Apart from the Muslim woman's status with regard to her husband and
her children. What then of her relations with men other than her husband and
her close relatives? This is where a considerable difference is found between
Islamic practice and the customs now prevalent in the Western world.
In the West, sexual relations outside marriage are still in theory generally
considered a sin or at least vaguely undesirable, but in practice no steps
whatsoever are taken to reduce the very high incidence of pre-marital and extra-marital
sexual relations, in spite of the soaring rates of illegitimacy and venereal
disease.
On the contrary, in films, television and certain sections of the press
there is every encouragement to consider pre-marital experience desirable and
extra-marital affairs quite normal. Contraception or abortion is expected to
conveniently get rid of any undesirable side-affects of this way of life.
In contrast with this uncontrolled situation, Islam advocates a number
of specific measures to reduce the temptations towards sex outside marriage.
To begin with, prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised all people to get married
if
they could so
that their natural desires should have a legitimate and legal fulfilment.
Secondly, due to the permission for limited polygamy there is no
necessity for there to be a surplus of unattached women in the society.
Thirdly women are directed in the Holly Qur'an when they appear in public
to cover themselves in a modest type of dress so as not to attract men.
Fourthly the Muslim way of life excludes the boy-friend/girlfriend system,
mixed parties, dancing between men and women, taking alcohol or drugs, and other
facets of the Western way of life which are well known to provide the situation
from which pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relations develop. Social entertainments
in Islam are generally either within the family and close friends of the family,
or among men and women in separate groups.
Fifthly sex outside marriage is considered in Islamic law not only as a
sin but as a crime which is punished under the law in the same way as theft or
murder. The punishment for it applies equally to the man and woman and is
severe and deterrent in its effect.
