WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
date. But it is apparently still known in some parts of Arabia. Letourneau says that mutʾah unions were practised by the ancient Hebrews.[1]
Some writers seem anxious to prove that Arab polygamy and concubinage are commonly practised, and that the women are in a condition of slavery. There is, however, conclusive evidence that the nomadic Arabs are mostly monogamous; also that their women exercise considerable influence and possess clearly-defined rights. Arabian poetry contains many laudatory tributes to the fidelity, gentleness, and courage of women.
Pinkerton noted very little difference between Moslem and Christian marriage. He states that the women of Arabia "seem to be as free and happy as those of Europe can possibly be." Divorce, says Pinkerton, was rarely undertaken without the most stringent reasons, repudiation being considered a dishonourable proceeding, because it casts a stigma on the wife and her relatives. The writer observes further that the women seemed to have much liberty, and often a high degree of power in the family and the group.
The townspeople who kept harems were urged more by social vanity than by sensuality. Pinkerton
- ↑ Letourneau op. cit.
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