Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Traditional misinterpretations of the religion of Islam make it appear that God's religion is oppressive and unjust towards women. The true religion of Submission (Islam in Arabic) treats women and men equally and prohibits any form of aggression or oppression (including against one's spouse). Wife-beating is prohibited in the Quran.


    Do Not Beat Your Wife*
[4:34] The men are made responsible for the women,** and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. The righteous women will cheerfully accept this arrangement, since it is GOD's commandment, and honor their husbands during their absence. If you experience rebellion from the women, you shall first talk to them, then (you may use negative incentives like) deserting them in bed, then you may (as a last alternative) beat them. If they obey you, you are not permitted to transgress against them. GOD is Most High, Supreme.

*4:34 God prohibits wife-beating by using the best psychological approach. For example, if I don't want you to shop at Market X, I will ask you to shop at Market Y, then at Market Z, then, as a last resort, at Market X. This will effectively stop you from shopping at Market X, without insulting you. Similarly, God provides alternatives to wife-beating; reasoning with her first, then employing certain negative incentives. Remember that the theme of this sura is defending the women's rights and countering the prevalent oppression of women. Any interpretation of the verses of this sura must be in favor of the women. This sura's theme is "protection of women."


References:
Does Submission (Islam) allow wife beating? http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/women/wifebeating.html
Women in Submission, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/women/
Protection of Women against Spousal Abuse, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2001/feb/page1.html
Wife Beating and Abuse, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2000/jun/page1.html


Peace.