Final answer:
The differing opinions on appropriate interactions between Muslim men and women from 600-1450 were influenced by the integration of Islamic cultural norms, Islamic trade networks, and Islamic jurisprudence, affecting social status, marriage practices, and the roles of women in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differing opinions on appropriate interactions between Muslim men and women from 600-1450 can be attributed to broader socio-cultural and religious processes during this era. In areas such as eastern and south-central Africa where Bantu societies were prevalent, matrilineal structures contrasted with Arabic and Persian influences, leading to a melding of cultural norms. The adoption of veiling and segregated living quarters for women in city-states signifies the impact of Islamic cultural integration. Additionally, Islamic trade networks and the spread of Islamic law played roles in shaping societal standards and practices, which were reflected in the differing social statuses and rights among Muslim and non-Muslim individuals, men and women. Restrictions on marriage and inheritances, as well as the integration into official guild systems, were heavily influenced by Islamic jurisprudence.
Class and religious differences further perpetuated the variance in standards, with women in different classes and religious backgrounds experiencing different societal roles. Non-Muslims, or dhimmis, converted to Islam for better social standing and business opportunities, and Muslim women faced strictures on marriage that required non-Muslim men to convert to marry them. This had far-reaching implications for societal interactions and the status of women, demonstrating the various ways in which cultural standards evolved under Islamic influence during this time.