Europeans have long been captivated by the Middle East and its inhabitants, a fascination that predates the emergence of Islam and Arab conquests. Today, the imprint of Islamic influence is evident across a vast territory stretching from the Philippines to Spain and Central Africa. This expansive Islamic world boasts an array of cultures that have embraced Islam, resulting in a dynamic fusion within the larger Islamic culture. Unquestionably, Islam has had a profound global impact, imparting newfound purpose and guidance to people’s lives.
Islam is a pivotal aspect of Islamic culture, providing significance to individuals and molding their way of life. It goes beyond being a mere religious belief, serving as a cultural identity that Europeans may find challenging to completely grasp due to its profound impact on the lives of Muslims.
There is frequently confusion regarding the position of women in Shariah, particularly within the family and society. Nevertheless, all Muslim women, regardless of their location, follow the fundamental rules and regulations of the religion. The Quran and Hadith offer abundant sources of information concerning women’s roles in Islamic History.
Although not exactly identical, the rights and responsibilities of women are equal to those of men. This distinction is understandable as men and women are not identical but are equal in their creation. Equality is desired, just, and fair, while similarity is not necessary. People are created as equals rather than copies. Therefore, there is no notion of women being inferior to men. Islam acknowledges and considers the independent personalities of women by granting them equal rights, albeit not identical ones. In an Islamic community, the position of women and the role of the family coexist harmoniously.
Throughout history, the family has been seen as crucial for protecting, earning, and social standing. A larger family guarantees increased financial stability and preparedness to confront difficulties. Family members depend on each other and build a strong bond. They work not only for their own benefit but also for the betterment of the entire family. As a result, the extended family becomes a united and effective unit that contributes to the overall welfare of society. These timeless principles continue to be vital for survival in Iraq’s tribal villages.
The family structure in Syria differs greatly from that in tribal villages in Iraq due to two main factors. Firstly, the majority of settled tribes in Iraq belong to the Shiite sect of Islam and as devout Muslims, they hold conservative views towards religious obligations. Secondly, during the Arab conquest, a new culture was not introduced by the Arab army. Instead, the fusion of Islam with the local cultures of the conquered people resulted in the development of a universal Islamic culture. Therefore, while Muslim countries may share a similar way of life, their fundamental family beliefs undoubtedly originate from Islamic law.
The Shiite community has conservative beliefs, yet their family dynamics are complex rather than boring. Although women in this society are rarely observed outside, it does not imply that their lives are completely secluded. On the contrary, their domestic life within the boundaries of their homes is parallel to their public presence; they have the liberty to behave as they wish inside the sanctuary of their houses. However, if a woman decides to venture into the public realm, she must comply with Islamic Law and consistently wear an Abayah.
The abayah, advised by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is considered a sunnah for all mature females, including his wife. It serves as a means to follow the Quran’s instruction for women and men to lower their eyes in respect. Wearing the abayah fulfills this purpose by preserving privacy, preventing male attention, and also making a political statement.
In Syria, the lifestyle of women becomes less conservative. They can be observed walking around the old city, often wearing an abayah. They engage in bargaining with shopkeepers and socializing with friends in public. One common activity for women is taking their children to a public bath, where they spend the afternoon cleaning themselves and gossiping with other female friends (Tergeman Daughter, pg.11). This can be attributed to Syria’s exposure to Mediterranean cultures throughout history. The public spaces that were prevalent in the Roman empire continue to serve their intended purpose in present-day society.
Religion plays a significant role in the life of a growing child, regardless of whether they belong to the Syrian community or come from a Shiite household (Tergeman Daughter, pg.119). From an early age, children are taught about moral values and the importance of respecting their elders. They also learn about their responsibilities as both a family member and a Muslim, fostering unity and respect within the family. In Iraq’s tribal villages, it is common for multiple generations to live together under one roof, which contrasts with Western societies where families live separately. Family unity holds great value in Iraq, and younger members demonstrate respect towards their elders. During challenging times, individuals can rely on their family for support.
