concomitant increase of bastardy, is practically unknown to countries where polygamy is allowed as a remedial measure.
It may be further stated that the institution of polygamy, which was allowed by Islām only as a remedy, has largely been abused by sensual people, but then there are people in every society who would abuse any institution, however necessary it may be to the right growth of human society. In countries where polygamy is not allowed, the sensuality of man has invented a hundred other ways of giving vent to his carnal passions, and these are a far greater curse to society than the abuse of polygamy. Indeed, that abuse can be easily remedied by the state by placing legal limitations upon its practice, while the state is quite helpless against the evils which result from its entire rejection.
From a material as well as a spiritual point of view, Islām recognizes the position of woman to be the same as that of man. Good works bring the same reward, whether to a male or a female: “I will not suffer the work of a worker among you to be lost, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other” (3:195). Paradise and its blessings are equally for both: “And whoever does good deeds whether male or female, and he (or she) is a believer — these shall enter the Garden” (40:40; 4:124). Both shall enjoy the higher life: “Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him (or her) live a good life” (16:97). Revelation, which is God’s greatest spiritual gift in this life is granted to men as well as to women: “And when the angels said: O Mary, surely, Allāh has chosen thee and purified thee” (3:42); “And We revealed to Moses’ mother, saying: Give him suck; then when thou fearest for him, cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve” (28:7). From a material point of view, woman is recognized as on a par with man. She can earn money and own property just as a man can do and therefore she may, if she feels the need, follow any profession. “For men is