Woman [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

8. Another point of weakness of this work being its ignorance of Fiqhi books and journals, which are brought out in recent centuries, containing criticism of numerous subjects "of discourse" on women, and introducing novel viewpoints. The compiler ought to pay attention to this fact and if he hadn't approved of these opinions, he would rather at least proceed on criticising them. For instance the journal of Risalat AlIslam contains several articles on woman's affairs, in which some viewpoints that worth deliberation are presented; like: membership of woman in Consultative Assembly, ²²³ polygamy, ²²⁴ and other views.

In some of these subjects, there are valuable unique writings that deserved to be considered with attention by the author; since these books and magazines were written in the style of modern debates. ²²⁵

9. It was proper to initiate this compilation with two different preliminary subjects of discourse: One being producing a considerable general portrait of woman's character in Islamic perspective, under the auspices of which a criticism was made to doubts presenting a reversed portrait of woman. The necessity of this discussion lies in the fact that the Fuqaha were unknowingly affected by such mentalities, interfering in Fiqhi and legal arguments. As a sample, AshShafi'i holds that it is better that the man recites Salaat almayyit "dead prayers" on the woman, since he is closer to God than her and his prayer will be verily sooner granted, ²²⁶ etc.

And the other argument is concerned with the method of

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223. Journal of Risalat Al-Islam, 4th year, issue no 3.

224. ibid.,

225. As an example we can refer to these books: Ahkam Al-Awrah Fi Fiqh Al-Islami, two volumes; Al-Libaas Waz-Zeenah Fi As-Shari'ah Al-Islamiyyah; Tahreer Al-Mar'ah Fi Asr Ar-Risaalah, by Abd Al-Haleem Abu Shaqqah.

226. Tadhkirat Al-Fuqaha', vol. I, p. 47.