Discrimination suffered by Arab women living under Islamic law

Abstract

Discrimination, inequality practices and violations of rights of women are historical as well as contemporary phenomena. The issue of the women's rights remains highly divisive in most societies and regions of the Arab World and in the World as a whole. These divisions are reflected in the developing norms of the International and national human rights law. This dissertation will discuss the situation of Arab women (Muslim and non-Muslim) living under the Islamic law. How the Quran and ancient rules and traditions affect the situation of the Arab Woman today to leave her in low position, discriminated against, facing an unknown fate and unequal treatment under the law in many aspects of life, such as in marriage, divorce, and child custody. Even women have achieved some victory in battles for equality and nondiscrimination by being involved in public and social life such as education, influential positions in government, and speaking out, but there is still a great need to fight for their complete equality. The freedom to study more without the affection of man's dominance is an important demand. Women have the right to study Islam freely and interpret it with their rational and intelligent mind. They need to study their protected rights under the International Convention such as CEDA W and ICCPR.