The status of women regarding property in Islam in works of Josepha F. Schacht

Abstract

UDK 28:316.662-055.2

Joseph F. Schacht was one of the most significant orientalists of the last century and a leading expert among the orientalists in the field of Sharia law. His works still are the basis for studying Sharia law in the West. His research includes analyses of the position of women in Islam in which regard his position reflects the opinion that in the pre-Islamic society, women had lesser rights and that Islam brought significant changes and improved their status.  This article aims to analyse his understanding and interpretation of women's property rights in Islam. The research focuses on two Schacht’s works: The Origin of Muhammedan Jurisprudence and An Introduction to Islamic Law. Schacht’s selection and interpretation of the Qur’anic ayahs regarding women's property rights, his understanding of the woman’s right to a wedding gift, her right to financial support and her inheritance rights are also presented here.