1. Family System
In Islam
By
Dr.Zeenat
Kauther
-Il -I
I ' fl' .....- r.. - .- - - •
, ./ . ~,I .
'. ~ --... . . . ', ' _. ... L' ,. -
. r;~. - - -- - - ' --
II
. ~. -
~ ,..... ~ .. _.. ' - -
- -'";/ - <

2. -
#s
Islam on Sexuality,Reproduction
Islam on Sexuality) Reproduction
and
and
Family System
Family System
PaperPresented the
Paper Presented to the
International Conference NGOs
International Conference ofNGOs
of
Seoul,Korea
Seoul) Korea
10-16 October
10-16 October 1999
1999
By
Dr. Zeenath
Zeenath Kausar
Kausar
World AssemblyofMrnlim youth"
Assembly ofMuslim Youth,
(wAtvfY)
(WAMY)
Riyadh,SaudiArabia
Riyadh) Saudi Arabia

3. PREFACE
PREFACE
As the title of the paper suggests, Dr. Zeenath Kausar has
the tide of the paper sugests, Zeenath Kausar has
attemgted
attempted to present the Islamic perspective on sexuality,
present the Islamic perspective se<uality,
reproduction and family system.
reproduction and family system.
Family values play an important role from the Islamic
Family values play an imporant rore Islamic
point of view. Islam seeks to create durable bases for
of view. Islam seeks create durable bases
relationship within the familr, which is the building block
relationship within family, is building
of a society. When each of these blocks is firmly placed,
gf society. when each of theseblocks is nrmlyilaced,
the " social structure of the society rests on a strong
social struch*e of the society rests a
foundation. Where the cohesive bond gets diluted, the
foundation. wfhere the cohesive gets diluted, th;
society begins to tumble.
societybegins nrmble
The Western society presents a glaring example of this
westem society presents a glaringexampleof this
phenomenon. The growing number of single-parent
phenomenon. grovdng tt.t*b.r or rittgt.-parent
families
families in the wake of rampant divorces has created a
wake of divorces has"created
""*p*t a
sihration
situation in which uninhibited sex has culminated in the
uninhibited ro has culminated the
outbreak of AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases.
outbreak of ArDs and sexuallytransmitteddiseases.
An important factor for the breakdown of marriages in
rmporant the breakdown of marriages
the West is the fact that marital relations in Western
the west is the fact marial relations sTestem
societies are governed by material considerations, such as
societies are govemed materialconsiderations, such as
wealth, beauty or fame. These are ephemeral values
wealth' beauty fame. These are ephemeral values
_
doomed to self-erosion in the course of time. When that
doomed self-erosion the courseof time. when that
happens, the fragile relationship gets swerved and
happens, the fragile relationship gets swerved and the
marriage ends in divorce.
marriageends divorce
By contrast, marital ties in the Muslim society are on
contrasg marital ues the society are
firmer ground. Families seeking afriancesalso
Furner ground. Families seeking alliances also look for
partners qdth a
partners with a strong moral character, among other
character, among
things. Thus if the married life of a couple becomes a bit
thirp. Thus if the married of a couple becomis a
bumpy, they still
bumpy, they still pull on for th~ sake of their children to
the sakeoittt.ir children
whom they owe a religious obligation to bring up
- th.y owe z religious obtigation
properly.
properly.

4. I-et me concludewith thesewords of wisdom from Cdiph
Let me conclude with these words ofwisdom from Caliph
Omar. Once a man sought his adviceon divorcing his wife.
Omar. Once a man sought his advice on divorcing his wife.
When Cdiph Omar asked him for the reason,the man
When Caliph Omar asked him for the reason, the man
replied: "I'm no more in love with her." Whereupon,
replied: "I'm no more with her." Whereupon,
Caliph Omar retorted: "Are families built upon love alone?
Omar retorted: families built alone?
X/hat about inter-family relationship and the sharedlife
What relationship shared
with children?"
with their children?"
Dr. Maneh H. Al-Johani
Dr. Maneh FI. Al-Johani
SecretaryGeneral
Secretary General
(WAMY)
World Assemblyof Muslim Youth CX/AlvfY)
Assembly of
Ftiyadh,Saudi~bi~
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

5. ISLAM ON SEXUALITY,
ISLAM ON SEXUALITY,
REPRODUCTIONAND FAMILY
REPRODUCTION AND FAMILY
SYSTEM
SYSTEM
Introduction:
Introduction:
1. Life an IntegratedWhole:
1. Life an Integrated Whole:
Islam, which implies willing and complete
Islam, which implies willing and complete submission to Allah
submission Allah
to
(tn"tl is a completeway of life embracingall aspects life
(swt) is a complete way of life embracing all aspects of life
including sexual,reproductive, maritalandfamilial. underlines
including sexual, reproductive, marital and familial. It underlines
two importantpoints:
two important points:
Firstly, Islam perceiveslife as an integratedwholeand for this
Firstly, Islam perceives life as an integrated whole and for this
reasonsexualityand reproductionare parts the whole Islamic
reason sexuality and reproduction are parts of the whole Islamic
system life, not outside it.
system of life, not outside it.
secondly, Islam which is a Divinely ordainedsystem life,
Secondly, Islam which is a Divinely ordained system of life,
possesses injunctionsand regulations its texts the eur'an and
possesses injunctions and regulations in its texts - the Qur'an and
the Prophetic traditions for the regulation of sexuality,
the Prophetic traditions for the regulation of sexuality,
reproduction all that are related to these.
and
reproduction and all that are related these.
Islamlc philosophy of Tawhid integrates aspectsof life
Islamic philosophy Tawhid integrates all aspects of life.
all
Tawhid implies unity of God,unityof the prophets,
Tawhid implies unity of God, unity of the prophets, unityof life,
unity of life,
unity of mankind,unity of the purposeof creation,unity oi
unity of mankind, unity of the purpose of creation, un,ity of
knowledge,etc. The fundamentalbeliefs -
knowledge, etc. The fundamental beliefs -
i) That thereis no god but Allah (swt) andthe prophetMohammad
i) That there no god (swt) and the Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh)is the lastmessenger Allah (surt)for the wholemankind;
(pbuh) is the last messenger of Allah (swt) for the whole mankind;
of
ii) That man's life in this rvorrd is temporaryand he/shehas to
ii) That man's life in this world is temporary and he/she has to
follow Allah's ordainedway of rife (Isllm) in all aspects be
follow Allah's ordained way of life (Islam) in all aspects to be
to
successful andin Hereafterand~
successful here and in Hereafter and;
here
iii) That with Allah restsall the finaljudgementsofrewardsand
iii) That with Allah rests all the final judgements of rewards and
punishmentsin the akhirah(life, hereaftei;are all basedon these
punishments in the akhirah (life, hereafter) are all based on these
unity, Tawhid. Hence,questions on'sexuality'
Unity, Tawhid. Hence, questions 'sexuality' and'reproduction,
on and 'reproduction'
arealsoanchored the Tawhidicparadigm.
are also anchored on the Tawhidic paradigm.
on

