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After the Prophet 20%

Split between Sunnis and Shia.  M. has no male children upon death.  So who is the next leader?  Shia follow son-in-law Ali, husband of Fatima, and father of two boys.  "The Feud of the Necklace."  Aisha, youngest and favored wife, is left behind on a journey because a necklace, gift from M., came apart and she needed to restring it.  She is "rescued" by a young soldier who brings her back to Medina on his camel.  Others see the young Aisha with the soldier and immediately suspect her of infidelity, humiliating M.  He sends Aisha away while he figures out what to do.

Ali's advice:  Divorce Aisha, thereby earning her undying hatred. Advice based on rivalry; not really great for M. as it makes it seem as if he has been cuckolded.  He doesn't do it.  Instead, he has a vision that clears her of wrongdoing.

Upshot:  In Islam, a woman cannot be considered unfaithful unless four witnesses testify.  Very enlightened.  However, over time clerics transferred this teaching to rape.  Today, a woman cannot prove rape without four witness who testify to being witnesses.  Lacking these, the woman is guilty of sexual impropriety for sexual activity. So, rape victims can be punished for being raped.

Other consequence:  M. decides that to keep his wives from public scrutiny, they should use curtains indoors and veils outdoors.  Intended only for his wives as a mark of distinction--the veil became something more and more wanted to wear and is now something required.  Not at all what M. intended.

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