had no value. They were like chattels, inheritable as one inherits the property of a deceased person. In, when a man died, his son who bore arms in expeditions inherited him, inherited whatever the father left behind including his wives. If the son wanted he could marry the wives of his father or release them. So, women were a heritage, inheritable property. Women did not enjoy any rights until after the Qur’an was revealed.
The devoutly obedient; if you look at her, she gladdens your heart because of her broad smile and vivaciousness; if you are away from her, she guards, even in your absence, your honour, wealth and family; when you command she obeys with alacrity. If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: For Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.”
, let alone your wife. Are you not ashamed of yourself in the despicable act of beating your wife in the day time, only to sleep with her in the night? Shame on you! Those who take an oath not to have sexual relation with their wives must wait for four months. This four-month limit is the peak, the longest period that any abstention can reach, instead of the never-ending abstention of the days of ignorance – ten, twenty years, forever.