6. II.
II. Vicegerency - Purpose of Life:
VicegerencY- PurPoseof Life:
The very raisond'etreof man'screationaccordingtothe Qur'an
The very raison d'etre of man's creation accordingto the Qur'an
is the peribrmance of the vicegerencyofAllah (swt). The Qur'an
is the perfonnance of the vicegerency of Allah (swt). The Qur1an
says:
says:
Behold Thy Lord said to the angels:
BeholdThy Lord saidto the angels:
II will createa vicegerenton earth.
will create a vicegerent on earth.
Hence, anythoughtand activity of man in Islam,be that sexualor
Hence, any thought and activity of man in Islam, be that sexual or
reproductiue,rhould be ultimately related to this purposeof life
reproductive, should be ultimately related to this purpose of life
vicegerency of
vicegerency Allah (swt)
of (swt).
Sexuality and ReProduction:
Sexualifyand Reproduction:
With this brief background ofIslamic worldview, it is easiernow
this background Islamicworldview,
of easier
to look into the Islamic texts on sexuality and reproduction.
to look into the Islamictextson sexualityandreproduction.
Sexuality in Islam is not trivializedas man'sanimalisticfunction
Sexuality in Islam is not trivialized as man's animalistic function
to be tackled by his own whim and fancy. Sexualityis perceived
to be tackled by his own whim and fancy. Sexuality is perceived
man's life to be regulated
as one of the essential parts of man's life to be regulated and
as one of the essentialparts and
throughthe properguidance.
disciplined through the proper guidance.
disciplined
A man and a woman in Islam can enterinto sexual relationship
A man and a woman in Islam can enter into sexual relationship
only after marriage,which is reckoned a as 'sign'of Allah (swt)
only after marriage, which is reckoned as a 'sign' of Allah (swt)
The Qur'ansays:
and the ways of the prophets ', The Qur1an says:
andthe ways of the prophets',
And amongHis Signsis this that He created spouses you from
for
And among His Signs is this that He created spouses for you from
yourselves, ye may dwell in tranquility with them.
yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them.
that
beforeyou (O Mohammad)
We indeed sent messengers before you (0 Mohammad) and We
We indeed sent messengers andWe
assigned them wives and children.
assigned themwivesandchildren.
It implies that in Islam,the very basisof the maritalrelationship
It implies that in Islam, the very basis of the marital relationship
between husbandand wife through which they can enter into
between husband and wife through which they can enter into
'love'. Furthermore,Allah (swt) implants
sexual relationshipis
sexual relationship is 'love'. Furthermore, Allah (swt) implants
2

7. this 'love'in husband wife towardseachothersothat they may
this 'love' in husband and wife towards each other so that they may
and
live in peace and harmony. Such an Islamic attitude towards
live in peace and harmony. such an Islamic attitudetowards
sexuality goes entirely against the mere lusty cravings in
sexuality goes entirely against the mere lusty cravings in
man/woman and its satisfaction through legitimate or illegitimate
man/womanand its satisfaction throughlegitimate illegitimate
or
ways. In Islam, it is the 'love' and the strong covenant (nikah) that
ways. In Islam,it is the'love'andthe strongcovenant (nikah)that
unite man and woman not 'force' or temporaryarrangements
unite man and woman not 'force' or temporary arrangements
outside marriage or cohabitation. For this reason, all types of pre-
outside marriage cohabitation. this reason, typei of pre-
or For all
marital and extra marital relationships, fornication, illicit carnality
marital andextramaritalrelationships, fornication,illitit
are completely condemned Islam and manis ordained"u*ality
are completely condemned is Islam and man is ordained not to go
is nor ro go
nearerto adultery The Qur'ansays:
nearer to adultery. The Qur'an says:
Nor comenigh to adultery
Nor come nigh to adultery
For it is a shameful (deed)
For it is a shameful (deed)
And an evil, opening road
And an evil, opening the road
the
(to otherevils).
(to other evils).
Islam thus makes a distinction between
Islam thus makes a distinction between sexuality that is
sexuality that is
constrainedand disciprined through maritar
constrained and disciplined through marital relationship and
relationshipand
sexuality,which transgresses
sexuality, which transgresses morality and spirituality and turns
morarity and spiritualityandturns
animalism. Islam does not overlookthe sexuar
animalism. Islam does not overlook the sexual drive in man but
drive man but
institutionalize
institutionalize it through marriage ro protect man
through marriage to protect man from
immorality.Theprophet
immorality. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)said:
Mohammad (pbuh) said:
o young men! Those amongyou who cansupporta wife should
o young men! Thoseamong you who can support
-ftor should
marry for it restrains *y*r from casting
marry for restrains eyes casting t.uir grunces)and
(evil glances) and
preserves from immorality.
preserves onefrom immorality.
one
Islam is quite sensitive a[ issues
Islam is quite sensitive in all issues pertaining marriage
pertaining to marriage and
to and
sexuality. As sexuarity
sexuality. As sexuality outsidemaniageis iilegTtim"i., marriage
outside marriage illegitimate, *u.riug*
without the proper consentis declared
without the proper consent is declared invar-id. The Prophet
invalid. The rrophet
Mohammad
Mohammad (pbuh)said:
(pbuh) said:
'A
'A widow shail not be marrieduntil shebe consulted, shall a
widow shall not be married until she be consulted, nor
nor shaila
virgin be' marrieduntil her consent
virgin be, married until her consent be asked;and that a woman
be asked; and that a woman
rip^ein years shail haveher consenf
ripe in years shall have her consent askedi" *--"g" e and if she
asked in marriag and if she
refuses, shallnot bemarriedby force.,
refuses, sheshall not be married by force.'
she

