Salam (Peace) Dear Sister,

 

Thank you for your question and for joining our live session.

 

I am not aware of secret marriages at the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, nor amongst his closest companions. The practice of having more than one wife was common among members of every religious community, including the pagan Arabs.

 

The rights of women before the advent of Muhammad, peace be upon him, was not much of a consideration. Many saw women as another type of property rather than as an intelligent, individual with rights, and worthy of respect.

 

Islam improved the status of women immensely in many ways, but it is an ongoing struggle for humanity to give her due. This is not a problem of Islam and Muslims only, but rather permeates all societies and ages.

 

If we think that non-Muslim women are better off today, we could point toward infinite instances of sexual, emotional, social, and psychological abuses that these women suffer at the hands of non-Muslim men, whether from their families or from their social circles.

 

I hope this helps answer your question.

 

Salam and please keep in touch