Sociology: Islam

Introduction Sociology is summarized as revolving around polygamy, mosque, and Islamic State The Islamic belief that society is composed of three institutions: family (which can be polygamous), Mosque, and State

Individual and Society Islam provides the perfect harmony between the individual and society Individual personality of man and holds everyone personally accountable to God

Men and Women Quran affirms that the human race originated from Adam Quran also declares that men and women are spiritual equals before God Differences in men and women Men are the protectors and maintainers (they have been given one more strength than the other Women are devoutly obedient, and guard in the husband’s absence what God would have them guard

Men and Women Muslims will explain passages that men are to care for women, not that women are essentially inferior Other passages in the Quran would say otherwise Sunnah describes women as having less intelligence than men Muhammad said that he had the opportunity to view the people in hell and the majority was women

Marriage View of Marriage Contract (between man and woman) Contract can be broken (divorce) Only initiated by men Muslim man may marry up to four woman (have treat them equally and provide for each one) Muslim man can have unlimited number of concubines (including slaves) Unsubmissive women may be beaten Adultery is severely punished (worse for woman) Quran does not allow a woman to divorce her husband (some Islamic countries have allowed it)

Muhammad Muhammad and Polygamy Had nine wives Aisha favorite wife Married her at six years old Did not treat his wives equally

Polygamy and the Bible First Marriage First instance of polygamy Adam and Eve: God created a monogamous couple Jesus noted in Matthew 19:4 First instance of polygamy Lamech (Genesis 4:19,23) Reason biblical people did it Self pleasure Distance themselves from God’s plan Deuteronomy 17:17: prohibited the kings from having multiply wives Jesus relationship with the church (one bride)