The holy quran is the word of god almighty and hence cannot be contested. Islam is all about complete submission to Allah. And if quran says its permissable under circumstances to beat wives..Then thats how it is..Those who beleive it are "Muslims" and those who dont..are infidels.

I suggest u make an effort to learn how women lived in arabia or anywhere else in the world during pre islamic times. And the change islam has brought about for mankind. In arabia pagans used to bury females right when they were born. Today when a girl is born...its an occasion for celebration for the family!!