Cot Essay
Jenny Gamez
AP W. History
Pd.5
10-16-07
Change Over Time Essay:
How did Islamic civilization change for women over time?
From mid-7th century, (about a century after Muhammad’s death) up until present day, the treatment of women in the Islamic religion has changed drastically over time. In particular, the people of Islam developed a strong interest in superior material and culture of the people they ruled, which devalued the position women had. There were many different ways in which men were more superior to women, but also in some cases, women did have a few rights.
In the beginning and rise of civilizations, Islamic is particular, paternal control within the family was highly strengthened. Women were becoming more and more susceptible to men. On the contrary, women played an important role in the Bedouin tribes of pre-Islamic Arabia. Women had the opportunities to influence decisions within the clan, and have occupational choices. Muhammad’s first wife, Khadijah, influenced that women were able to remarry and pursue careers. Islam worked towards strengthening but not to equalize the position of women.
Women in the upper-class had many restrictions. For one they were very heavily chaperoned and very restricted. In their households, they were secluded in parts, away from the rest of the house. When the women went into the city, they had to be veiled from head to toe, carried in chairs by servants, and were very well guarded. But on the contrary, peasant women lived a more, self supporting life. Women that lived in poorer families had to work to survive. They weren’t as heavily chaperoned as the upper-class women, and did the housekeeping, planted their own gardens, and raised their own livestock.
Because of Islam’s religion and law, it required the study of the Quaran. Because of this, women had to continue to be educated, and be more included in family resources. Islamic law also allowed women divorce, remarriage rights,...
View Full Essay