Contents Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Introduction Status of Women during Jahiliya Concept of Sexual Equality Other Aspects of Equality of Women Marital Rights of Women in Islam Women and Divorce in Islam Islam and the Individual Dignity of Women Muslim Personal Law: The Need for Reform Total Pages: 224/- Price Rs.500/- US$24.95

This book covers various aspects relating to the status of women in pre-Islamic period - customs and traditions, forms of marriage in pre-Islamic period, divorce and forms of divorce, dower, traditions regarding slave-girls, and so on. It then goes on to deal with status of women in post-Islamic period - the Qur'anic concept of women's rights in marriage, divorce, inheritance, custody of children, polygamy, maintenance, rights to property right to earn, etc.

It quotes extensively from the Qur'an and Sunnah. It also deals with the Arab adaat, that is, pre-Islamic customs and tradition regarding women. Altogether, it attempts to arm Muslim women with Islamic arguments for their empowerment. The author, a renowned scholar, has sought to set the record straight by reinterpreting women's rights in the true Quranic spirit. He argues quite convincingly that the Holy Book gives equal rights to both the sexes and it does not discriminate between them in respect of personal, democratic and human rights. The question whether in a secular society Muslim Personal Law needs any change, and if so, in which direction reform should be undertaken is dealt with in detail. The related issues of the introduction of a common civil code, doing away with religiously discriminating laws, are also considered.

Asghar Ali Engineer, Director of the Institute of Islamic Studies and Chairman of Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, is an internationally reputed scholar and theologian of Islam. He has written books, research papers and articles on Islamic theology, jurisprudence, history and philosophy, and lectured in many countries. He has participated in Muslim women's movements for their rights, and is also actively involved in movements for communal harmony and reform in the Bohra community.

Mr. S.K. Ghai,
Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.,
A-59, Okhla Industrial Area,
New Delhi-110 020.
PH:6386165 PH:6387070 PH:6386209 PH:6385677
Fax: 6383788
E-mail: ghai@nde.vsnl.net.in

New Dawn Press, INC
244 South Randall Rd #90
Elgin, IL 60123
Ph: 847-931-4230,
Fax: 847-931-4066
E-mail: ghai@nde.vsnl.net.in Website: newdawnpress.com

View list » of books written and edited by Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer