Transformation of "Girl" From the Age of Igno-rance (Jahiliyyah) Till Islam, With Qur'anic Perspective

Abstract

In classical written work, literature on women/girls takes place in a certain part of a writing, while in modern life, it becomes the main theme of studies on its own, with the effect of orientalist and secular acquis. This is because, although west's criticism of religion, which starts with the modernization process, involves several areas of Islam, in general it brings up the issue of human rights, in particular, the issue of "women". It is self evident that the intellectual blockage, which is uncovered by these stages, adds new perspectives to the investigations about women/girls. However, these practices that reach the level of assimilation and exploitation, accompany a terminological confusion, too. Thus, it is nearly impossible to examine the issue of women, although hermeneutics or interpretation oriented, free from projection of any "...ism" and populist discourse, as well as safe fromapologetic conduct. Notwithstanding the above mentioned paradigms; in this paper, the individual, economical, social rights of women at the age of ignorance (jahiliyyah), and the changes on these with the revelation of Islam is investigated. The aim of this paper is not assessing the value of women in Islam, and moreover, not exhibiting the rights that are granted to women in Islam, comparing to the circumstances of those days, based on the world of cruelty at the age of ignorance. The starting point of the investigation and the issue to be emphasized compulsorily here is to draw attention to the mental revolution implemented by the Holy Qur'an, rather than being essential. The amelioration of the status of women/girls by the revelation of Islam is neither specific to that age nor pursuant tothe conditions of that age but all ages. Islamic laws remunerate for the rights of women/girls specific to their creation wherever and whenever the mental development of the age of ignorance takes place. The foremost among these rights is definitely the right to live which is fundamental, the right to education, the right to start a family, the right to choose spouse, the property right, the right to have share in heritage. However, apart from these is undoubtedly, being able to have faith in Allah and having no exception regarding worship.