ignificant changes that were advantageous for women. "Contemporary Muslims are fond of pointing out, quite correctly, that Islam brought legal advantages for women quite unknown in corresponding areas of the Western Christian World." But what does the Quran specifically say about women? The earliest message of the Quran, and the common themes that run through all the chapters, are of the realities of the oneness of God and the inevitability of the day of judgment. "All persons, man and women, are called upon to testify to those realities." So in the eyes of God, men and women are fully equal, an idea that we later see is not followed in modern society. Several verses of the Quran present instances where men are a step above women and men are the protectors of women (or are in charge of women) because God has given preference to one over the other and because men provide support for women. "Perhaps because such verses have been so troublesome for non-Muslims (especially feminists), they have been subject to an enormous amount of explanation and interpretation by contemporary Muslim apologists eager to present a defense of their religion." These writers, men and women, affirm that it is precisely because men are invested with the responsibility of taking care of women, financially and otherwise, that they are given authority over the females of their families. They also seem to lead more liberal lives in society. They are allowed by the Quran to marry multiple wives, so as long as he is able to provide for each equally. A Muslim woman, however, may marry only one husband, and he must be a Muslim. Many are quick to point out that these restrictions are for the benefit of women, ensuring that they will not be left unprotected. "In Islam, marriage is not a sacrament, but a legal contract in which the woman has clearly defined legal rights in negotiating. She can dictate the terms and can receive the dowry herself. This dowry...