8. marriage in Islam, unlike radical feminism is neither an
Therefore, marriage Islam,unlikeradicalfeminism neitheran
Therefore,
imprisonment for woman that is thrust or forcedupon her as a
imprisonment woman that is thrust forced upon her as
punishmentnor enslavementthat makesher subservient man.
punishment enslavement that makes her subservient to man.
Marriage is a covenantof faith and consentand a bondof love and
Marriage covenant of faith and consent and bond of love and
concern.
concern.
Marital relationship Islam is neitherpatnarchaland political nor
Marital relationship in Islam neither patriarchal and political
economic and sexual for its own sake as against the common
economic and sexual sake as against the common
perceptionof gender feminists, but moraland spiritual' In fact,
perception of gender feminists, moral and spiritual. fact,
husband and wife complement eachother in Islam sincehusband
husbandand complement each other Islam since husband
provides economic and sexual securityto his wife and his children
provideseconomicand sexualsecurity his and his children
and his wife guards her chastityand her husband's
and his possessions as
guardsher chastity and her husband's possessions as
her moral obligation. The Qur'ansays:
her moralobligation The Qur'an says:
Men are the protectors
Men arethe protectors
And maintainers of women, because God
And maintainers women,because
of God
Has giventhe onesmore(strength)
Has given the ones more (strength)
Than the other, and because
Than the other, and because
They support them
They supportthem
From their means
From their means
Therefore the righteous women
Therefore righteouswomen
the
Are devoutly obedientand guard
Are devoutly obedient and guard
In (the husband's) absence
In (the husband's) absence
What God would havethemguard.
What God would have them guard.
Islam complement eachother anddo
Thus, husband and wife in Islam complement each other and do
Thus, husbandand wife
not competefor dominationand supremacy.They are friends and
not compete for domination and supremacy. They are friends and
co-partners their co-venture-vicegerency Allah(swt). Both
in
co-partners in their co-venture-vicegerency of Allah (8wt). Both
enjoy rights and duties towards each other and both have
enjoy rights and duties towards each other and both have
obligations to Allah (swt). This is very clearly stated in the
obligations to Allah (swt). This is very clearly stated in the
Qur'anic verse which proclaimsequality in the very creationof
Qur'anic verse which proclaims equality in the very creation qf
manandwomaq pointingout their creationfrom a singlesoul:
man and woman, pointing out their creation from a single soul:
o mankind, be conscious of your duty to your Lord, Who created
O mankind, be conscious your duty your Lord, Who created
you from a single soul, created like nature,her mate,and from
you from a single soul, created of like nature, her mate, and from
the two created spread
and manymen andwomen;and be mindful
the two created and spread many men and women~ and be mindful
4

9. of your duty to God by whose nameyou appear one another
of -yourduty to God by Whose name you appeal to one another
to
andto (theties of) womb. Verily God witch.jouer you.
and to (the ties ot) womb. Verily God watches over you.
Even if the sexual satisfactionis performed man and
Even if the sexual satisfaction is perfonned by man and woman
by woman
while being mindful of its etiqurtti ur ordained the
while being mindful of its etiquette as ordained in the Qur'an and
in eur,anand
sunnah, it is reckoned as tbadnh and sadaqah (charity), The
Sunnah, it is reckoned as ibadah and sadaqah (charity). The
Prophet Mohammad
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said:
(pbuh)said.
Did Allah not makefor you that from which you can give
Did Allah not make for you that from which you can give sadaqa?
sadaqdl
verily, every time you saysuhhanaAlrah, ihere is sadaqua_and
Verily, every time you say Subhana Allah, there is aJsadaqua-and
for everytime you say Allahu Akbar there is a sa*qa;-
for every time you say Allahu Akbar there is a sadaqa;
Every time you say Laa iraha iil Ailah, thereis sadaqa and
Every time you say Laa ilaha ill Allah, there is aaiadaqaand for
t for
you sayAlhamdulillah,thereis a sadaqa;
lurry time
every time you say Alhamduli/lah, there is a sadaqa;
Every act
Every act of enjoining what is right there is sadaqa and in every
enjoining. what is right there is sacraqaand every
in
act of forbidding evil there is i sadaqa, and in
act of forbidding evil there is a sadaqa. and in your sexual
relationsalsothereis a sadaqa. fo.r, sexual
relations also there is a sadaqa.
Thereuponthe companions
Thereupon the companions asked: 0 Messenger of Allah! Is there
asked: Messenger Alrah! Is there
o
a rewardfor one us whenhe satisfies sexuar
a reward for one of us when he satisfies his sexual desire?
his desire?
The Prophet replied: Don't you see, had he satisfied it with the
Thg.lpptet replied:Don't you see,had hesatisfied itwiththe
forbidden would there not haue been a sin upon him?
forbidden would there not have 6een a sin upon him? The
The
companions
companions said: "yes".
said:"yes".
r$ Prophet (pbuh) said:
The froghet (pbuh) said: In the same way, whenhe satisfies
the same way, when he satisfies
with the lawful,thereis for him in that a reward. it
the lawful, there is him that reward.
Tlrus,sexuality neverperceived Isramas mere
Thus, sexuality is never perceived by Islam as a merecarnar
carnal desire
desire
of man to be fulfilled in anyanimalistic
of man be fulfilled any animalistic *uy.r tr* ft"ur*r. eut
way as he pleases. But
man in Islam is ordained folrow certain.tiq*tt.
man Islam ordained to follow certain etiquette in his se*uar
his sexual
relationshipso that he shourdrememberAllah
relationship so that he should remember Allatr (swt) even before
this act and do not fall a prey to the satanic;;ill trortl euenuerore
this act and not fall prey the Satanic trap. ihi, canbe
This can be
easily gleaned tkough a careful reading of few prophetic
easily gleaned through careful reading of iew Prophetic
traditions,
traditions, eitherpracticed spoken him Jn thesematters.
either practiced or spoken by him on these matters.
5

10. It is exhorted that the husbandshould place his hand on the
exhorted that the husband should place his hand the
forelock of her wife at the time of consummating marriageand
forelock of her the of consummating the marriage and
the
pray for Allah'sblessings.The ProphetMohammad(pbuh) said:
pray Allah's blessings. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said:
When any of you marriesa woman he shouldhold her foreloch
When any of you marries woman he should hold forelock,
mention Allah most high, and pray for His blessings
mention Allah most high, and pray saying:O
His blessings saying: 0
Allah, I ask You for the good in her and the good with which You
Allah, ask the good her and the good
have createdher; and I seek refuge in You from the evil in her and
have created her; and seekrefuge the her and
the evil with which You havecreatedher.
the which have created her.
Furthermore, according someother traditions, desirableif
Furthermore, according to some other traditions,it is desirable if
the husband presentsto his wife something to drink to show
the husband presents his something show
kindness her and prayer together remain closely ever
kindness to her and to offer prayertogetherto remainclosely ever
after the good and seekrefuge (s.w.t)
after for the good and seek refuge in Allah (s.w.t) from the evil. It
the evil.
is also evidenced from several traditions that it is commendable to
also evidencedfrom severaltraditionsthat is commendable
make 'wudhu' (ablution) after sex before sleep obligatory
make 'wudhu' (ablution) after sex before sleep but obligatory to
take bath after sexbefore after sleepwheneverpossible.
take bath after sex before or after sleep whenever possible.
the above discussion that senrality
It is quite obvious from the above discussion that sexuality in
is quite obvious
Islam neither perceived as an objective of
Islam is neither perceived as an objective of life to be totally
be
no other moral and spiritual considerations
immersed in it with no other moral and spiritual considerations nor
immersed
a beastly act to be fulfilled throu,~ any way and mean for its own
a beastlyact be throu,ghany way and mean
sexualdesire manand alsoexpects from
sake. Islam disciplines sexual desire of man and also expects from
sake. Islamdisciplines
him that he should remember Allah (swt) evenwhile
him that he should remember Allah (swt) even while joining his his
sexand even pray (sw) protecthis child
wife for sex and even pray to Allah (swt) to protect his child from
granted a child after the sex. is clear from the
evil, if he is granted a child after the sex. It is clear from the
evil, if he
prayerandthe Prophetictradition:
following prayer and the Prophetic tradition:
the name Allah, O Allah! Keep us away
In the name of Allah, 0 Allah! Keep us away from the devil, and
the devil, and
keep the devil away from that which may grant us
keep the devil away from that which You may grant us
(offspring).
(offspring).
The Prophet (pbuh)said:
The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said:
Mohammad
After that, Allah decreesthat they
After that, if Allah decrees that they will have a child, the devil
havea child, the devil
will never be able to harm that child.
neverbe ableto harmthat child.
6

