27.

Social System of
Islam
(elements of Family)
Course Instructo Islamic Studies:
Syed Anwar Hussain
Allah created a human couple to herald the beginning of the
life of mankind on earth, and everybody living in the world
today originates from this couple. The progeny of this
couple were initially a single group with one religion and
the same language. But as their numbers gradually
increased, they spread all over the earth and, as a natural
result of their diversification and growth, were divided into
various tribes and nationalities. They came to speak
different languages; their models of dress varied; and
their ways of living also differed widely. climates and
environments affected their color and physical features.
All these differences exist in the world of reality and Islam
does not seek to ignore them. But it disapproves of the
prejudices which have arisen among mankind because of
these differences in race, color, language and nationality.
Islam makes clear to all men that they have come from the
same parents and are therefore brothers and equal as
human beings. Allah created a human couple to herald the
beginning of the life of mankind on earth, and everybody
living in the world today originates from this couple. The
progeny of this couple were initially a single group with
one religion and the same language. But as their numbers
gradually increased, they spread all over the earth and, as
 They came to speak different languages; their models of dress
varied; and their ways of living also differed widely. climates and
environments affected their color and physical features. All these
differences exist in the world of reality and Islam does not seek to
ignore them. But it disapproves of the prejudices which have arisen
among mankind because of these differences in race, color, language
and nationality. Islam makes clear to all men that they have come
from the same parents and are therefore brothers and equal as
human beings. Allah created a human couple to herald the beginning
of the life of mankind on earth, and everybody living in the world
today originates from this couple. The progeny of this couple were
initially a single group with one religion and the same language. But
as their numbers gradually increased, they spread all over the earth
and, as a natural result of their diversification and growth, were
divided into various tribes and nationalities. They came to speak
different languages; their models of dress varied; and their ways of
living also differed widely. climates and environments affected their
color and physical features. All these differences exist in the world of
reality and Islam does not seek to ignore them. But it disapproves of
the prejudices which have arisen among mankind because of these
differences in race, color, language and nationality. Islam makes clear
to all men that they have come from the same parents and are
therefore brothers and equal as human beings.
RIGHTS OF WOMEN:
In His sermon He gave a great
importance to the rights of women.
About the mother he has said “Paradise
lies beneath the feet of your mother”.
Then he has said “ the personality who
has the most right on you in this world is
your mother”. Then he recited “And do
good with your parents and do not say
them ufff”. About the daughter he has
discussed about her education training,
Islamic knowledge and said “ The
daughter is blessing of Allah”
RIGHTS OF HUSBAND AND
WIFE:
Holy Prophet (SAW) in his sermon discussed
about the rights of husband and wife on each
other. He said that they are equal in status,
they should live in an atmosphere of mutual
trust, harmony and love, they should help
each other for their duties, Husband should
give proper regard to the wishes and desires
of his wife and wife should be obedient, good
nature and protect her modesty. Then He has
said “The best among you is one who is the
best with his wife”. Then he recited “ They
are raiment for you and you are raiment for
them”
 Elements of the Family
 The foremost and fundamental institution of human society is the family
unit. A family is established by the coming together of a man and a woman,
and their contact brings into existence a new generation. This then
produces ties of kinship and community, which, in turn, gradually develop
further ties. The family is an instrument of continuity which prepares the
succeeding generation to serve human civilization and to discharge its
social obligations with devotion, sincerity and enthusiasm. This institution
does not merely recruit cadets for the maintenance of human culture, but
positively desires that those who are to come will be better members of
society. In this respect the family can be truly called the source of the
progress, development, prosperity and strength of human civilization.
Islam therefore devotes much attention to the issues relating to the family
and strives to establish it on the healthiest and strongest possible
foundations.
 According to Islam the correct relationship between man and woman is
marriage, a relationship in which social responsibilities are fully accepted
and which results in the emergence of a family. Sexual permissiveness and
other similar types of irresponsible behavior are not dismissed by Islam as
mere innocent pastimes or ordinary transgressions. Rather, they are acts
which strike at the very roots of society. hence, Islam holds all extra-
marital sex as sinful and forbidden (haram) and makes it a criminal offence.
Severe punishments are prescribed to deter would-be offenders.
 Veil, which regulates the free association of men and women, restriction on
erotic music and obscene pictures and the discouragement of the spread of
all forms of pornography, are other weapons used in the fight to protect
 It also strongly disapproves of those rites, ceremonies or restrictions which tend to
make marriage a difficult affair. Islam tries to make marriage the easiest and
fornication the most difficult thing in society, and not vice versa as it is in most
societies today. Hence, after debarring certain blood relatives from entering into
matrimony with one another, it has legalized marriage with all other near and distant
kith and kin. It has removed all distinctions of caste and community, and permitted
matrimony of any Muslim with any other Muslim. It has urged that the mehr (dower)
should be fixed at a figure which can be easily borne by both sides. it has dispensed
with the necessity of priests and register offices. In an Islamic society marriage is a
plain and simple ceremony which can be performed anywhere before two witnesses,
though it is essential that the proceedings should not be kept secret. Society must
know that the couple are now going to live as husband and wife.
 Within the family itself Islam has assigned to the man a position of authority so that
he can maintain order and discipline as the head of the household. Islam expects the
wife to obey her husband and look after his well-being; and it expects the children to
behave accordingly to their parents. Islam does not favor a loose and disjointed family
system devoid of proper authority, control and discipline. Discipline can only be
maintained through a central authority and, in the view of Islam, the position of father
in the family is such that it makes him the fittest person to have this responsibility.
 But this does not mean that man has been made a house-hold tyrant and woman has
been handed over to him as a helpless chattel. According to Islam the real spirit of
material life is love, understanding and mutual respect. If woman has been asked to
obey her husband, the latter has been called on make the welfare of his family his top
priority.
 Although Islam places great emphasis on the marital bond, it only wants it to remain
intact as long as it is founded on the sweetness of love or there exists at least the
possibility of lasting companionship. If neither of these two conditions obtain, it gives
man the right of divorce and woman the right of separation; and under certain
conditions, where married life has become a source of misery, the Islamic courts of
justice have the authority to annul the marriage.