...I have to say, before reading this article about Women and Islam, I already had my opinions on the topic, without knowing the whole story of women in Islam. I thought that women were basically slaves to men and that they had to obey everything men said. I thought that women who practiced Islam had no rights and were considered to be below men when it came to having rights. When it came to Islam, I always believed that Islam was a very strict religion with many rules to it and I know a lot of people had the same opinions on Islam as I did, but some of what I thought Islam is, is not actually true. The reading explains that in the Qur’an, it states that men and women are fully equal in the eyes of God. I think the misconception of women having limited rights come from the fact that women have to be most modest and cover up. I think a lot of people don’t understand the reason behind it and people automatically assume that women can’t do much, because they have to dress like that. In actually, women are supposed to be treated equally according to the Qur’an; for the majority, women are treated equally. I think the reason why so many people seem to judge Islam is because there are some radicalists who practice Islam, who want to hurt Americans, but there’s only a small portion of people like that. Americans need to understand that not everybody is like the...
Words: 258 - Pages: 2
... in Islam had been given economic independence since the very beginning. There are many matters that can be looked at where we can see Muslim women have complete economic independence. A Muslim woman is allowed to work but certain limitations exist as to what jobs this woman may have. For example, according to our teachings a woman should be only be checked by a female doctor and females should only be taught by females and hence we can see that there is a specific skill set that a woman can utilize in the form of a job in Islam. However, according to Islam, the most important and major role for a woman is that of a wife and a mother. And in many instances it has been emphasized that the most fulfilling job that a woman can do is to take care of her family and be there for them. This stems from the point that Islam considers a mother to the most important part of a child’s upbringing as she is the one who teaches the child the basic ways of life, the proper etiquettes and is responsible for the early learning of a child. This, however does not mean that a woman cannot work when it is needed to survive as long as she observes proper Islamic conduct. With aspect of how much a woman should be paid for a job that she is doing, there is no such saying or evidence present that tells us that a woman should be paid less than a man. Islam has given equal rights to women and hence according to that teaching women should be paid the same as a man. Another economic aspect in Islam for...
Words: 1027 - Pages: 5
...Women in Islam & Feminist Politics* Syllabus Female, Male, Hon Eng Fall 2013 COURSE INFORMATION | Course Name: Women in Islam Semester: Fall 2013 Department: International Affairs College: Arts and Sciences | Course Code: INTA 203 CRN Code: L51, L01 Section: 13698, 14448 Core Curriculum: Elective | Day(s) and Time(s): MW 9.30-10 MW 2-3.15 Venue: Sharia 0147 Biz D203 | Credit Hours: 3 Prerequisites: None | COURSE DESCRIPTION | This course ‘Women in Islam and Feminist politics’ will look at the gender issue from an Islamic perspective. It will examine women’s issues related to Islam and contemporary Muslim culture and scholarship. It will explore the status of women in Islamic thought and practice from five perspectives: women’s position in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, history, Islamic feminism and activism and lived realities. | FACULTY INFORMATION | Instructor : Academic : Office Location: Office Hours:Telephone: E-Mail: Website: | Dr Hatoon AL FASSIAssistant ProfessorWomen Campus, stair 3, # 213 (male students by appointment) MW 12.30-1.30 4403-4948 hatoon@qu.edu.qahttp://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/hatoon.alfassi | REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES...
Words: 3002 - Pages: 13
...Western View: Are Muslim Women Really Oppressed? Jacque Brotherton George Fox University 20 June 2013 Abstract The Western world attributes the oppression of women in Islamic society to the religion itself but before that can be done the religion has to be fully understood. The mistreatment of Muslim women is justified as the accurate interpretation of what is stated as Shari ‘a law about their role in life. This paper examines the view of the western world and its belief in that Muslim women are oppressed. Muslim women are not allowed to work, receive limited education, and are often denied health care. The use of the veil is viewed as a sign of oppression and backwardness. This paper will also address the Qur’an and how it portrays women. Finally, the view that the Muslim women have of the western world will be discussed. On September 11, 2001, a spotlight was placed on the world of Islam. After the events of that day, there was an immediate increase in interest of the Islamic way of life. The western world has formed the opinion that Islamic society is oppressed by its religion and government, which tend to work hand in hand in its mistreatment of Muslim women. While Muslim women themselves do not feel oppressed, western bias and society portray them as such (Awde, 2005). This is because of their racial differences in regards to the way they live their lives. The...
