Islam duty of woman to walk behind man

Filan

Just read on http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/History/MideEast/04/branson/brans... that it is an Islamic woman's duty to walk behind a man to show 'respect'...just wondering what other's opinions are on this? Is it widely practiced by Muslims in Ireland, or anywhere? Posted here as well feelings at times appear sensitive on the Islam forum. It may there be perceived as an attempt to provoke.

Nevyn

Only in time of peace in time of war she is to walk in front incase he gets shot at or there are landmines.

/shrug it is not a religious issue but a cultural one and I have never seen it practiced blatantly here.

Wibbs

Thaedydal wrote:

Only in time of peace in time of war she is to walk in front incase he gets shot at or there are landmines.

I would suspect that highly unlikely as landmines and guns
were a bit thin on the ground(so to speak) in Mohammed's time.

InFront

Filan, I can't access that link so I don't know what evidence they're using to support this claim. Can you copy and paste it, if it's not very long?

As Thaedydal said, this is a cultural phenomenon. I'm all for the husband's position as wali (guardian) in practical terms, but this seems to be more about the husbands' inflated ego than anything else, an unnecessary public display of power. What good is he as a guardian if he's ten yards ahead of her in the street? The only fatwa I can recall reading on this issue said that it this situation is permissible, but not preferable.

Of course, you can never exclude the possibility that the man may just not enjoy shopping very much. That's usually my reason for wandering off ahead in the street anyway:) By the way this is a custom amongst some Hindus too, not just some Muslims.

donaghs

The practice of veiling women also is a little ambiguous from my reading of Koran translations, but it occurs in various fashions among Muslims around the world.

From the experience of most religions, any cultural phenonemon can become a rule if a dominant sect can enforce it. Worth thinking about since Ireland has only recently just emerged from the shadow of one religious group.

Helicopter

maybe 'the woman walking behind the man' is only a metaphor (hope i got the term right). the man is supposed to lead and guide his woman. as for responsibilities in life and on the path of islam....each has a part to play critical for the success of the whole.......(a woman was created from a man's rib bone, as it has been often said,....from his side....thus a woman is to walk by his side).....:D

StormWarrior

Thaedydal wrote:

Only in time of peace in time of war she is to walk in front incase he gets shot at or there are landmines.
.

Is this honestly true? I have never heard anything so unchivalrous in my entire life!