11. It alsoimpliesthat Islam not only enjoinsmanto remember
It also implies that Islam not only enjoins man to remember Allah
Allah
(swt) before his sexual relationship alsomakeshim conscious
(swt) before his sexual relationship but also makes him conscious
but
of his responsibilitytowards his prospective
of his responsibility towards his prospective child to protect him
chirdto protecthim
from the cunningSatan.
from the cunning Satan.
Family: ParentsObligations Towards Children
Family: Parents Obligations Towards Children
sexuality, reproduction and children's responsibility are
Sexuality, reproduction and children's responsibility are
interconnected Islam throughan institution,family. Family is
in
interconnected in Islam through an institution, family. Family is
considered the frrst schoolof childrenwherethey are not only
as
considered as the first school of children where they are not only
nurtured but also taught basic morals and etiquette so that the
nurtured but also taught basic morals and etiquette so that the
children can appreciate
children can appreciate Islamic ethos and values. A stable family
Islamicethosandvalues. stabre family
will give rise to a stable
will give rise to a stable society and a stable civilization. All this
societyanda stablecivilization. this
requiresthat both parents childrenshouldbe mindful their
requires that both parents and children should be mindful of their
and
obligationstowards eachotheralongwith their rights so that they
obligations towards each other along with their rights so that they
may love and respect each other. Islam enjoins its adherents
may love and respect each other. Islam enjoins its adherents to
love children and to be mindful their responsibilities
love children and to be mindful of their responsibilities towards
towards
themfrom the very beginning of their inception and even earlier to
them from the very beginning their inceptionandevenearlier
it. The Qur'ansays:
it. The Qur'an says:
And be mindful your duty God whose name you appeal
And be mindful of your duty to God in whosenameyou appeal
to oneanother and the ties of the womb.
to one another and to the ties of the womb.
Jhus, Islam emphasizes parents should realizethat
Thus, Islam emphasizes that parentsshouldrealize that the proper
that proper
development the child begins'from the mother's
development of the child begins 'from the mother's womb itself.
of itself
FI:l* the parents should be concerned abouttheir prospective
Hence the parents should concerned about prospective
child from the very beginning.
child from the very beginning.
It has been scientifically proved that a pregnantwoman should
It has been scientifically proved pregnant woman should
abstain from alcoholicdrinksand narcotics avoidtensions. If
abstain from alcoholic drinks and narcotics and avoid tensions. If
and
she fails to consider alr these precautionarymeasures,any
she fails to consider all these precautionary measures, any
complicationin her own healthandthatof the child in the womb
complication in her own health and that of the in the wom6
"iito
can hardlybe prevent:d ft is alsopointedout that the relationship
can hardly be prevented. It is also pointed out that the relationship
between the prospectivemother and the prospectivefather should
between the prospective moth*r the prospective father should
not be conflict-riddenbecause"nd
not be conflict-ridden because it advers*tyaffects the mentaland
it adversely uiT*rt, the mental and
7

12. physical health of the prospective mother and eventually the
physical heatth the prospective mother and eventually
prospective child.
prospec tive child. Islam through the above quoted verse
Islam through the above quoted verse
of
emphatically makes it clear that parents should be mindful of their
empiratically makes clear that parentsshouldbe
duties towards their children
dutlestowardstheir children from the very inception.
the inception'
take care of the physical
Islam commands its believers not only to take careof the physical
Islam commands believersnot
upbringing of their children also educational,moral and
upbringing of their children but also their educational, moral and
The Qur'an says:
spiritual development. The Qur'an
spiritual development. says:
o
o you who believe! Strive to protect yourselves and your wives
you who believe! strive protectyourselvesand
and children from the fire.
and children the fire.
Obviously, the best way of protecting children frol lhe fire is by
obviously, the best way protectingchildren from the
the
providing adequate education and proper training. .More than the
providini adequate educationand proper training' More than
children require best education
wealth and the material property, children
wealth and thi materialproperty, requirebest education
for their real success here and in the Hereafter. The Prophet
real successheie ind the Hereafter. The Prophet
Moham
Mohammadmad (pbuh) said:
(Pbuh)said:
Of all that a father can give to his children the bestis their good
all that a father cangive his childrenthe best their
good
educatio
educationn and training.
and training-
In the contemporary age, where Muslim Ummah is facing
the contemporary age, where Muslim Ummah facing
multitudes of
multitudes intellectualchallenges, aboveProphetic tradition
intellectual challenges, the above Prophetic
the tradition
needs greater focus. Unless children are mentallywell fed with
;."dr gleater focus. Unless childrenare mentally fed
proper education and skills, they become
proper"education and skills, they easily susceptible to
become easily susceptible
alien culture and lifestyles. Today's children are tomorrow's
alien culture and lifestyles. Today's children are tomorro
w's
future.
future. The strong foundation of the future prospects Islamic
The strong foundation the future prospects of Islamic
of
culture and civilizationdepends strongeducational
on foundation
culture and civilization depends on strong educational foundation
the children. deems
of the children. It deems necessary them be acquainted
necessary for them to be well acquainted
of the
the dominantideologies, well as,Islam as the comprehensive
dominant ideologies, as well as, Islam as the comprehensive
as
system of life so that they should be the role models in the future
system so that they shouldbe the role models the future
to take care of the Ummah's responsibility vis-a-vis mankind' The
to take care the Ummah'sresponsibility vis-a-vismankind. The
Qu/an teaches
Qur'an teaches its adherents to pray to Allah (swt) for their
its adherents pray (sovt) their
children with these aspirations-.
children theseaspirations-'
8

