Abstract

In this study which is named (methodology of Mahmoud Muhammad Taha in his two books “Step towards Marriage in Islam and “Development of Personal Status Law”), the researchers focused on one of the most important books written by Mahmoud i.e. “Development of Personal Status Law”, beside other so essential two books written by him which are “The Second Massage of Islam” and “The Massage of Pray”. In this study, the researchers tried to explore the main sources of Mahmoud ideas. They looked into the similarities and differences between his ideas and those of other Islamic intellectuals and reformers and what was written in former Islamic scholar’s books. All Islamic scholars believe that all women’s rights can be maintained, preserved and granted by the shari’a laws. Whereas Mahmoud believes that shari’a laws cannot do that because women and men are not equal within the shari’a laws. Mahmoud believes that shari’a laws allow Polygamy which made women to have half of the inheritance than men by shari’a laws and adopt “Qawwama” i.e. the support of men towards women. On contrary to all Islamic scholars' beliefs, Mahmoud believes that these issues are not originally part of Islam. He also believes that women and men should be absolutely equal. Based on his beliefs, he prohibited Polygamy and rejected all laws concerning divorce. The researchers concluded that what is meant by “Development of Personal Status Law” is not actually making any sort of development in Personal Status Law, nor having any solution for various types of problems that can emerge during daily life between married couples. They concluded that this book is designed specially to prohibit Polygamy and to reject all laws concerning divorce. In addition, it cancelled the dower; also it obligates couples to share spendable equally. On the other hand, this book ignored all issues of inheritance although they are essential parts of Personal Status Law. The researchers adopted the analytical survey method.