The theme of patriarchal dominance runs throughout Islamic history. This male-centric worldview combined with poverty and a lack of education, frequently leads to conduct toward women that not only runs counter to the teachings of the Prophet, but is a violation of law and of basic humanitarian standards.

Wars in Afghanistan have turned women into pawns, routinely exploited in a power struggle that is exclusively male. The highest Muslim values of womanhood - purity and modesty - have been targeted for hostile attention. In many of the internecine struggles that have taken place in Afghanistan, mujahideen have employed rape as a weapon of war in an effort to demoralize their enemies. Women are regarded by warring parties as little more than pawns to be abused for political and military advantage.

Women are also exploited for the purpose of gaining a propaganda advantage. Male factions are forever proclaiming their rules and regulations for women in the public debate. As a result Afghani women are turned into political chattel, their freedom overruled by males who speak for them and predetermine their destiny.

The plight of women in Afghanistan, is mirrored in other parts of the Islamic world. For example in Pakistan as a result of an archaic "honor code" women are sometimes killed to satisfy family pride. This is considered to be a fit punishment in some circles for bringing shame on the family.

Accusations of "bringing shame" can involve the simple act of leaving an abusive husband or marrying a man of one's choice. Women who are raped through no fault of their own, are frequently regarded as "shame bringers", and so candidates for murder.

The lawyer and human rights activist, Hina Jilani, has this to say of the plight of women in Pakistan ...

"The right to life of women in Pakistan is conditional on their obeying social norms and traditions."

In countries such as Afghanistan, the lives of women has become so degraded that many young women are committing suicide at an alarming rate. In most cases they do this by self-immolation, burning themselves to death with the aid of gas and a match. The official count was 93 for such deaths in 2005. It is believed that many more women are killing themselves in this fashion. Often these tragedies remain unreported due to the family shame and stigma such reports would engender.

Under the Taliban women were treated like inferior beings. This patriarchal attitude toward women still persists. As much as 80% of all marriages in Afghanistan are forced arrangements. In over 50% of these marriages the brides are under 16. Frequently they are forced into marriages with men in their middle years or even older. These female children are used like goods basically, to discharge a debt or as payment for some arrangement or favor.

Many young girls who choose to end their lives with fire, are trapped in marriages with men who are abusive. They can't leave because to do so would bring shame on their families. Their plight becomes so desperate that some see suicide as the only available option. As is the case in Pakistan, the authorities seem to take the attitude that it's the woman's problem when such tragedies occur.

While Islamic scripture accords honor to women, there is a gap between theory and practice. Those who attempt to whitewash the problems that Afghan women face by simply reciting passages of the Qur'an are doing a disservice to these women. It's essential to address the root cause, and this involves challenging the male-centered customs and attitudes that keep many Muslim women in a position of subservience.