Inexplainable contradictions?

[Outcider]

There are many things which are totally inexplainable to non-Muslims. Someone well-versed in the Quran might perhaps explain to us outsiders why Saudi women are not allowed to drive a car or why the former Talibans of Afghanistan did not permit girls to attend school.

Surely there are no instructions in the Quran, created well before the enactment of these two prohibitions.

[jamila]

The first (no driving) was a saudi law passed because of advice from the commitee of Islamic Shariah. They felt that if women were allowed to drive cars, then temptations, such as dating or travelling without informing the husband or father would inevitably lead to shamelessness in society. Women not being able to control their own vehicles is not according to traditions of the Sahaba, since women owned and used camels when in need. There is now a revision of the law taking place (which causes more trouble than it prevents) and, inshallah, it will be repealed shortly. Besides, many women drive without liscence already, especially in the sticks.

Taliban preventing women from going to school.
Nonsense. They never did such a thing (target girls specifically). In fact, there was a general paucity of educatiional institutions for boyth girls and boys, because of virtual starvation of commercial funds due to sanctions, for nigh on 10 years. Every year, the number of schools operating decreased. This myth of intentional de-education of women in Afghanistan, is constantly touted in the West and among the private schools which were closed down because of the content of their educational packages.
jamila

[Outcider]

Thanks, Jamila, for your interesting answers. In fact, I thought of you when posting my questions!

It was good to read that laws are being changed as far as driving is concerned. I've read that some Saudis are somewhat reckless drivers, paying very little attention to traffic rules. Fortunately, drinking and driving must be pretty rare!

Do you think there could be other laws, too, that should be changed?

One law which immediately comes to my mind is the role of women as witnesses. I believe two women are needed to correspond to one man, am I right?

[jamila]

Yes, a significant minority of Saudis and other nationalities are very reckless, and don't seem to be conscious of any traffic rules. This is a pity, because their personal (pedestrian) islamic courtesy doesn't seem to extend to when they (that significant minority) are using the road.

As for laws that should be changed, one recent one has already been. It used to be that a foreign worker had to get a form and letter filled out everytime he wanted to travel out of a particular area, or district. They employer would then have to take the papers for approval from the police to obtain a travel permit. No one is actually refused, but it was a lot of bother and cost money everytime you needed it. Now no papers are needed but the resident's permit. Everything is so much easier.

As for other laws, I don't concern myself with them too much.

The one you cited actually depends on the conditions. I believe the law specifies commercial transactions and official agreements between people. In criminal cases, I think a woman's witness is equal to a man's, and in the case of slanderous accusations against a woman, her own witness on oath for herself outweighs the accuser's. But I am not at all sure about these. It is best to consult someone who is an expert in Shariah (A Muslim practicing judge or Shariah lawyer would be the best sources). What i do know is the 2:1 ratio you mentioned is ordered by Allah, so I don't question it. There are some rationales put forward by (usually male) scholars, but they are not founded in the sayings of the prophet, and may or may not be true.

jamila :)

[jamila]

Try BinteMasood's new thread!
jamila :)