In this critical review paper, Asma Barlas’ keynote speech 'Does the Qur’an Support Gender Equality? Or, do I have the autonomy to answer this question? ' at the Workshop on Islam and Autonomy will be referenced in the argument that the Quran promotes and supports gender equality. Asma Barlas defines gender equality as both male and females having equal rights and opportunities regardless of their gender. This critical review paper is referenced from various sources and justifying Asma’s individual belief, this paper will further discuss the historical and cultural impact and interpret the views of gender equality stated in the holy book.
To further expand on the topic of gender equality, Barlas states that long historical cultural impact
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She states that in her keynote speech that the Quran, "provides some theological criteria for reading it through its description of God" (Barlas, 2006). Allah the name of God in Islam, is culturally referred to as a male figure in everyday terms but Barlas argues that the Quran does not state the gender of God and doesn’t promote patriarchy. Barlas explains that "the Quran does not represent God as Father and in fact it explicitly forbids Muslims from sacralising God as Father" (Barlas, 2006). There are two most common ways of describing Allah. The most common way is that Allah is the one and only God or using God as a representation of a male figure and going forward using that as a basis of male being a more dominate gender. This in fact has no meaning in the text because God is neither male or female. We can conclude that patriarchy is in fact forbidden under Islamic law and has no real ground in terms of the religion although it is assumed that the two go in hand. This is another concrete example of the confusion between religious practices and cultural practices when it comes to women’s rights.
To further the argument of gender equality we can look at the Quran which is considered the word of God and examine the following
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In examining both of their scholarly arguments, I believe that there is no patriarchy found in the religion and men and women are BOTH required to live a pious life dedicated to Islamic principals in their respective manners. Women have just as much responsibility as men. I believe the counter argument arises from the cultural aspect and not so much from the Quran itself. The Quran and Hadith differ in the sense that the Quran is the word of God and the Hadith is narratives of Prophet Muhammad and a guidance for Muslims. The Hadith allows for contradictions in the Quran but it cannot be taken as the word of God and the principals must coexist with the Quran. I say this because in the middle east it has always been a constant struggle from a woman in a male dominated society socially, politically and the physical appearance of women have been characterized as oppression by western societies. Barlas believes that the only difference between the genders are biological. To make note of the biological differences between men that may affect religious practices, is the fact when women are on their period or pregnant, they are excused from entering the mosque or fasting. Although they are excused, Haddad’s argument of equal responsibility implies that they are to make up for the fast after they are off their period. Therefore, there is no real inequality between the two genders
The dominance and assertion that men are above women is very hard for me to grasp in context to my westernized mindset. The Qur’an does state that women are not subjected to kitchen or motherly duties, that they can own their own businesses or engage in an education but men are expected to be the primary income holders and caretakers of the household. Today women have proved themselves dramatically through so many accomplishments, that they can be independent without any man. So why is it so hard for the religion of Islam to accept that women can be just as dominant as men? I would first approach this view with the empathetic understanding Shepard has taught me.
Given the oppressive rule of the Taliban, how could women survive without men in their family? The book The Other Side of the Sky by Farah Ahmedi and Tamim Ansary, answers that question by the journey of Farah and her mother. Their journey goes from Afghanistan all the way to America. On this trip, Farah and her mom face many hardships, including their physical injuries and losing their family. In Afghanistan and Pakistan women lacked various rights under Taliban rule that limited their freedoms, but conditions have improved since the Taliban relinquished their power, which shows that given the opportunity women can become independent.
It is crucial to remember that Islam is a diverse religion while determining which interpretation of the religion is most accurate. Within the religion, there are numerous interpretations and traditions, and various communities may hold various beliefs and rituals. The context in which these interpretations and practices emerge must also be taken into account. According to Ahmed, women's Islam developed in a society where they were marginalized and excluded from conventional Islamic settings and rituals. It gave women a way to live out their faith in a way that was significant to them and on their own terms.
Anyone who follow the Islam religion can get a reward as long as they are kind to God. This means that anyone including women who did not have many rights have a chance to get a reward. This verse helped Islam spread quickly because everyone would want the reward that is offered and because everyone loves the message that the Qu’ran has, it means that more people would convert to
In the article “Religions: The Basics” by Malory Nye talks about female writers, inequality and the distinction between males and females. In the article it mentioned how the term Androcentricism assumes that the male’s perspective and experiences are the most vital and key point of reference. I agree with Mary Daly that the concept of belief in a male deity leads to profound sexual inequalities. The reason I agree with Mary Daly is due to the fact there is a lot of gender differences and that women are viewed as inferior, while men are more superior. It is surprising that in western culture, they can’t go a day without woman-male distinction.