13. My Lord makeme keepprayerand(also)let my offspring(do so)
My Lord make me keep prayer and (also) let my offspring (do so)
Our Lord accept my appeal! Our Lord, forgive my parentsand
Our Lord accept my appeal! Our Lord, forgive my parents and
me.
me.
our Lordl Grant us in our spouses our offspringthe comfort
Our Lord! Grant us in our spouses and our offspring the comfort
and
of our eyesandmakeus a modelfor the needful.
of our eyes and make us a model for the needful.
It also implies that Islam completelyrejects the perceptionof
It also implies that Islam completely rejects the perception of
those who look to women and children as burden or as an
those who look to women and children as burden or as an
oppressed class. In fact, Islaminspires
oppressed class. In fact, Islam inspires men to look at their wives
mento look at their wives
and childrenasthe comforters their eyes,astheir source
and children as the comforters of their eyes, as their source ofjoy,
of ofjoy,
peaceand solace and not a suppressed oppressed
peace and solace and not a suppressed and oppressed class to be
and classto be
dominated andover-powered. Man'sdomination
dominated and over-powered. Man's domination and suppression
andsuppression
of woman and childrengo against very spirit Islam,which
of woman and children go against the very spirit of Islam, which
the
assertsthat 'commandis only for Allah', not for man. The time
asserts that 'command is only for Allah', not for man. The time
when a child is born,the Islamicclarioncalrthat 'thereis no god
when a child is born, the Islamic clarion call that 'there is no god
but Allah' is conveyed into his ears,
but Allah' is conveyed into his ears, which implies that he should
which impliesthat he should
submit to nonesaveAllah. Besides, is arsoevidentfrom one
submit to none save Allah. Besides, it is also evident from one of
the traditions that whenevera child the prophet's (pbuh)
the traditions that whenever a child in the Prophet's (pbuh)
householdbegins speak,the prophet (pbuh)thought him the
household begins to speak, the Prophet (pbuh) thoughthim the
second verse surah al-Furqanwhich gives the message of
second verse of Surah al-Furqan which gives the message of
Allah's Sovereignty and the Unity of God (Tawhid). The
Allah's Sovereignty and the Unity of God (Tawhid). The
translation its verseis asfollows:
translatioJ:l of its verse as follows:
He to Whom belongs
He Whom belongs
The dominionof the heavens
The dominion of the heavens
And the earth-no son
And the earth- no son
HasHe begotten, HasHe
Has begotten, nor Has
A partnerin His dominion
A partner dominion
It is He Who created
It is He created
All things,andorderedthem
All things, and ordered them
In dueproportions.
In due proportions.
so from the very beginning,Islam emphasizes childrenshould
So from the very beginning, Islam emphasizes that children should
that
be ingrainedwith the Tawhidic messageand that they should
be ingrained with the Tawhidic message and that they should
willingly submitto nonebut Ailah. It dols not howevermean that
willingly submit to none but Allah. It does not however mean that
9

14. they are not expected to obey their parents rather Islam enjoins
they are not. expected to obey their parents rather Islam enjoins
children to be good to their parents which shall be discussed later.
children to be good to their parentswhich shall be discussedlater.
Islam also encourages that both parents, mother and father should
Islam also encouragesthat both parents, mother and father should
express their utmost love to their children, give them time, play
express their utmost love to their children, give them time, play
with them and cheer them up through many ways of interaction
with them and cheer them up through many of interaction
with them. It is reported that Hadrat Amir (may Allah be pleased
with them. It is reported that Hadrat Amir (may be pleased
with him) who held a high position in the government during the
with him) who held a high position in the government the
reign of Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once
reign of Hadrat Umar (may be pleased once
visited the house of Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
visited the house of Hadrat Umar (may be pleased
and was surprised to see that few children had mounted the chest
and was surprised to see that had mounted chest
of Caliph and were engaged in playing. Seeing the astonishment
of Caliph and were engaged Seeing astonishment
of Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) the Caliph enquired
of Amir (may be pleased enquired
about his treatment to his children? Upon this, he replied: "Amir
about his treatment his children? this, he replied: "Amir
ul-Mu'minin, as soon as I enter my house the people of my
ul-Mu'minin, as soon as enter house people of
household are struck with terror and stand dumb with fear. On
household are and stand with fear.
hearing this,
hearing this, the Caliph said: "Amir (may Allah be pleased with
said: "Amir Allah pleased with
you) you are a follower of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings
are follower of the Holy (peace and blessings
be upon him) and yet are ignorant of the important injunction that
be and are of
Muslim should behave
a Muslim should behave towards his family members with
familv members with
extreme
extreme love and deep tenderness. "
and deep tenderness.
It explicitly reveals
It explicitly reveals that Islam is completely against the despotic
against
and
and tyrannical attitude of father and male members of the family
of and members of family
over wives and children. Islam expects from man a gentlemanly
and expects
behavior not harsh approach towards his family. The prophet
harsh approach family. Prophet
(pbuh) said:
said:
The best of you is he who is the best to his family, and II am the
The best of who family, the
best to my family.
best
The relationship between man and woman in Islam is not therefore
The relationship woman in Islam not therefore
the relationship of master and servant but that of garments to each
the relationship of but that of garments to
other and also protecting friends of one another. The eur'an says:
other and also protecting friends of The Qur'an says:
They are garments for you and you are garments for them.
They are garments for you you garments for them.
l0
10

15. Thus the very basis family in Islam are faith, love, concern
Thus the very basis of family in Islam are faith, love, concern andand
care eachother so that turns out be a ground
care for each other so that it turns out to be a civilizing ground for
children. Husbandand peaceand love
children. Husband and wife who live in peace and love with each
who each
other can concentrate
other can concentrate well over their children and can bring them
over their children and can bring them
up moral excellence,
up with moral excellence, best education and spiritual orientation.
best education and spiritual orientation.
Such children would not only contribute their potentialities
Such children would not only contribute their potentialities
towards the construction society future, but remainas a
towards the construction of society in future, but will remain as a
blessing;br their parentseven after the death their parents.
blessing lur their parents even after the death of their parents.
Parents suchchildren
Parents of such children will continue to enjoy the rewards of their
continue enjoythe rewards their
best education training,which they imparted their children.
and
best education and training, which they imparted to their children.
TheProphet (pbuh)said-.
The Prophet (pbuh) said-.
The actionsof man cease his death. there are three deeds
The actions of man cease with his death. But there are three deeds
whose rewardand blessingcontinue reach
whose reward and blessing continue to reach him even after death.
evenafter death.
One that he should make a sadaqa jariah (recurring charity);
One that he should make a sadaqajariah (recurring charity);
Secondly,he should leave behind a legacy knowledge
Secondly, he should leave behind a legacy of knowledge from from
which people may continue derive benefit; Thirdly, pious
which people may continue to derive benefit; Thirdly, pious
offspringwho continuously
offspring who continuously invoke mercy of Allah upon him.
invokemercyof Allah upon him.
Children are the blessingswhich Allah (svw)bestow parents.
Children are the blessings which Allah (swt) bestow to parents.
if these children are not educated trainedproperly,they
and
But if these children are not educated and trained properly, they
become nuisance the parentsandthe society. Whereas, the if
become nuisance to the parents and the society. Whereas, if the
children are adequatelyeducated andtrained,they shall become
children are adequately educated and trained, they shall become
bearers Islamic mission, transmitters Islamicculturein the
bearers of Islamic mission, transmitters of Islamic culture in the
societyandalsobestrewards their deceased parents.
society and also best rewards for their deceased parents.
Islamforbidsabortionand infanticide.The Qur'ansays.
Islam forbids abortion and infanticide. The Qur'an says:
Slay not your childrenfearingpoverty. We shallprovide them
Slay not your children fearing poverty. We shall provide for them
andfor you. Lo! The slaying themis greatsin.
and for you. Lo! The slaying of them is great sin.
Those who their children out their foolishness
Those who kill their children out of their foolishness are the
are the
greatest losers.
greatest losers.
11

