In view of all this, can any man justify beating his wife for ordinary misbehavior? That would betray total ignorance of the significance of the text. As for the Hadith speaking of women’s deficiency, it is also quoted out of context. The Prophet was speaking to women on the occasion of Eid, just after the prayer. It was a joyous occasion when the Prophet jested with his audience and made them merry. He then admonished them and urged them to give to charity. He then said: “I have never seen people like you who are deficient in mind and religion yet can turn the mind of a wise man.” When they q
