Quran

The second area we are going to look at is the Qur’an, which is the Islamic religious text. Religious texts can heavily influence a religion and subsequent culture. It is important to note that they Qur’an is a substantial text. It is traditionally not translated into any other language.

O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom ye claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bare you). Lo! Allah hath been a watcher over you.

–Qur’an, An-Nisa (chapter 4) verse 001, translated by Pickthal

 

  1. What is this verse talking about?
  2. What kind of relationship does it give men and women?
  3. What are their origins?
  4. How does this influence interaction?
  5. What would influence the writing of this verse?

 And give unto the women (whom ye marry) free gift of their marriage portions; but if they of their own accord remit unto you a part thereof, then ye are welcome to absorb it (in your wealth).

–Qur’an, An-Nisa (chapter 4) verse 004, translated by Pickthal

 

  1. What is this verse talking about?
  2. What is the women entitled?
  3. What choice do they have with it?
  4. Why would women give their wealth to their husband?

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their, beds (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all).

–Qur’an, An-Nisa (chapter 4) verse 034, translated by Yusuf Ali

 

  1. Does anything in this verse stand out?
  2. What does this verse say about the relationship of men and women?
  3. Why would this verse be important?
  4. What seems to be the role of the women?

Translated Qur’an is Courtesy of Quran Explorer: http://quranexplorer.com/index/Sura_004_An_Nisa_WOMEN.aspx