WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2020 Theory — Question 3

Model answer

(a) The term Jahiliyyah simply means the period of time before the advent of Islam. It is considered as the period which precede the raising of the Prophet (alays solatu wassallam). (b) Status of women during Jahiliyyah: Women are not regarded to be of value. That is why, majority of female children are buried alive; They are considered as part of a man's property; Many men sleep with a woman before she will get pregnant; When a man dies, the women do not take a share of the property; Women are source of entertainment. Most times they dance nakedly. (c) Reforms introduced by Islam: Islam ordered the women to cover themselves so as to be more valuable; A proportion of a deceased was given to women; One man for four women as against one woman for many men; Islam gave women sense of belonging and dignity.