16. Thus, abortions, child-abuse and infanticide are all considered as
Thus, abortions,child-abuse and infanticideare all considered as
Isiam. Islam by its very natureis againstcruelty
heinous sins in lsiam. Islam by its very nature is against cruelty
heinous sins
and barbarity. use of contraception loop, shield,plastic
and barbarity. Any use of contraception loop, shield, plastic or
cause abortion is forbidden. Even if abortion is done
anything to cause abortion is forbidden. Even if abortion is done
anything
seven days, is unlawful, sincethe fertilizedovum going
in seven days, it is unlawful, since the fertilized ovum is going to
be a human being. However, only on one conditionabortionis
be a human being. However, only on one condition abortion is
allowed - savethe of the mother.
allowed - to save the life of the mother.
point out here that Islam is not against
It is also important to point out here that Islam is not against
is also important
technology, but misuse of technology.
technology, but misuse instance, if
technology. For instance, if
technological devices help mothers lessensome
technological devices help mothers to lessen some of their their
complicationsduring prenatalperiodand childbirth Islam hasno
complications during prenatal period and childbirth, Islam has no
objection. But, if the technological devices are discovered and
objection. But, if the technological devicesare discovered and
used to let unmarried women or teenage girls to have babies if
used let unmarried women teenage havebabiesif
they wish to, Islam strongly objects it. Similarly, if such
they wish to, Islam strongly objects it. Similarly, if such
contraceptive devices are invented through which unmarried
contraceptive devices are invented through which unmarried
women teenage girls can engage sexualrelationships
women or teenage girls can engage in sexual relationships without
without
becoming pregnant,Islam rejects completely.Likewise,Islam
becoming pregnant, Islam rejects it completely. Likewise, Islam
condemn high-tech reproductive aids developed to produce
conderr.n high-tech reproductive aids developed produce
artificial mothers, fathers and children, as well as, technological
artificial mothers,fathers and children,aswell as,technological
ways and means through which lesbians and homosexuals engage
way$ and means throughwhich lesbians homosexuals
and engage
their deviant sexuality get children. fact, Islam is totally
in their deviant sexuality to get children. In fact, Islam is totally
against all deviant forms of sexuality. The Qur'an says:
against deviantforms sexuality. The Qur'ansays:
all
Would you really approach men your lustsratherthanwomen?
Would you really approach men in your lusts rather than women?
Nay, ye are a people(grossly)ignorant.
Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant.
Islam, no doubt encourages
Islam, no doubt encourages man to beget children, but through
man begetchildren,but through
rightful mean not by unlawful act. The Qur1an points out how one
rightful meannot by unlawful act. The Qur'anpointsout how one
the Prophets Hadhrat Zakaia (peacebe upon him) prayed
of the Prophets Hadhrat Zakaria (peace be upon him) prayed to
Allah (swt) the piousoffspringeven a very old age:
Allah (swt) for the pious offspring even in a very old age:
Lord! Bestow upon me by Thy bounty goodly offspring - Lo!
Lord! Bestow upon me by Thy bountygoodly offspring Lol
Thou art the Hearer prayer.
Thou art the Hearer of prayer.
12
12

17. As far as the 'invitro fertilization' (IVF) andtesttubebabies
As far as the 'invitro fertilization' (IYF) and test tube babies are
are
concerned, Islam allows only if the'ova'comes
concerned, Islam allows only if the 'ova' comes from the mother
from the mother
and the 'sperm' from the fatherandthe embryois transferred
and the 'sperm' from the father and the embryo is transferred into
into
the uterusof one'sown wife. Any otherusage the'invitro'
the uterus of one's own wife. Any other usage of the 'invitro'
of
fertilization' by any womanor manwho are not marriedwith each
fertilization' by any woman or man who are not married with each
other but would like to follow this technologyis not acceptable
other but would like to follow this technology is not acceptable inin
Islam.
Islam.
Islamic stanceon artificial inseminationis also quite clear. It
Islamic stance on artificial insemination is also quite clear. It
forbids the use of the sperm of anyone other thin that of the
forbids the use of the sperm of anyone other than that of the
husbandto be usedin the process artificial insemination.such
husband to be used in the process of artificial insemination. Such
of
an act tantamountto adultery, from Islamicperspective,
an act tantamount to adultery, from Islamic perspective, since it
sinceit
-
fallsoutside martialunion manandwoman.
the of
falls outside the martial union of man and woman.
Obligations Children Towardstheir parents:
of
Obligations of Children Towards their Parents:
There is a reciprocity rightsanddutiesin Islam. while parenrs
There is a reciprocity of rights and duties in Islam. While parents
are enjoinedto be mindful their children
are enjoined to be mindful of their children for their overall
their overall
development, childrenarealsoexhorted be obedient kind
development, children are also exhorted to be obedient and kind to
and
their parents.
their parents.
Both parents childrenhave corresponding dutiestowardseach
and
Both parents and children havecorresponding duties towards each
other along
other along with their rights. Thereare several
their rights. There are several eur'anic verses
Qur'anic verses
and Prophetic
and Prophetic traditionswhich tkow abundance light on the
of
traditions which throw abundance irtigtt the
etiquette childrentowardstheir parents.The eur'an saiys:
etiquette of children towards their parents. The Qur'an says:
of
Thy Lord hathdecreed ye worshipnonesaveHim and(that ye
Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none save Him and (that ye
that
show)kindness parents.
show) kindness to parents.
to
Islam thusordainedchildren to be kind andgratefulto his parents.
Islam thus ordained childrento be kind and grateful to his parents.
Good conduct towards parentsis even regardedas a key to
Good conduct towards parents is even regarded as a key to
paradise.The Prophet(pbuh) said:
paradise. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
Your entry into Paradiseor Hell depends on your goodor bad
Your entry into Paradise or Hell depends on your good or bad
conducttowards your parents.
conduct towards your parents.
13

