Independence
of the wife
Islam does not ignore the personality of any woman because of her marriage,
as in some cultures which attach the woman to her husband in addition to
giving her his name. Islam has kept the distinct, independent personality
of the woman as it is, and that is the reason we know the Messenger's wives
by their own names.
In addition, her civil personality is not diminished by marriage, nor does
it lose its eligibility for making contracts, etc. She can sell and buy,
rent her properties, buy properties, donate some of her money, give charity,
deputise and dispute. These are matters attained only recently by the western
woman, though she is still restricted in some countries by the husband's
will.