holy Prophet allowed full liberty to his daughter Fatimah Zahra (Peace be upon her) in choosing her husband. He gave in marriage several other daughters also, but he did not deprive them of their freedom.

When Ali Ibn Abi Talib, (peace be on him), approached the Holy Prophet, seeking Fatimah's hand, the Prophet said that several other people had already approached him and that he had conveyed their proposals to Fatimah, but she turned her face away, as a mark of disapproval. The Prophet assured Ali that he would convey to her his proposal as well. The Prophet went to Fatimah and told his beloved daughter what Ali wanted.

This time she did not turn her face away, but kept quiet and thus expressed her consent. When the Prophet came out, he was happy. He exclaimed, "Allah is the Greatest!" THE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT FOR WOMEN'S LIBERATION Islam has done a great service to women. It not only put an end to the absolute control of the fathers, but gave women freedom, a personality and independence of thinking and opinion. It officially recognised her natural rights.

However, there are two basic differences between the steps taken by Islam and what is happening in the West and is being followed by others.