Words: 2358 - Pages: 10
...spiritual— Islamic women. The first part of the essay will delve intodifferent viewpoints concerning feminism and Islam. The second shall attempt to juxtapose the opinions of traditional Islamic religious fundamentalists and those of social activists. There are a variety of themes which bring out these opinions via the help of Dharker’s collection. These themes lead us to question these opinions which may or may not hold true. [EDIT] _____________________________________________________________________ 1 Fundamentally, “the word ‘Purdah’ is used as a title for the set of injunctions which constitute the most important part of the Islamic system of community life. (Al-Ash’ari, 19) Purdah is the result of the “feudal ruler’s concept of izzat(honour-here used in the sense of inviolable feminine chastity)” This concept of izzat and its protection by men itself implied male superiority. It’s essential message was that woman needed to be protected and that man was her protector” (Asghar Ali Engineer,6) Hence, the men put ‘their’ women in Purdah and in doing so emphasized their dominance over women. In order for women to protect their ‘izzat’, it was essential as per the holy book of Qur’an, that “They should draw their over-garments close on to their breasts, and should not display their decoration except before their husbands, fathers, fathers-in-law, sons, step-sons, brothers, nephews, their own women, male attendants...
Words: 1560 - Pages: 7
...Sociology 4/16/2013 Research Paper Islamic Women in Society “Common Perceptions of Muslim Women” Islam is one of the three most popular monotheistic religions in the world. It has both its positive and negative images in the media. Commonly, in society Islam is looked upon as an extreme and radical religion. This paper will take a close look into the reactions to the "Muslim Women" in both American and Muslim American societies in the U.S. Whether it’s the clothing, occupations, marriages, or inequality, the women in this religion seem to be under a magnify glass in society. Islam is the second largest religion and the world and is still increasing in number. Statistics show that estimates of the total number of Muslims range from 0.7 to 1.8 billion worldwide and 1.1 to 7 million in the U.S alone (B.A Robinson). These numbers show that not only is Islam present is everyday society but it is here to stay. The history of Islam started way before America, in the Arabian Peninsula. Before Islam, or Al-Jahiliyah the people of the Arabian plate lived in tribes and the customs were much different to those in present day. Some of the customs that were present before Islam was arranged marriages, the killing of infant girls, and very few rights for women and slaves. All of these pre- Islamic customs were abolished when Islam was brought forth to the people of Arabia. Islam is a religion that not only respects its women but in fact cherishes their very existence...
Words: 2453 - Pages: 10
...What Rights Do Women in Islam Have? The question was posed about if women in Islam have rights at all. It is commonly understood here that Islamic women have no rights, they must wear a burka, and their husbands run their lives. After researching this online, and watching videos, I have a totally different understanding of the Islamic culture. The Qur’an states that men and women are seen as equal; but in 4:34 “men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other and because they spend from their means. Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband’s absence what Allah orders them to guard.” (The Koran) This refers to a relationship between a husband and a wife. The Qur’an (Koran) never makes a single mention about women having to be housewives. It merely states that a woman is not created for the purpose of a man, but they were both created for one another. The majority of Muslim countries give women quite a few rights whether it be in marriage, legal status, or divorce. Women have played an important role in the foundation of many Islamic educational institutions; they could study, earn degrees, and even become teachers. Female education was actually influenced by Muhammed’s wives: Khadijah was a successful businesswoman Best 3 and Aisha was a scholar and, surprisingly, a military leader. Another thing that is surprising is that women are allowed to work, even though they are subject to...
