The Historical Development of Islam: A Societal Transformation

Introduction to the Earliest Societies

Before several millennia, religion was not as prevalent as it is today. Women dominated the societal structures, owning property and being the heads of households and businesses. Men often traveled for work or to sell products in distant lands, resulting in a predominantly matrilineal society. Marriage was a sacrament, and children usually bore their mother's surname, village name, or occupational names. Irreligious groups, such as Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians, Nazoreans, and others, did not believe in marriage. Their relationships were more akin to live-in partnerships, and women had substantial rights, including custody of children in the event of a breakup.

The Emergence of Islam: Addressing Societal Discontent

The world as it existed before the advent of Islam was fraught with societal issues. Men, particularly those who were shepherds, were often subjected to the whims of their female partners, who could end a relationship at a single command, leading to a sense of instability and frustration. This led to a societal shift aimed at placing men in a position of control, as they desired to establish themselves as the heads of households, villages, and society.

The Role of the Messenger and Early Jihad

The catalyst for this transformation was the arrival of a savior, or messenger, in the form of Al Ameen, who arrived from Ethiopia. He brought together the disgruntled men and began the first Jihad. According to the Quran, the initial group consisted of around 40 individuals. However, this number quickly grew as more men and even tribes joined, driven by a fear of reprisal. These warriors, though initially facing little resistance from their Kafir (unbeliever) counterparts, gained wealth through plunder and gradually overturned the societal norms of the time.

Changes in Social and Gender Norms

The new religion imposed numerous restrictions on women, taking away their rights in areas such as inheritance and personal matters. Women were to remain within the home and were expected to be virgins at the time of marriage. A man could have up to four wives without the consent of the existing wives. These changes marked a significant shift from the previous matrilineal system. Additionally, practices such as tonsuring of Hindu widows and the cultural practice of Sati were deemed cruel.

The Differentiation and Opposite of Kafir Practices

To differentiate themselves from the Kafirs, Islamists reversed numerous customs. For example, while Kafirs listened to music, Islam prohibited it; long hair and mustaches were shunned in favor of shaved heads and beards. Education for women and other aspects like the consumption of wine, owning a dog, and eating pork were all frowned upon. The teaching of “Killing such a Kafir pleases the god” reflected not just a religious doctrine but also a social and political mandate. The Taliban and Al Qaeda, among others, are often seen as the most authentic followers of Islam, while others are criticized for deviating from these strict practices.

The Impact of Islam on Modern Societies

Even today, in many Middle Eastern countries, especially those outside of Israel, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, suspicions about foreigners persist. Women still face barriers, and many cultural practices, such as the veiling of women, serve as a marker of societal levels. The historical development of Islam has profoundly influenced the rights and roles of women, with the amount of clothing serving as a symbol of gender equality. Today, some regions are witnessing changes, like women driving and going to public places without covering themselves, yet these reforms are far from universal.

The Future of Islam and Religion

According to Islamic Hadith, the religion is predicted to last for 1400 years, which would be ending around the year 2032 CE. This projection suggests that there might be a return to a pre-Islamic era, a period that may be marked by increased gender equality. The amount of clothing a woman wears can indeed be seen as a reflection of the level of gender equality in a society, with less clothing generally indicating a more equitable society.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the role of women in pre-Islamic societies? Women dominated pre-Islamic societies, owning property and being the heads of households and businesses. They also had custody of children in cases of divorce, and marriages were seen as sacred sacraments.

2. How did Islam change the social and gender norms?

Islam introduced strict norms for women, including veiling and limited rights in areas like inheritance and personal matters. Polygamy and arranged marriages were prevalent, and education for women was discouraged.

3. What are the key differences between Kafir and Islamist practices?

Key differences include music, education, dietary restrictions, personal grooming, and the treatment of women. Islam mandated prohibitions on many practices that were commonplace in Kafir societies.

Concluding Remarks

The historical development of Islam has had a profound impact on the rights and roles of women, gender equality, and societal structures. While significant changes are occurring, the influence of the religion remains strong.