Exploring The Interpretation And Context Of Qur'anic Verse 4:34: A Scholarly Inquiry Into The Discourse On Spousal Relations In Islam

Abstract

Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations denying women equality, security and dignity, self-worth and their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. It's a major contributor to psychiatric symptomatology in women, in both the developed and developing world. Previous literature suggests that other than many factors, women's attitudinal acceptance of spousal violence, play a major role in domestic violence. It is worth investigating that why women justify spousal violence in a Muslim society whereas Islam strongly condemns spousal violence? Therefore, the study would unveil those drivers and the factors which act as the greater source of women's attitudinal acceptance toward spousal violence on the one hand and would examine the real teachings of Islam regarding the matter and also its practical approach while addressing the problem. For this purpose, it would be necessary to analyze the verse (4:34) that has given rise to much controversy, either as a result of misinterpreting the precise meaning of its key concepts, or as a result of misusing it, whether deliberately or unintentionally. The study is qualitative and inductive and deductive methodology would be applied to conclude objectively. The conclusion drawn is that until the real Islamic teachings would not inculcate into the society the traditional values and patriarchal attitudes can’t be changed and the female fabric of society would keep suffering the domestic violence and this attitudinal acceptance of spousal violence would be continued parallel blaming the religion.