WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
haps less primitive in its severity than that of Moses. Women are, of course, the most frequent delinquents in this offence, because polygamy practically liberates men from temptation. Adultery is punishable by death or life-long imprisonment. But very conclusive proof is required before condemnation. There must be four eye-witnesses to the act. Needless to say, the conviction of offenders is rarely secured.
Regarding illicit intercourse between the sexes, the Mohammedan code is extremely austere. Sir William Muir states justly that "the gross and systematic immorality in certain parts of every European community may be regarded by the Christian with shame and confusion," and contrasted with "a certain negative virtue" of continence among the followers of Islam.[1]
Although theoretically a Mohammedan may repudiate his wife on a trivial plea, the Koran teaches forbearance to the married. "If a woman fear ill-usage or aversion from her husband, it shall be no crime in them if they agree the matter amicably between themselves; for a reconciliation is better than a separation."
- ↑ The Koran contains very explicit teaching on the preservation of chastity. An aspersion of unchastity upon innocent women was punishable by scourging. Promiscuous sexual relationships are denounced; but a man may cohabit with his slave women or concubines. Strict chastity is enjoined upon Moslem women. Such absolute continence is, however, not considered within the reach of men.
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