Arab Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Arab Culture - Essay Example This essay tends to probe into how the status of women is determined in Arab culture. It is frequently argued that religion in Arabia treated women as inferior to men. The proponents of this view point out that women were denied leadership roles, and they were told to be submissive in every sphere of social life. The extremist religious doctrines and ideologies were implemented to control them in society as well as in their families. The religion from the ancient period onwards prevents women from entering the main place of worship where men folks are free to enter and worship. For instance, as Baden points out, the Shariah law of Islam, through personal status laws, continues to govern the area relating to marriage and family life in most Muslim countries. As the holy Quran has given different social roles to men and women, women’s role is restricted to the household affairs alone. Theoretically, women are allowed to engage themselves in other activities only if it does not conflict with their family obligations (3-10). But this cannot be taken for face value as women today are as competent as men in all aspects even as bread winners. However, the conservative Muslim laws and the provisions of the holy Quran are expected to be observed by normal Muslims. So, a sudden change cannot be expected. Traditionally the Arab Muslim women are married at their younger age to a man of their father’s choice. In most cases the grooms are older than the father of the bride. Here, the girl has no voice to resist the decision of her father. In countries like Kuwait, even today, women do not have the right for adult franchise. In some other countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, there prevails a law that states the inheritance of women must be less than that of men. The law in Morocco excuses the murderer or injury to a wife who is caught in the act of