THE AIMS OF THE MUSLIM FAMILY AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE CEDAW AGREEMENT

The family is a fundamental social unit upon which the structure of society, in general, and the Islamic community, in particular, is based. Therefore, Islamic law has surrounded it with various noble teachings to elevate its status and highlight its objectives. Islamic law has established its general principles and covered all its details with specific rulings, protecting its sanctity and safeguarding its boundaries. Nevertheless, the family has never been immune to ongoing developments and conflicts between different civilisations attempting to spread their cultures and impose their vision of the contemporary family. This situation has prompted the international community to hold conferences and conclude agreements characterised predominantly by the dominance of powerful countries attempting to shape a global family governed by the same laws and principles. These agreements seek to alienate Islamic societies by making them subject to these laws under the guise of protecting human rights- even if these laws contradict the provisions of their religion and the objectives of its tolerant Sharia. One such agreement that has sparked strong debate, particularly among Muslims, is the CEDAW Agreement, convened on 3 September 1981 and signed by over 189 countries, including more than 50 with reservations and objections, while 38 rejected Article 28. Thus, this research paper aims to highlight the most important objectives of the family in Islamic law, the implications of the CEDAW Agreement for the family, and ways to confront its challenges.