The Status of Pre-Islamic Arab Women: Reform and the Challenge of Fulfilling Women's Rights in Contemporary Islamic Family Law Practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33367/fv66cf88Keywords:
Pre-Islamic Women, Arab Patriarchy, Islamic Family Law Reform, Social History, Gender JusticeAbstract
Purpose - This study aims to analyze the social status of Arab women during the Jahiliyyah period, within the context of the patriarchal social system that dominated Arab society at that time, and to evaluate how these conditions influenced the development of contemporary Islamic family law, particularly in terms of fulfilling women's rights. This study is necessary to provide a foundational framework for the reform of Islamic family law in the contemporary era.
Methods - The research method used is a descriptive qualitative literature study with a historical approach and analysis of pre-Islamic Arabic classical texts, accompanied by a critical review of the literature on the interpretation of the Qur'an. The primary data in this study consists of the following verses and their interpretations: Surah an-Nahl verses 58-59, Surah al-Baqarah verse 228, Surah an-Nisa verse 22, and Surah an-Nisa verse 19. Secondary data includes scientific references related to the research theme. Data was collected using documentation techniques through manuscript studies and analyzed using content analysis techniques.
Findings - Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the condition of women in pre-Islamic Arabia was very marginalized, and they did not have proper legal status, both in terms of inheritance, marriage, and social participation. The arrival of Islam brought significant transformations that elevated the status of women by granting them basic rights, such as the right to life, inheritance rights, limited divorce rights, and the right to testify. This emancipatory spirit of Islam then became an important foundation for contemporary Islamic family law reform. Reform efforts undertaken by Muslim countries, such as limiting polygamy, recognizing child custody rights, and establishing fairer inheritance regulations, are manifestations of the Qur'anic spirit in creating substantive justice and protecting women's rights.
Research implications - Practically, the findings can be used as a basis for normative reflection for family law legislation with a gender justice perspective in contemporary Muslim societies.
Originality/value - The originality of this research lies in the critical approach to the dominant narrative about pre-Islamic Arab women and the effort to contextually relate it to the development of a more gender-equitable Islamic family law.
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