Islam_in_Focus_text

humanitarian or spiritual or any other point of view, it will
be realized that it is far better for the society to permit its in-
dividuals to associate on a legal basis and in a responsible
manner, with the protection of the Law and under the super-
vision of the authorities concerned.
Even if we look at the matter from a feminine point of
view, it will be clear that by this very resolution, Islam as-
sures the woman ot" due respect, secures her rights and integ-
rity, recognizes her legitimate desire for decent companion-
ship, gives her room in society where she can belong, and
provides her with opportunities to care for someone dear and
to be cared for, This may sound unpleasant to a woman who
already has a husband and resents seeing any other woman
having access to his companionship and protection, or shar-
ing with her his support and kindness. But what is the feel-
ing of the other women who have no husbands or reliable
companions? Should we just ignore their existence and be-
lieve that they have no right to any kind of security and sat-
isfaction? And if we ignore them, will that solve their prob-
lem or give them any satisfaction? How would this very wife
feel and react if she were in a position similar to that of the
companionless women? Would she not desire to belong and
to be respected and acknowledged? Would she not accept a
half cup or a half husband, as it were, if she cannot have it
full? Would she not be happier with some protection and se-
curity, instead of being deprived of it altogether? What will
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