Some Women Are Still Chattels for Their Fathers

MADINAH, 11 August 2003 — The citizens of Madinah are legendary for their generosity and hospitality. One kind citizen recently met with an unexpected reward. The man had assisted several brothers following a car accident, visiting them in hospital and helping them get back on their feet. Their father, at a dinner organized in their benefactor’s honor, offered the man his daughter in return for his kind offices. The man was initially inclined to refuse but later accepted the “gift” on behalf of his own son.