Good morning all, sorry about my silence, sometimes all the obligations of life keeps one busy. On to the topic:
Ok, to comment on Muslimah's summary:
Wife beating is available to those muslim men who first fulfill their obligations in terms of providing for the wife.
Wife beating should be done not just in instances of sexual dissatisfaction, but in areas of other discipline where the wife is lacking.
Wife beating should only be done as a last resort.
I looked up the english translation of Surah 4:34 which is entitled "An-Nissa" or The Women translation by Yusuf Ali and Pickthall:
(Ali)
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).”
NOTE: The words in parenthesis are not in the original arabic language
(Pickthall)
“Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.”
I notice something interesting in the verse. That permission is granted for this form of punishment not on any actual wrong doing of the woman, but on fear on the part of the man:
"As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct"
and
"As for those from whom ye fear rebellion"
this seems to me a preventative measure, not necessarily a corrective one.
Now, as far as the "rape" which Reepi mentioned, I looked up Surah 2:223 which is entitled "Al-Baqarah" or The Cow:
(Ali)
"Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear God. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe."
(Pickthall)
"Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad)."
Question: Isn't the word translated by Ali as "wives" in surah 2:223 the word "nissa" which means women? Isn't this verse giving men permission to approach the women they possess (wives, slaves, sisters, mothers) when and how they see fit?