“Feminism in Islam”

This chapter examines the 'original' source texts of Islam (in particular the Qur'an and the Hadith) to challenge the historical absence of women within Islamic thought and to question the continued subordination of Muslim women under the guise of Islam. The author examines key Islamic texts and questions theological debates to consider why women are defined as 'unequal' and 'inferior'. Central to these ideas are the patriarchal constructions of 'honour' and 'shame' which seek to control female sexuality. For example, in traditional Arab society, women embodied the 'honour' of the family and community and this honour was directly linked to ideas of women's chastity or sexual behaviour. The term 'ird' was used to symbolise female honour and if women were seen to transgress this honour they were often killed. This practice of killing women in the name of honour continues in many Muslim countries today as women's sexuality is seen to be vitally related to men's honour and self-image in Muslim culture. A Muslim theology both for Muslim women and men is outlined which challenges the male interpretation of Islam and asserts that universal fundamental human rights values exist in Islam.