18. Another tradition of the Prophet (pbuh) also highlights the
Another tradition of the Prophet (pbuh) also highlights the
necessity fair treatment parents children:
of to by
necessity of fair treatment to parents by children:
Let that man be disgraced, and disgraced again and let him be
Let that man be disgraced, and disgraced again and let him be
disgracedeven more. The peopleEnquired:"O Prophetof God
disgraced even more. The people Enquired: "0 Prophet of God
(pbuh) who is that man? The Prophetaffrrmed: "I refer the man
(pbuh) who is that man? The Prophet affirmed: "l refer to the man
who finds his parents old in age- both them one them
who finds his parents old in age - both of them or one of them -
and yet did not earn entitlement to Paradise renderinggood
and yet did not earn entitlement to Paradise by rendering good
by
service them.
to
service to them.
seems also pertinentto point out herethat althoughchildren are
It seems also pertinent to point out here that although children are
exhorted be obedient and kind to both parents, a greater
exhorted to be obedient and kind to both parents, a greater
emphasis is given for more better treatment and devotion
emphasis is given for more better treatment and devotion to
mother. This is obviously because her greatersacrifices
mother. This is obviously because of her greater sacrifices and and
sufferings children. The Qur'an says:
sufferings for children. The Qur'an says:
And We havecommanded unto man kindness towardsparents
And We have commanded unto man kindness towards parents His His
mother beareth him
mother beareth him with suffering bringing forth with suffering,
sufferingbringing forth suffering,
bearinghim andweaning him thirty months.
bearing him and weaning of him in thirty months.
This is alsoillustrated throughvruiousProphetic
This is also illustrated through various Prophetic traditions:
traditions:
enjoinman abouthis mother.
I enjoin man about his mother.
enjoinman abouthis mother.
I enjoin man about his mother.
I enjoin man about his mother.
enjoinman abouthis mother.
I enjoin manabout his father.
enjoinman abouthis father.
Thus motherhood in Islam is not discardedas a burden, a
Thus motherhood Islam not discarded as burden,
stumbling block for woman'sdevelopment, source oppression
stumbling block woman's development, a source of oppression
of
and suppression. It is lookeduponwith respect
and suppression. is looked upon respect and honor and is
and honor al)d is
consideredas a blessing from Allah (swt) to man. Motherly
considered as blessing from (swt) man. Motherly
affection and care deemsindispensable for the properupbringing
affection and care deems indispensable the proper upbringing
of childrenalongwith father's
of children along father's affectionand concern.Motherhood
affection and concern. Motherhood
is regarded an essential
regarded as an essential institution humancivilization.
as institution for human civilization.
14

19. As discussed above,Islam attaches great importanceto the mutual
As discussed above, Islam attaches great importance to the mutual
Iove and concern for eachother in the family. As father is asked
love and concern for each other in the family. As father is asked
to prayto Allah (swt) to bring in his wife and childrencomfort for
to pray to Allah (swt) to bring in his wife and children comfort for
his eyes, children are exhorted to show glancesof love and
his eyes, children are exhorted to show glances of love and
devotionto parents.The Prophet(pbuh) said:
devotion to parents. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
"The pious offspring who castes single look of affection at his
liThe pious offspring who castes a single look of affection at his
a
parents receives a reward from God equal to the rewardof an
parents receives a reward from God equal to the reward of an
acceptedHajj." The peoplesubmitted: Prophet Allah (peace
accepted Hajj.1I The people submitted: 110 Prophet of Allah (peace
"O of
be uponyou), if someone castsa hundred suchglances love and
be upon you), if someone casts a hundred such glances of love and
of
affection at his parents, what then?"The Prophetreplied: "yes,
affection at his parents, what then?1I The Prophet replied: IIYes,
indeed, even if one does so a hundred
indeed, even if one does so a hundred time a day, he will get a
time a day,he get a
hundred fold reward. God is far greaterthan you imagineand is
hundred fold reward. God is far greater than you imagine and is
completelyfree from petty narrow mindedness.
completely free from petty narrow mindedness.
Childrenare also exhortedto pray their parents;
Children are also exhorted to pray for their parents:
O, our Lord! Grant forgiveness my parentsandme and pardon
0, our Lord! Grant forgiveness to my parents and me and pardon
the faithful on the Day Reckoning.
all the faithful on the Day of Reckoning.
Few Observationson the Above Discussion:
Few Observations on the Above Discussion:
I sexuality, reproduction and parents and children relationship
1. Sexuality, reproduction parentsand children relationshipin
and
the family are all perceivedin Islam as natural and essential
the family are perceived Islam as natural and essential
aspects of man's life and are not separatedfrom the whole
aspects of man's and are not separated from the whole
Tawhidic frameworkof life and thought. Man is alwaysreminded
Tawhidic framework of and thought. always reminded
to be mindful of Allah'sguidance throughtheserelationships
be mindful of Allah's guidance all through these relationships
whethersexualor parental.
whether sexual parental.
2 sexuality and reproduction outside marriage are rejected
2. Sexuality and reproduction outside marriage are rejected
downright and consideredunlawful, no matterall technological
downright and considered unlawful, matter technological
devicesmake thempossible
devices makethem possible outsidemarriage.
outside marriage.
I3. A loving, devoted, peaceful and harmoniousrelationship
A loving, devoted, peaceful and harmonious relationship
between husband and wife is greatly emphasized. Man,s
between husband and wife is greatly emphasized. Man's
domination and woman's subservience man are completely
domination and woman's subservience to man are completely
to
l15
5

