a comparative-historical study of the position of ‘family’ in feminist thought and islamic viewpoint; with emphasis on ‘rules’

feminist thought has always challenged the islamic viewpoint. a majority of feminists believe that ‘family,’ is a source of oppression against women, and is essentially, the main way of reproducing male dominance. part of the feminist argumentation, highlights itself through the form of criticism of western political customs, especially in the liberal debate of ‘public order’. in this debate, liberal theorists treat the ‘family’ as a part of a ‘personal sphere’ or a ‘strictly private area,’ and thus, by taking this stance, drive it out from the attention of public debate and legislation; the result of which, being that it leads to the perfect breeding ground for male dominance and for the fostering of unfair relations.this paper, reviewing the aforementioned standpoint, illustrates that ‘family’, has been subject to legislation in muslim society since the emergence of islam, and an abundance of rules and laws have been created in order to establish healthy and just relations and protect women's rights. indeed, from the viewpoint of islam, the family structure has been created on the basis of affection, and specific rules have been formed for regulating this important establishment.