By re-analyzing the interpretations of this religious text and Arabic words, Islamic feminists believe that their perspectives on these things could change the patriarchal culture that exists in Muslim societies. The Quran is the religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the word of God. And contrary to popular belief, the Quran never intended to reduce women to such a limited role with little to no rights. Biased interpretation of the verses in the Quran has contributed to the creation of a patriarchal society. It has played a major role on how Muslim women have been treated today and throughout history—si... ... middle of paper ... ...ties.
They discussed some things including: “the veil”, Muslim fashion vs. secular fashion, a... ... middle of paper ... ...sion is encouraged and accepted in American culture, why should we be able to judge Islam for being submissive in ways that they might choose? Conclusion It is wrong to assume that we know the ins and outs of every situation based on what we think, or what the media has taught us. It is vital that one do their own research to become educated in a matter before they cast a judgment; this cannot be truer when looking at Muslim women. Just like American women, Muslim women are diverse. Not everyone wears or veil or traditional Muslim clothes and of those who do, some of them are only wearing them because the want to.
After the first part of the Hughes chapter on Middle Eastern Muslim women, the emphasis shifts, from Quranic doctrine regarding women to how Muslim law and scholarship have interpreted the Quran’s direct admonitions to women. However, this shift is unfortunately subtle. The authors fail to make a clear distinction between the Quran, a sacred text believed to be the verbatim word of God; and Muslim law, which was formulated by (male) Muslim jurists who consulted the Quran and whose consensus was later declared infallible (Ahmed 58). Such a distinction is necessary because the Quran itself is vastly different from a legal document; Ahmed observes in “Early Islam and the Position of Women” that “Quranic precepts consist mainly of broad, general propositions chiefly of an ethical nature, rather than specific legalistic formulations” (59). Indeed, the Qura... ... middle of paper ... ...areas of emphasis.
Muslim women come from the Islamic faith. Islam is a monotheistic religion where its followers (Muslims) believe there is only one true God, Allah, and honor and love the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the last prophet of the God. Just like in any other religion, Muslims, particularly women, have rights and requirements within their religion. As well as wearing hijabs, Muslim women have the right to dress however they like, choose who they would like to marry, have the right to an education, and lead an imam. In the Islamic faith, Muslim women are required to dress modestly by God.
When one thinks of the role of Muslim and Islam women, the first thought that comes in mind is a victim waiting for the right moment to approach Western Liberation. The ignorance of the people compels the woman to be portrayed as weak, and controlled on what they can wear and how they should act. What most people are not aware about is that the Prophet Muhammad was indeed pro women’s right, as he stated “To seek knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim, male and female” proves that women are treated as an equal. Even though it is been said that women are independent to create their own pathway, society intervenes and challenges with women’s liberty. Women are judged by what they wear and what they do.
Islamic feminists argue that the religion practiced in their countries calls for equality of both genders and these assertions can be found in already present Islamic values. Socio-cultural opinions have hindered this feminist movement as conservatives attempt to regress towards a more traditional perspective of the Quran. Local and religious leaders have worked to avoid secularism and political leaders enforce traditional cultural laws in countries where Islam is the most prominent religion (Coleman). Muslim conservatives deny the equal status of women and keep them from obtaining basic rights such as the ability to exercise any political involvement in their communities, freedom to marry at will, and liberty to enroll in education systems (Rights). Defining what is the correct interpretation of the Quran and the topic of western influence has led to heated debates in the political spheres, contributing to continuous questioning of the true status of women in society.
Thus, men and woman have similar rights and duties; Almighty says “Never will I waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other” (Qur’an 3:195). Islam removed the false idea about woman that she was the sours of evil. Qur’an mentioned that both Adam and Eve are responsible for the first sin. However, both repented, and both were forgiven (Kayani, 1)
Women in the Qur'an The traditions of Islam revolve around the blessed words of Muhammad revealed to him through Allah. These revelations guide Muslims through not only the act of worship, but also through a lifestyle strictly designated in the words of the Qur'an. Those who criticize Islamic customs often accuse the Qur’an of attempting to govern society under prehistoric law. This holy book dates back to the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad in the 7th centuries Clearly times have changed; yet many Islamic customs have not evolved through time. One of the most controversial topics in Islam today addresses women’s issues.
Historical Perspectives The major objective in this essay is to provide a fair evaluation of what the Arabs and their religion contributed (or didn’t contribute) towards women dignities and rights. I am going to use the status of the Western and Southern Eastern women to give the reader an idea of the situation of these females. In Roman times,... ... middle of paper ... ...the past. The Arab women aren’t trapped in the past. The only thing that is trapped is the Western critics that have flawed her.
This idea is a controversial topic as seen from a person that is not a true believer, or a Muslim. Conventional thinking brought out by the media have led non-Muslim people to perceive the treatment of women as suppressive. The Koran shows the reader both sides of the coin, and therefore, the reader must form an opinion of the way they thing women are treated. After reading The Koran, one would think that it belittles women, such as the way they are treated, and the role they play in society. However, with respect to their society habits, rituals, ways of life, and their religion, Muslim women are actually treated with more respect, and with more decency.