20. rejected. Men and women complement each other and not
rejected. Men and women complement each other and not
compete against each other. Islamic family system is neither
compete against each other. Islamic family system is neither
patriarchalnor matriarchal,ratherconsultational,shura-based.
patriarchal nor matriarchal, rather consultational, shura-based.
4. An affectionate, cordial, intimate and a deeper relationship
4. An affectionate, cordial, intimate and a deeper relationship
between parentsand children is strongly upheld in Islam. A stable
between parents and children is strongly upheld in Islam. A stable
family of caring parents and devoted children is expectedfor a
family of caring parents and devoted children is expected for a
better society and a healthiercivilization.
better society healthier civilization.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
We cannotafficrdto be complacentand take comfort in the Islamic
We cannot afford complacent and
theories of senrality, reproductioq husbandand wife relationship
theories of sexuality, reproduction, husband and relationship
and parents and childrtn relationship which are based on the
and parents and children relationship are based
Qur'anic injunctions and Prophetic traditions unless we seethese
Qu/anic injunctions and Prophetictraditionsunless see these
theories are put into Practice.
theoriesare practice.
generallyfound out that the relationshippatterns
For instance, it is generally found out that the relationship patterns
instance,
and betweenpafentsand children even
between husband and wife and between parents and children even
between husbandand
societiesare also not satisfactory. Broadly there
in some Muslim societies are also not satisfactory. Broadly there
some
are three problems:
arethree problems:
L Men tend to keep a despotic attitude towards women and
1. Men tend to keep a despotic attitude towards women and
communication gap betweenthe male
children. There is a big communication gap between the male
children. There is a
membersand femalesand children. Men expectfrom women only
members and females and children. Men expect from women only
familial serviceof cooking, cleaningand children care. Exchange
familial service of cooking, cleaning and children care. Exchange
of thoughts and ideas on any problem of the outsideworld, of
of thoughts and ideas on any problem of the outside world, of
Muslim Ummah, of intellectual or of any other field is almost
Muslim Ummah, of intellectual or of any other field is almost
absent. Insteadof a loving and caring environment,a fearful and
absent. Instead of a loving and caring environment, a fearful and
tensedenvironmentprevails in the house because men usually
tensed environment prevails in the house because men usually
maintain distance from women and children as a mark of their
maintain distance from women and children as a mark of their
eventurns to be
artificial honor. This sort of honor sometimes even turns to be
artificial honor. This sort of honor sometimes
other family members and distorts all sorts of
horrific among other family members and distorts all sorts of
horrific among
relationships. Although it goes against Islamic injunctions as
relationships. Although it goes against Islamic injunctions as
evena religioushalo is attached it
to
described above, sometimes even a religious halo is attached to it
describedabove, sometimes
16
l6

21. for which reason women and children could hardly express
for which reason women and children could hardly express
themselves become victims of horror.
and
themselves and becomevictims of horror.
z- ln some cases, women are aloneexpectedto take over all the
2. In some cases, women are alone expected to take over all the
responsibilities of children and men completely exempt from it.
responsibilities of children and men completely exempt from it.
For the better educational upbringing of chi-ldren,
For the better educational upbringing of children, both mother and
bottr motherand
father require to play their important roles. In thosefamilies
father require to play their important roles. In those families
where women are hardly educated, it becomes all the more
where women are hardly educated, it becomes all the more
problematicfor children to get proper educationalfeedback.
problematic for children to get proper educational feedback.
whereas in some cases, where both parents are educatedand
Whereas in some cases, where both parents are educated and
working, again children becomethe victims sincethey do not get
working, again children become the victims since they do not get
proper attention from their parents. Men claim that ihey are too
proper attention from their parents. Men claim that they are too
busy and women blame men for non-co-operation house-chores
busy and women blame men for non-eo-operation in house-chores
in
and claim that they are over-burdened
and claim that they are over-burdened with double workload and
doubleworkload and
tend to neglectchildren. children feel that they are alienatedfrom
tend to neglect children. Children feel that they are alienated from
both parents.
both parents.
3. Due
3. Due to lack of mutual understanding and confidence on each
lack of mutual understanding confidenceon each
and
otheq the relationships between husband and
other, the relationships between husband and wife grows tensed
grows tensed
and sometimes givesrise divorce. children of divorcedparents
and sometimes gives rise to divorce. Children of divorced parents
turn out to be aggressive
tum out to be aggressive and anti-social.
and anti-social.
17

22. References:
References:
comprehensive and convincing study on Islam as the
1. For a comprehensiveand convincing study-o_nIslam as the
l.
complete wai of life, see various books of Syed Abul Ala
complete way of see various books of Syed
Mawdudi such as - Islamic Way of Life, Lahore Islamic
Mawdudi ruih as - of Lahore Islamic
Publications, 1992; see also uS be Muslims, Lumpur,
publications, 1992; see also Let us be Muslims, Kuala Lumpur,
Foundation, A.S. Noordeen, l99l'
Islamic Foundation, A.S' Noordeen' 1991.
The Islamic
The For a
For
Islam, seeMoham
contemporary perspective on Islarq see Mohammad
contemporary perspective Ahmedullah
mad Ahmedullah
ContemporaryPerspective, Chicago,
Siddiqi (ed.), Islam-. A Contemporary Perspective,
siddiqi' (ed),'Islam-. chicago,
NAA1.1PS Publication, 1994.
NAAMPS Publication, 1994.
2. See Ismaiel Raji al-Faruqi, Tawhid: Its Implications for
2,. see Ismaiel al-Faruqi, Tawhid: Implications
Thought and Life,
if,ougf,r and Herndon, lIIT, 1982; Mohammad Nejatullah
Herndon" IiIT, 1982;MohammadNejatullah
Siddiqui, Tawhid- The Concept and the Process, in Khurshid
Siddi[ui, Tawhid- The Concept and the Process,
Khurshid
Ahmed andZafarIshaq Ansar ed., Islamic
Ahmed and Zafar Ishaq Ansar ed., Islamic Perspectives Studies in
Perspectives Studies
Honor sayyed Mawdudi, Leicester' Islamic
Honor of Sayyed Abul Ala Mawdudi, Leicester, Islamic
Foundation, 1979, l 7-33.
Foundation, 1979, pp. 17-33.
PP.
3. Al-Qur'an 2:30~ For a concrete understanding of the universal
3. Al-Qur'an 2:30; a concreteunderstanding the universal
of
missionary role of a Muslim, see Sayyed Abul Ala Mawdudi,
mission:aryrole oi a Muslim, see Sayyed A!u! Mawdudi'
Foundation, 1995 .'
Witness unto Mankind, Leicester, Islamic Foundation'
Witnessunto Mankind,Leicester, Islamic 1995
4. Al-Qur'an 30:21
4. Al-Qur'an30:21
5. Al-Qur'an 13:38.
5. Al-Qur'an l3:38.
6. Al-Qur'an 4-.21.
6. Al-Qur'an4-.21.
Abdur Rauf, Islamic
7. Al-Quran 17-.323-1 see also Mohammed Abdur Rauf, Islamic
7. Al-Qut'an l7-.3?3-l seealsoMohammed
View of Woman and the
Woman and the Family, Chicago' Kazi
Family, Chicago, Kazi
1996.
Publications, 1996.
Publications,
Marriage'Ha
8. Sahih ai-Muslim, chapter, The Book of Marriage, Ha
L Sahihat-Muslinr,chapter,The
18
IE

24. i-;rTlpt-6r
p),lzlt.-i