Words: 699 - Pages: 3
...I recognize well this is very sensitive subject because human nature prefers not to hear the truth and simply wants to receive good news even at the expense of reality. However, let’s be frank: Most Islamic countries are being left behind in social progress as compared with other nations. There are essentially five reasons for this situation. First, we must consider the educational curriculums adopted in Islamic countries, knowing that education is the first step toward refining the talent and minds of scientists, inventors and innovators. Yet, our curriculums and our teachers, being the products of cultural norms in most Muslim countries, remain wedded to the past and unable to produce persons of creative minds and innovative ways of thinking. Why is this so? Because these curriculums and the attitudes of teachers fail to value or embrace the disciplines that are vital for today, such as subjects like mathematics, chemistry, physics, philosophy and logic, which have been disregarded and replaced, with all due respect, by mostly religious subjects and teachers who seek to impose religious dogma upon their students. While there is nothing wrong with religious classes at educational institutions devoted exclusively to religious instruction and training, such classes may impair scientific study if they are taught intensively in non-religious educational institutions. It has been proven throughout history (and beyond any doubt) that no nation can progress if it uses an educational...
Words: 963 - Pages: 4
...Topic: Gender gap in education in developing countries [pic] Sociology101 Section 8 Prepared for: Dr.Zebun N. Ahmed Presented by: Anika Siraj (Planning, Information collector, & Creative designer) Sarjana Iqbal (Information Collector, Presenter) Jerin Sultana (Information Editor) Dillruba Hoque (Presenter) Saddam Hossain • Introduction: Gender inequality or gap in education has a significant negative impact on economic growth and appears to be an important factor contributing to Africa's and South Asia's poor growth performance over the past 30 years. In addition to increasing growth, greater gender equality in education promotes other important development goals, including lower fertility and lower child mortality. Gender inequality in education has a direct impact on economic growth through lowering the average quality of human capital. Economic growth is indirectly affected through the impact of gender inequality on investment and population growth also. Gender inequality may have adverse impacts on a number of valuable development goals. First, gender inequality in education and access to resources may prevent a reduction of child mortality, of fertility, and an expansion of education of the next generation. To the extent that these linkages exist, gender bias in education may thus generate instrumental problems for development...
Words: 4187 - Pages: 17
...Introduction The Argument Against 42886090 Over the past few years, the veiling practices of Muslim women have been the issue of public debate and come under direct government gaze. In particular, countries such a France and Turkey have issued a ban on wearing the burqa in public. The ban relates to the general wearing of the burqa and not for certain situations such as identity checks. This debate has spread to Australian soil where dozens of Australians, such as Cory Bernardi, have enunciated their approval and have called for such a ban in Australia. While some countries have similar meaning of the veil, the majority of non-Islamic individuals across Europe and Australia have interpreted the veil in their own way and thus attached to it different meanings causing different perceptions as to why or why not it should be worn. Using the article by Bernardi (2010) as a starting point, I will critique the feeble objections writers of the topic have against the burqa and justify why their reasons for a burqa ban are invalid and cannot benefit society, and if anything, set society backwards. By interpreting the results of my focus groups, this thesis will explain how the majority of women who wear the burqa do so by choice and society must accept their choice. Also, I will explain that just because some women are forced to wear the burqa, banning it is not the solution the Australian Government should take. Before moving on, a brief point...
Words: 2312 - Pages: 10
...turned over various books written on the subject of education, and patiently observed the conduct of parents and the management of schools; but what has been the result?--a profound conviction that the neglected education of my fellow-creatures is the grand source of the misery I deplore, and that women, in particular, are rendered weak and wretched by a variety of concurring causes, originating from one hasty conclusion. The conduct and manners of women, in fact, evidently prove that their minds are not in a healthy state; for, like the flowers which are planted in too rich a soil, strength and usefulness are sacrificed to beauty; and the flaunting leaves, after having pleased a fastidious eye, fade, disregarded on the stalk, long before the season when they ought to have arrived at maturity. One cause of this barren blooming I attribute to a false system of education, gathered from the books written on this subject by men who, considering females rather as women than human creatures, have been more anxious to make them alluring mistresses than affectionate wives and rational mothers; and the understanding of the sex has been so bubbled by this specious homage, that the civilized women of the present century, with a few exceptions, are only anxious to inspire love, when they ought to cherish a nobler ambition, and by their abilities and virtues exact respect. In a treatise, therefore, on female rights and...
