Quote:When Muslims use Muhammed's example to maintain this standard, as many do, it is a Muslim issue. It is hard for Muslims to demand that what Muhammed did be considered wrong today, given that they hold him to be the eternal example for all mankind to follow. Do you think it is just a coincidence that this is a major problem across the Muslim world, regardless of the usual indicators for social progress such as wealth?
Congratulations, FD, this is an answer. A good one too.
I can't see how it's hard for Muslims to claim what Muhammed did would be inappropriate today. Every Muslim I've discussed this with says exactly that - even Abu.
If this is a major problem in the Muslim world, feel free to show us. I've already shown you the that 50% of girls in India are married
before the legal age of consent. From memory,
20-odd percent are married under 12.
This is not about religion per se. Women's rights are not universally non-existent in Muslim countries. Women's rights take a low priority in
Middle Eastern and Subcontinental countries. The largest Muslim country, Indonesia, compares with other countries in its region on women's issues. The Philippines, a Catholic country, has a much higher number of reported rapes and violent crimes against women.
Religion seems to not have penetrated deeply-entrenched customs and culture surrounding gender. Honour killings are still prevalent in some parts of the world,
despite Islamic prohibitions. The richest Muslim countries - Saudi Arabia and Qatar - do indeed treat women abysmally. And you're right, the usual economic indicators do not appear to have changed this.
But Saudi Arabia is not Indonesia. These countries have almost nothing in common when it comes to women's rights.
Still, it's nice to see you joining in a discussion. I hope we get to see more of this.