p. 123

Marriage is always exogamic and before the day of Mohammedanism, all husbands doubtless want to live in the homes of their mothersinlaw as is the custom under the matriarchate. The Polygamy allowed by Mohamet interfered with this practice and a curious compromise was effected between the opposing institutions which has permitted both to exist. The husband now remains in the family of his own mother and merely visits his wife in the motherinlaw's home. If he takes the four wives which the Koran authorizes, he usually spends a week with each or at least he times his visits of equal lengths. Watchful motherinlaws with with an eye to the family exchequer see to it that he does not overstay this prescribed period. Here he eats and...