A Discussion of Islamic Feminist Issues in Relation to

Abstract

The Islamic way of life together with Islam’s legal system has been accused of being a patriarchal, oppressive regime of control over women. This view is indicative of a misunderstanding of Islam. Islam is dynamic and comprises both a belief system and way of life that is fruitful and fulfilling for those who follow it correctly. In Islam, God has formulated the basis for a just, religious society that emphasises cooperation rather than competition. The Eastern concept of the spiritual equality of man and woman is, however, at odds with Western feminist secular principles of equality and liberation. Any attempt to apply these principles constitutes an imposition of alien standards on a religion that, at its core, promotes a path to God in a distinct cultural environment. The Quran, Hadiths and Sira highlight the importance of women in Islamic society, recounting the historical contribution made by female scholars, jurists, leaders and businesswomen. Islamic Feminism of the 20th and 21st Century stresses that Islam is not to blame for the oppression of women, but seeks to replace its tenets with essentially modern, secular Western concepts. Islamic texts already explain the true path to God and demand a return to justice.