An Analysis of the Status and Evangelism Strategy of Muslim Wives in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Summary: Western society at large is prone to conclude that the majority of Islamic wives are treated as inferior, second class citizens with few rights and insurmountable hurdles. By contrast, many Islamic scholars deny this, insisting that Islam brought emancipation for women. This mini-thesis seeks to conduct a literary analysis of the ideological tenets of Islam, and the subsequent implications for the economic, social and religious status of Muslim wives, in order to test this hypothesis. This mini-thesis argues that Islam as a patriarchal system legitimates and propagates widespread discrimination against women in general, and wives in particular. Saudi Arabia as the cradle of Islam practices Wahhabism, an austere form of Islam which subscribes to early Islamic ideologies. Thus the research scope will focus on the social, economic and spiritual status of the Saudi wife. Segregation renders many Islamic wives inaccessible to Christians, and thus severely impedes avenues for evangelism and discipleship.Thus Christians must implement creative strategies in order to bring Muslim wives to Christ, showing insight, wisdom and respect. It is crucial that Christians engage relevant codes of practice for Muslim evangelism, so as to ensure success in winning them to Christ.