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He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and therefrom did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love).... Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds....Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him will We give a new life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the their actions.

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Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to the Messenger of God, Muhammad, and she reported that her father had forced her to marry without her consent. The Messenger of God gave her the choice . . . (between accepting the marriage or invalidating it). In another version, the girl said: "Actually I accept this marriage but I wanted to let women know that parents have no right (to force a husband on them)".

Besides all other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it was specifically decreed that woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, which is presented to her by her husband and is included in the nuptial contract, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection.

The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature. In consideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have equal rights and claims on one another, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. This is a matter which is natural in any collective life and which is consistent with the nature of man “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them”.

Such degree is Quiwama (maintenance and protection). This refers to that natural difference between the sexes which entitles the weaker sex to protection. It implies no superiority or advantage before the law. Yet, man's role of leadership in relation to his family does not mean the husband's dictatorship over his wife. Islam emphasizes the importance of taking counsel and mutual agreement in family decisions.

As the woman's right to decide about her marriage is recognized, so also her right to seek an end for an unsuccessful marriage is recognized. To provide for the stability of the family, however, and in order to protect it from hasty decisions under temporary emotional stress, certain steps and waiting periods should be observed by men and women seeking divorce. Considering the relatively more emotional nature of women, a good reason for asking for divorce should be brought before the judge. Like the man, however, the woman can divorce her husband with out resorting to the court, if the nuptial contract allows that. When the continuation of the marriage relationship is impossible for any reason, men are still taught to seek a gracious end for it.

The Qur'an states about such cases: “When you divorce women, and they reach their prescribed term, then retain them in kindness and retain them not for injury so that you transgress (the limits).”

The Qur'an has a special recommendation for the good treatment of mothers: "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none save Him, and that you be kind to your parents. . ." A man came to Prophet Muhammad asking: O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet said, Your mother. The man said then who else: The Prophet said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? Only then did the Prophet say, Your father. A famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." and another: "It is the generous (in character) who is good to women, and it is the wicked who insults them."

Economically, Islam decreed a right of which woman was deprived both before Islam and after it (even as late as this century), the right of independent ownership. According to Islamic Law, woman's right to her money, real estate, or other properties is fully acknowledged. This right undergoes no change whether she is single or married. She retains her full rights to buy, sell, mortgage or lease any or all her properties. It is nowhere suggested in the Law that a woman is a minor simply because she is a female. It is also noteworthy that such right applies to her properties before marriage as well as to whatever she acquires thereafter.

Okay, that’s just a taste. There’s much more, but this should be enough to illustrate that Islam, as “defined” and practiced by the Mullahs, is NOT Islam, nor Islamic law, in it’s reality. The abuses are myriad and horrible, in more ways than I can describe here. But it is not ISLAMIC LAW which allows these things, it is the INTERPRETATION of same by the Mullahs, whose intent is more than anything power, to keep their people under their thumb.

Islam was actually way ahead of other creeds in ancient times; check out how Greek, Roman, Indian women were treated under their various religions. It was also a kinder and more merciful religion according to its teachings—I have no doubt so was Christianity, tho’ the Bible is full of ugliness, judgment and cruelty. Islam is a beautiful religion; just as Christianity or any other religion, it can be abused and turned into something horrible. I wish we Americans could try to KNOW other cultures before lumping them into “the enemy” and decrying their society and religion. Much in the world would change, if so. We have been led to believe all kinds of things about Islam and Muslims which simply aren’t true; Muslims themselves have been indoctrinated to believe many things which aren’t true of their own faith. It’s a mess.

What I abhor is the way Islamic law is practiced now by many; I abhor the Mullahs because, like Cardinals and Popes, their aim is more control, and often politics, than honest interpretation of what their prophets tried to teach. I never had a religion; my abhorrence of same came from trying out several; buddhism is now my chosen faith, partly because it is more a philosophy than a “religion”, worships no god, and has no preachers. Learning by studying the actual teachings of any “prophet” is the only way, not being led by their supposed “representatives”. Religion or faith, once in the hands of humans, is generally prostituted for human purposes, in my opinion. Just my opinion.