Marriage holds great importance in religion and culture, with Islam considering it as fulfilling half of one’s duties to God. Although polygamy was prevalent in early Islamic eras, the majority of present-day Muslims adhere to monogamy.
Married life in Islamic societies is based on the principles of love, sincerity, cooperation, and sacrifice. Islam acknowledges that polygamy may be necessary in certain circumstances. For example, in tribal areas, it is not uncommon for a Sheik from one tribe to marry a woman from a rival tribe to strengthen political alliances. This demonstrates the acceptance of polygamy within Islam. However, Shariah law states that a man can have up to four wives but does not mandate or endorse polygamy. Polygamy serves as a way to address the social and economic needs of all members within an extended family.
Although there is tension among the wives in a polygamous household, where they have the opportunity to criticize both each other and their husband, this does not result in the collapse of the family.
Despite the apparent fragility of the husband-wife bond, it frequently displays remarkable resilience. This can be observed in various historical accounts where men displayed unwavering resolve to marry their cherished partners, enduring hardships and protecting them from external threats. A prime illustration of this is portrayed in the tale of Aladdin, a young boy who falls in love with a princess. Despite initial social obstacles that hinder their union, Aladdin ultimately emerges victorious in making her his wife.
As long as the wife remained faithful to the husband, she would receive the respect she deserved. In the early period, the wife of a vizier lived a lavish lifestyle with slaves at her service all day long, while her husband showered her with love. However, ancient heroes were possessive and dealt severely with suspected adultery, often resulting in the execution of the female by her husband (Dawood Arabian Nights, pg.16).
The stories from the time of Harun-Al-Rashid’s caliphate indicate that wealthy men were fond of having multiple marriages and keeping concubines. However, nowadays, most men prefer monogamy and choose to spend their lives with one woman instead of going through multiple marriages (Tergeman Daughter, pg 92). In Syria, the decrease in the number of families has led to the absence of a functional economic unit. Consequently, men now bear more responsibility for supporting the family, while women focus on daily household tasks.
According to the tales of 1001 Nights, women held a more dominant role in the Medieval Islamic Empire compared to their current status. They had significant control over their own lives and acted in their own self-interest. Their captivating beauty made them skilled in seducing men. They possessed both beauty and cunningness (Dawood Arabian Nights, pg 19). Unlike women in tribal villages who were not able to challenge authority, these fictional ladies had the ability to demand more freedom. There were even instances where they could successfully overturn decisions made by the Sheik (Dawood Arabian Nights, pg 107).
Another crucial aspect of life in the Islamic world is the family’s honor, which heavily relies upon the behavior of women within the family. When women fulfill their duties and adhere to the rules and regulations, the family is highly respected. However, if a woman engages in actions that tarnish the family’s respect and honor, like eloping, she is inevitably subjected to punishment from one of the elders in the family.
Arranged marriages are a way to safeguard the family’s honor and prevent any potential risks. Following a thorough selection process and negotiations, parents assure that their daughter remains within the confines of the household until she is united with the man they have chosen. This practice is commonly observed in Shiite families, with women usually having a prior understanding of their prospective spouse due to the prevalent custom of inter-family marriages (Farnea Guest, pg 158).
The family and its individual members are interconnected in various ways. It is important for the family to adjust to societal conditions, and for the relationship between men and women to be capable of both raising and providing financial support for the family. The Middle East displays a variety of family structures, each with its own unique regional culture.
The role and position of women within Islam is unparalleled and distinct from other social structures. Women who follow the Islamic faith have a significant duty towards their families, prioritizing their roles within the family unit over self-interest in the predominantly male-dominated external world.
In the contemporary society, women often feel isolated and vulnerable. However, they find solace and security within an Islamic family structure which also acts as a social and economic refuge. This support system is primarily rooted in the family but extends to the wider community. Although individuals outside the Muslim faith may view gender dynamics and relationships within Islam as different, these unique characteristics have been instrumental in fostering successful Islamic communities worldwide.
Fernea Guest, pg 165
Fernea Guest, pg 166
Dawood Tales From The Thousand And One Nights pg 184
Officials who oversee a specific city in the Islamic Empire
