Muslim Women's Role: Women and Religion in Islam - Routledge Library Editions

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Muslim Women (RLE Women and Religion) (Routledge Library Editions: Women and Religion)

by John Van Rys

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Paperback	:	48 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.12 x 8.5 inches

FREE

The role of Muslim women in society has been a subject of ongoing debate and discussion for centuries. Some argue that Islam has granted women a high status, while others contend that they have been subjected to discrimination and oppression. The truth, however, lies somewhere in between these two extremes.

Muslim women have played a vital role in the development of Islamic civilization. They have been scholars, poets, artists, and activists. They have also been wives, mothers, and sisters. Their contributions to society have been immense, yet they have often been overlooked or downplayed.

This book examines the complex and multifaceted role of Muslim women in society. It explores how their experiences and interpretations of Islam have shaped their lives and identities. The book also examines the historical, social, and cultural contexts that have influenced their status and contributions.

**The Historical Context**

The role of Muslim women has evolved over time. In pre-Islamic Arabia, women were often treated as chattel. They had no legal rights and were subject to the whims of their husbands. Islam brought about a number of reforms that improved the status of women. Women were given the right to own property, to inherit wealth, and to seek an education.

However, these reforms were not always implemented in practice. In many Muslim societies, women continued to be treated as second-class citizens. They were denied access to education, employment, and political participation. In some cases, they were even subjected to violence and abuse.

**The Social and Cultural Context**

The role of Muslim women is also shaped by the social and cultural context in which they live. In some societies, women are expected to be submissive and obedient. They are expected to stay at home and raise children. In other societies, women are more free to pursue their own interests and careers.

The media also plays a role in shaping the way that Muslim women are perceived. In the West, Muslim women are often portrayed as oppressed and downtrodden. This portrayal is inaccurate and does not reflect the reality of the lives of most Muslim women.

**The Religious Context**

The role of Muslim women is also influenced by their interpretation of Islam. Some Muslim women believe that Islam grants them a high status. They argue that the Quran and the Sunnah (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) teach that women and men are equal before God.

Other Muslim women believe that Islam has given them a subordinate role. They argue that the Quran and the Sunnah teach that women are inferior to men. They also point to the fact that women are often denied access to leadership positions in Muslim society.

The debate over the role of Muslim women in Islam is a complex one. There is no easy answer. The truth lies somewhere in between the two extremes. Muslim women have made significant contributions to Islamic civilization, but they have also faced discrimination and oppression. The role of Muslim women will continue to evolve as the Muslim world changes.

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The role of Muslim women in society is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is influenced by a variety of factors, including history, culture, religion, and politics. This book has explored some of the key issues that have shaped the role of Muslim women in society. It has also provided a glimpse into the lives of some of the remarkable women who have made significant contributions to Islamic civilization.

The role of Muslim women in Islam is a dynamic and evolving one. As the Muslim world continues to change, so too will the role of Muslim women. It is our hope that this book will help to foster a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Muslim women today.

**References**

• Ahmed, Leila. Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate. Yale University Press, 1992.
• Badran, Margot. Feminine Images in Arabic Literature. Routledge, 2009.
• Baron, Beth. The Women's Awakening in Egypt: Culture, Society, and the Late Nineteenth Century. Yale University Press, 2005.
• Cooke, Miriam. Women Claim Islam: Creating Islamic Feminism through Literature. Routledge, 2016.
• El-Saadawi, Nawal. The Hidden Face of Eve: Women in the Arab World. Zed Books, 2000.
• Haeri, Shahla. The Politics of Gender in Revolutionary Iran. Syracuse University Press, 2003.
• Holt, Maria M.

Muslim Women (RLE Women and Religion) (Routledge Library Editions: Women and Religion)

by John Van Rys

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Paperback	:	48 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.12 x 8.5 inches

FREE