Muslims holy book (Quran) did not allow men to do whatever they want, nor women. The source mentions that God gave men more strength than women; therefore, they have to protect and maintain the women. It also talks about lives of women and their relationship with men. Unlike Christianity and Buddhism, Quran stated that men and women are equal; however, when it comes to social terms and marriage, the Quran views women as inferior and subordinate. Also, the source stated that men were forbidden to inherit women against their will nor treat them with harshness.
In fact, the term Islamic feminism becomes a global phenomenon during 1990s and is a contrast to secular
Their needs and desires are ignored and are considered less important than men. When the Talibans came, men’s needs are prioritized while women are left behind. According to Hosseini (2007), “ Women are forbidden from working”(p.298). This shows that men are given the privilege to go to work and earn money to support their families and themselves while girls are debarred from getting a job whether they like it or not as the Talibans think that women are of the weaker sex and are not capable of doing anything that helps contribute to the society. One evidence, according to Hosseini (2007), “ “Go to Rabia Balkhi,” the guard said.
This theme relates to the real world because gender inequality is a problem that has been faced throughout history. In many cultures in the past, women were in-charge of domestic work while men took the roles of public life. Be that as it may, both men and women took equally important roles; however, because of the longstanding gender bias in the world, the roles of men in society were glorified more than the roles of women. Today, gender inequality still exists in the world. Specifically, today’s women are faced with sexist comments and attitudes from men that put women down.
To stop gender inequality we have to treat women and men equally. If we continue to make believe about the society’s expectations towards ourselves, then we will be locked in the doll's house with the ghosts of Torvald and Nora hanging
Fatima Mernissi was born into Middle- Class family is Fes, Morocco of 1940. She earned her doctorate in 1957 studying political science at Sorbonne and at Brandeis University. Afterwards she returned to work at the Mohammed V University where she then had taught at the Faculte’ des letteres between the years 1974 and 1981 mainly on subjects such as methodology, family sociology as well as psych sociology. She earned her title as a well-known Islamic feminist that was greatly concerned with Islam and women’s role in it. Fatima Mernissi had conducted thorough investigation of the nature of the succession of Mohammed in order to verify what was written in the hadith.
1.2 Background Females are an integral part of human civilization. No society or country can ever progress without an active participation of female in its general development. The status of female in society is directly linked with social and cultural traditions, stages of economic development achieved, educational levels, attitude of the society towards women, social and religious taboos, women's own awareness and political attainments. Through the centuries, the image and the role of female have been observed and studied in various ways, and the acquired knowledge has been recorded in literature, works of art, religious texts, mythology and codes of social behaviour.
In our recent history, feminism has become more prevalent in almost every aspect of our lives. One important thing to remember is that each sex has uniquely valuable traits to contribute to society (Maguire, 2014). However, overgeneralizations of these traits have driven a wedge between the different sexes and as a result, discrimination, injustice, and unfair stereotypes plague our society. Key terms discussed throughout each source include, but are not limited to, gender stereotypes, double standards, benevolent sexism, hostile sexism, gender disparities, and female/male injustice. Gender stereotypes encompass the generalizations placed on gender-specific traits.
Aubrey Rose A, Barangot English 27B Title Gender Equality: An Established Human Right Thesis Gender Equality and Stereotypes Inroduction The gender equality has been accepted and acknowledged as human rights’ principles since the adoption of charter of United Nations in 1945. Most of the international agreements such as ‘the Millennium Development Goals (2000)’ and ‘the World Conference on Human Rights (1993) have highlighted and stressed the grave need for nations to take appropriate actions against such discriminatory practices. To give clarity to this research, the researcher uses the following definitions: “Everyone has a fundamental right to live free of violence.
Gender equity faces obstacles like the lack of education for both boys and girls, and the challenges of deviating from societal stereotypes and norms. Nevertheless, if actors from the private and public sector come together, public policy can be created to strengthen women’s lives and rights. Why Gender Equality is Important A Social Justice Issue Women cannot escape poverty, be adroit, nor become autonomous, if they do not have a good-paying job. This is difficult to attain without higher education, in a society who dismisses their employment applications and that teaches women they are submissive and physically, cognitively, and psychologically inferior to men.