Does Islam encourage 'wife-beating'? Does it oppress women by virtue of their gender? Was the Prophet Muhammad depraved in marrying 'Ai'sha at such a young age? The main focal point of this book are the key arguments commonly presented in reference to women and various legal positions related to them in Islam. The author tackles both modern contentions and traditionalist positions and he attempts to give the reader clear insight into some of the main areas of controversy as well as providing a rational, academic and traditional answer to these popularised contentions.