The Treatment of Women in Medieval Middle Eastern Societies

Women’s rights and treatment during the medieval period, in the Middle East and beyond, are often misunderstood and sensationalized. While it is true that most societies, including the medieval Middle East, did not have a modern concept of human rights, the circumstances and experiences of women varied widely. This article aims to explore the treatment of women in the medieval Middle East, highlighting the progress and limitations of their rights during this period.

Introduction to the Historical Context

Concepts of human rights as we know them today did not emerge until the Enlightenment period. In the viewpoint of medieval humans, one's treatment and status within society were determined by their ruler and their god. However, women, like many in feudal and tribal societies, had limited rights and were often regarded as property. This article will focus on the treatment and autonomy of women in the medieval Middle East, particularly during the "Islamic Golden Age."

The Varied Treatment of Women

The treatment of women in the medieval Middle East varied significantly by country, year, and even family. It is important to note that while women's rights were severely limited, there were notable exceptions and progress in certain areas. One such example is the increasing involvement of women in education. During the Islamic Golden Age, women could attend informal lectures at mosques and madrasahs, which were religious schools. While their access to formal educational facilities was limited, it is estimated that up to 15% of medieval hadith scholars were women, primarily from scholarly and well-educated families.

Education and Inheritance

Education for women during this period was often limited. However, there were some remarkable examples of women scholars. According to Ruth Roded, the wealth of source material available for Muslim women scholars has only just begun to be studied. It is evident that the evidence from these biographies contradicts the view of Muslim women as marginalized and secluded. Many scholars argue that the number of educated women in the medieval Middle East may have been higher than in medieval Europe, where women's access to university was largely restricted.

Marriage and Legal Rights

Marriage was often the most defining aspect of a woman's life in the medieval world, as it marked a transition from one "owner" to another. In the Islamic world, women had more autonomy in marriage than in many of their European counterparts. They were able to manage their financial affairs independently, contract divorces, and inherit property. Additionally, they could retain their surnames after marriage. These rights were upheld under traditional interpretations of Sharia law and not just in progressive classes of society.

Legal Protection and Spousal Abuse

While traditional Islamic jurisprudence had some harsh punishments for women, these were often not enforced. For example, the practice of stoning for fornication (zina) was almost non-existent until modern times, primarily due to the Islamist revival that enforced hudson laws that were previously ignored. The Qu’ran does contain a verse that permits mild physical abuse of wives, but it is difficult to interpret given the multiple possible meanings of the verb used.

Conclusion

In summary, despite the severe limitations on women's rights, the treatment of women in the medieval Middle East was arguably more progressive than that in contemporary Christian Europe. Women had greater autonomy in marriage and had opportunities for education and economic participation. This article aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the treatment of women in the medieval Middle East, highlighting progress and limitations during a fascinating period of history.