Observation

Quite a number of candidates attempted this question while some of them misunderstood 3b which required them to write on the status of women during the Jahiliyyah period.

 The question requested the candidates to give the following description, thus:

 

1. Jāhiliyyah: This is an era referring to the period of time and state of affairs in Arabia before the advent of Islam in 610 C.E. It is often translated as the “Age of Ignorance”. (Introduction)

1. The status of Women in Jāhiliyyah:
2. Women were being maltreated in the Jāhiliyyah right from childhood.
3. There were patterns of homicide abuse of women and girls.
4. The child-girl was buried alive for fear of poverty.
5. Women were being used as objects of entertainment (Q.16:58-59).
6. They were shared as a part of the deceased’s heritage.
7. They were also not allowed to have a say in marriage.
8. They were not given opportunity to have a share of inheritance when they were widowed.
9. They used to expose their adornments and entice men for prostitution.
10. They were married and divorced at will.
11. They practiced polyandry.
12. They were excluded from serving as witnesses in matters of significance.
13. They had no right to bridal gifts.
14. They were regarded as sources of danger, calamity and misfortune.
15. Two blood sisters could be married by a man at the same time.
16. Women were regarded as devilish with half soul.

 

1. Reform:
2. Upon the advent of Islam, the girl-child was/is given the deserved right to live like her male counterpart.
3. Women were/are allowed to express their views or opinions.
4. They were no longer used as objects of entertainment.
5. Prostitution was replaced by Islam with the institution of marriage, saving the women from the shame of indignity.
6. Islam legislated that a proportion of the husband’s estate be given to the deceased’s widow instead of being treated as inheritable property.
7. Islam also gives women the opportunity to inherit their parents’ property.
8. Islam introduced stringent procedures to follow before divorce.
9. After divorce, the first priority is given to the women to take custody of the children.
10. Islam provides the opportunity of re-union between husband and wife through ‘Iddah after divorce.
11. Women were included to serve as witnesses in matters of significance (Q.2:282).
12. They were given reserved right to bridal gifts.
13. They were given freedom of choice in marriage matters.
14. The practice of polyandry was condemned by Islam.
15. Marriage to two blood sisters by a man at the same time was prohibited.
16. Restricted polygamy replaced unlimited polygamy.
17. Divorce was regulated with the observance of ‘Iddah.
18. Equality and companionship replaced maltreatment of women.