Observation

This was a fairly popular question and was attempted by many candidates who performed below average. Some candidates did not get the context of the question right. The misinterpreted the question by writing on the reformation brought to the women by Islam while some wrote generally about the pre-Islamic period(Jahiliyyah).  However, in order to get good grade, candidates were expected to write on the following points

Jāhiliyyah: This is the period of Arab history before the advent of Islam associated with barbarism, ignorance and darkness. (Introduction).

 
Condition of women in the pre-Islamic Arabia

1. Women were relegated to the background.
2. They were believed to be devilish with half souls.
3. Women were regarded as source of calamity, misfortune and danger.
4. They were seen as helpless being.
5. They were denied human rights and treated like merchandise.
6. Their rights to inheritance were denied.
7. They did not have the right to own properties.
8. They had no right to bridal gifts.
9. A girl child was buried alive in fear of poverty. (Q.17:31)
10. She was married and divorced at will.
11. A woman could marry as many men as possible at a time (polyandry).
12. Their consent was not sought in marriage.
13. The birth of a girl  child was seen as a shame.
14. They were used as object of entertainment (Q.16:58-59).
15. They were not given any leadership role.
16. A woman was regarded as an inheritable property.
17. Two blood sisters could be married by a man at the same time.
18. Women freely intermingled with men.