Does Sūrah 4:34 support Domestic abuse?
Does Sūrah 4:34 support Domestic abuse?
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I think the part that is interesting, In the Beat your wife everyday statement.. (is definitively not Physically damage the person) It's about tactical mind games, defeat in turning statement made into other subjects that get the mind of the other occupied, Of which Many many relationships seem to work in that manor- News and Corporate hiarchie, also- deturn a question or statment and puts other words into peoples mouths as if they had said it, repeat specific parts of nusence or build a scenario in which the statment is completely out of context.
It is a wisdom, i suppose.. for control, but is erosive and can build trauma or backlash.
or maybe it doesn't really matter in prosperous world- But I remember seeing a lot of Agressive flirting, when I use to go to clubs or pubs—- which is a dominance game just the same of you will get the heel in their ribs.
Abraham, David, Solomon, and Muhammad are prophets who had concubines (Sex-slaves). Worse than not coveting your neigbor's wife (So who should really be stoned)?
The Bible, OT, and Quran are all the same! Evil! 50 Shekles and all that! Deuteronomy 22:28-29
I was paddles by my principle in the early 90s, it was that sane type of paddle with the holes drilled on it. I'll never forget that, the very next year he got ran over by his grandson on a golf cart. 😂
26:00 Shocking
I think we know now why women wear body covering but not the eyes, because that's the only part that wasn't beaten and bruised.
Interesting that this is the verse considered as most controversial, while there are much worse, like that on the 'right hand possession'. It seems that this one just got medial attention.
Aron, I believe the Rule of Thumb referring to law about a rod to beat your wife with is just a myth with no evidence to support it.
The most scary part of the verse is not really mentioned. A man needs only to FEAR nushuz (disobedience, rebellion) from his wife. Let that sink in. She can be the perfect angel, devout, submissive, flawless, etc, but if he gets paranoid, he still has the right to beat her. That makes this verse even more disgusting.
I've never seen Aron listen so intently.
You going over Islam and debating Islamist is how I found you always my favorite videos. Well that and blasphemous bible studies
It seems like religion is a force for weak manliness. They need a system of protection against women and that includes violence. Only the inadequate must control. Except for the pedophiles, most men are in religion because they need the power it gives men to compensate for their weakness. Strong men don't need an imaginary friend or a system of enslavement.
It absolutely does – Q4:34 just says beat them, not 'gently' in the Arabic. The same surah talks about sex slaves too.. Also the context decides the meaning of the word – which is crystal clear as beat in this context..
Dr. Morrow is an amazing guest! So knowledgeable and intelligent in his thinking and speech. I learned quite a bit from just this interview, so thank you, Aron! Another thanks to your amazing guest, Dr. Morrow as well!
Hi Aron. That origin story for the "rule of thumb" is actually based on a mockery of Sir Francis Buller, who was alleged to have made that claim. Its use in the sense of the thumb as a literal measuring device is attested to 1685 in a collection of sermons attributed to James Durham, published a century before Buller. The context of the oldest attested usage criticizes the rule of thumb vs measuring "by square and rule."
"Rule of Thumb" is actually a carpentry term according to every result I just checked
Surah 4:34 of the Qur’an has been a subject of intense debate and interpretation, especially concerning its potential misuse to justify abuse. The verse outlines steps for resolving marital discord but does not support abuse when understood within its proper context, historical background, and Islamic ethical principles.
Key Points of the Verse
1. Sequential Steps for Addressing Marital Disputes:
• Advise (verbally counsel or remind of obligations).
• Separate in bed (a non-violent act of emotional distancing).
• Strike lightly (often interpreted as a symbolic gesture, with strict limitations to avoid harm).
2. Conditions on “Striking”:
• The term “strike” (ضَرْب in Arabic) has been widely interpreted and contextualized:
• The Prophet Muhammad himself forbade harsh treatment and condemned abusive behavior toward women. His example (Sunnah) shows no record of him striking any of his wives.
• Scholars like Ibn Abbas emphasized that any action must not cause harm or humiliation.
• Some contemporary scholars argue the term could be understood metaphorically, emphasizing reconciliation over physical actions.
Islamic Teachings Against Abuse
• The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes compassion, kindness, and fairness in marriage:
• “Live with them in kindness…” (Qur’an 4:19).
• “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Hadith, Sahih Al-Bukhari).
• Abuse contradicts the overarching principles of mercy and justice in Islam.
Misuse of the Verse
Unfortunately, some individuals have taken the verse out of context to justify abusive behavior, which is contrary to Islamic teachings. This misuse arises when:
• Cultural norms overshadow religious principles.
• The verse is read without considering the broader ethical framework of Islam or the Prophet’s example.
Contemporary Interpretations
• Many modern scholars and Islamic thinkers advocate for understanding this verse in light of its historical context, the Prophet’s practices, and the overall Qur’anic ethos of mercy and equity.
• Some translations and commentaries reinterpret “strike” as a symbolic action or as a last resort that must avoid harm, with the goal of reconciliation rather than punishment.
Conclusion
Surah 4:34 does not support abuse. Any interpretation that permits harm to a spouse is inconsistent with the Qur’an’s overarching principles and the Prophet’s teachings. Instead, the verse emphasizes structured conflict resolution within a framework of justice and compassion.
There is no religion as abusive towards women as islam is. That this even needs to be said is shocking.
Aron I have yet to hear a Republican say that he wants to reinstate slavery. Please tell me who.
Spanking, just drop it!
Physically abusing your spouse, kid and pet clearly shows that you are a bad person.
There is NEVER a situation that calls for it!
That is NOT the origin of the phrase "rule of thumb." It is a reference to carpentry. It means using one's thumb as a ruler because the project doesn't have to be that precise. "It's a good rule of thumb to…" whatever the rule is.
wikipedi* has a different take on the rule of thumb.
All extremist fundamentalist religion is oppressive of women. Patriarchal systems are authoritarian in nature & by their nature oppressive & fearful of equality at their base. They also tend to be anti-education, anti-science & followers of all kinds of crazy conspiracies. Their followers tend to be full of stupid people, too. Yeah, we're headed into that kind of an era right now with crazy people in power. Sad to see.
Sorry, but that "rule of thumb meant that a man could beat his wife with a stick as long as it wasn't thicker than a thumb" is false. There never was such a law. The origin of that phrase comes down to the width of a "typical" thumb being appriximately one inch.
As much as I'm on board with both of you on this whole topic, that's bad research on a level so bad that it puts his entire work into question.