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, the Prophet
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 is the society.
Thirdly women are directed in
the 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/Girl-friend 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 Islam 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.
Let me now look back at some of
these points in more detail since they are very relevant to the
life style of a Muslim woman.
Status of Women 