Although the husband inherently holds the right of divorce...

Although the husband inherently holds the right of divorce, Muslim women must also be aware that, as a wife, they have a say in the matter. A Muslim woman, when she marries, can specify in her marriage contract certain matters that are important to her, such as continuing her formal education or working in her field of study, among other things.

Islam has given Muslim women the opportunity to accept, change, or decline any conditions, provided the couple mutually agrees and the conditions do not violate the Qur’an. It is the spirit of humankind to strive for individual freedom of the self, without encroaching on the security of society, and to be undaunted and unhindered by the limitations of others seeking to impose their desires of unwanted control whether he be a man or a woman. Not a single person wants to be controlled by another.

Islam has embarked on new territory, the West. Muslim women in America are becoming more visible. The question that remains is whether Islamic ideology and rulings will be compatible to non-Muslim American women. Muslim scholars must consider this carefully when making rulings regarding women. Most rulings regarding women should not be sequestered for certain societies or for certain countries.

The laws will eventually reach everyone, and they will reflect their images on women who practice Islam around the world. I invite non-practicing born Muslim women to rediscover the essence of their Islamic heritage. I encourage women who are in search of the truth, Muslims and non-Muslims, to question and inquire for themselves about women’s rights in Islam. Too often, culture and tradition have disguised Islam with painted blemishes and images of its true intention.

Islam, when studied with a rational, impartial mind, becomes a religion with firm and unequivocal values, both for men and women. Fatma Saleh Muharram 1422 April 2001 Previous…