Words: 5561 - Pages: 23
...Malala report Malala began fighting for women rights when she was 11. She started sharing her opinion against no education for girls in her country by posting on a blog, about how she felt and why. She posted how it wasn’t fair that girls shouldn’t be allowed to have an education just because they lived in Pakistan. She started saying things like how she thought that girls should be allowed to have an education no matter where they lived, and how the girls should be treated better than staying home, taking care of the livestock, and having children. What Malala fights for is not only for women’s rights in general but for women’s rights in education. Malala is a courageous woman, with a strong opinion, and feelings for what she believes in. People love her for that, but they hate her for that too. Malala was 14 when she got shot in the head and neck on October 9,2012. The bullet barely grazed her brain and almost killed her by inches. As her father put it: "When she fell, the person who attacked her wanted to kill her … She fell temporarily, she will rise again, she will stand again. She can stand now." From: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/26/malala-yousafzai-everybodys-daughter-father After the attack, all the surgeons from Pakistan were at war to save Malala’s life. They managed to take out a bullet lodged in her neck. Unfortunately with a threat hanging over the family, they decided to airlift Malala to Britain, and hopefully have her recover...
Words: 325 - Pages: 2
...RETHINKING POLICY ON CHILD SEx RATIOS Mary E John ......................................................................................5 NCW: TWENTY YEARS OF EMPOWERING WOMEN Mamta Sharma ..................................................................................9 STREE SHAKTI Rashmi Singh ..................................................................................13 NORTH EAST DIARY ...............................................................18 EMPOWERING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE Amrit Patel ......................................................................................19 EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWERED NATION Shahin Razi .....................................................................................24 WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT ACROSS INDIAN STATES Arundhati Chattopadhyay ...............................................................29 J&K wINDOw ..........................................................................56 AMENDING ARCHAIC LAWS TO EMPOWER WOMEN Moushumi Das Gupta .....................................................................52 WOMEN AND PANCHAYATI RAJ Nupur Tiwari ...................................................................................36 DO YOu KNOw? SOME FACTS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 2005 ..................................................................41 WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS Kahnu Charan Dhir .........................................................................42 BEST PRACTICES PEARL IN THE SAND – TARA DEVI Dilip Bidawat...
Words: 28168 - Pages: 113
...debate on women, their rights, their future and their plight has been going on. As time changed, women also changed but the issue of conflict remains the same. In this regard many oppose the changes and many accept it. This essay will discuss the issues that are surrounding the empowerment of women. The implementation of women empowerment has both negative and positive aspects. There can be many disadvantages of empowering women. Firstly, many people still have the traditional perception that the woman's place in the society is her home. Empowering women would mean to allow her to leave her comfort zone and indulge in activities that could pollute her spiritually, emotionally and physically. A woman’s most precious possession is her virginity (Hudson, 1977). Most Islamic countries still follow this norm. Therefore, many at times women might not be given a fair chance to go out in the society to fulfill their dreams, socialize or to even voice out their opinions. For example; a Muslim woman is denied the right to choose her husband, report of abuse and is even excluded from mosques due to certain Islamic principles (Issues Of Concern For Muslim Women, 1995). As such, this can prove to be a little difficult for women living in some Islamic countries to totally move away from their cultural values. Secondly, lack of education for rural women restricts women from knowing their legal rights and also from getting involved in activities outside the home. In some areas women are still...
Words: 936 - Pages: 4
...Gender and the Right to Education Gender inequality in education is a big issue. Girls are less likely to access school, to remain in school or to achieve in education. ‘Girls make up around 56 per cent of the 77 million children not in school, and women make up two thirds of the adults who are illiterate”. Even girls who do enroll in school may have irregular attendance due to other demands on them, and the fact that their education may not be prioritized. Girls are more likely to repeat years, to drop out early and to fail key subjects, and in most countries girls are less likely to complete the transition to secondary schooling. Sadly, in many places, girls who do attend school may be subject to physical and mental abuse. There are numerous reports of teachers taking advantage of their position of power and sexually abusing girls.’ Men still dominate women in every country in the world, resulting in widespread discrimination against women and girls. The impact of unequal power relations and discrimination is often felt most severely when material poverty exists, as this increases vulnerability. Inequality in society inevitably has an impact on the provision and content of education, as well as on the ability of girls to enter, and remain in, school. Gender discrimination Cultural and social beliefs, attitudes and practices prevent girls from benefiting from educational opportunities to the same extent as boys. There is often a powerful economic and social rationale...
Words: 1479 - Pages: 6
