Which changes in Arab society resulted from Muhammad's teachings?

Which changes in Arab society resulted from Muhammad's teachings?

• A. Dowries were given to brides, not to their fathers; women gained property and inheritance rights; mistreatment of wives in marriage was forbidden.
• B. Dowries were given to brides, and men gained extra property rights.
• C. Dowries were given to fathers; women lost inheritance rights.
• D. Dowries were given to brides, not to their fathers; women gained property and inheritance rights; mistreatment of wives in marriage was forbidden.

Answer: (D)

Muhammad’s teachings brought reforms that change how women could participate in family and economic life, and how they should be treated within marriage. The dowry (mahr) under Islamic practice is paid by the husband directly to the wife, not to her father or family, which gives the wife financial security and personal ownership from the outset. Islam also granted women property and inheritance rights, allowing them to own, inherit, and control assets in their own right rather than having those rights depend on male guardians. At the same time, the teachings prohibit mistreatment of wives, reinforcing respectful and ethical marital relationships. Taken together, these reforms reflect a shift toward greater autonomy and protection for women in Arab society, which is why this option best captures the changes Muhammad’s teachings produced.

Muhammad’s teachings brought reforms that change how women could participate in family and economic life, and how they should be treated within marriage. The dowry (mahr) under Islamic practice is paid by the husband directly to the wife, not to her father or family, which gives the wife financial security and personal ownership from the outset. Islam also granted women property and inheritance rights, allowing them to own, inherit, and control assets in their own right rather than having those rights depend on male guardians. At the same time, the teachings prohibit mistreatment of wives, reinforcing respectful and ethical marital relationships. Taken together, these reforms reflect a shift toward greater autonomy and protection for women in Arab society, which is why this option best captures the changes Muhammad’s teachings produced.