Abstract

Gender inequality is a global issue that limits women’s social, economic as well as political opportunities. Fortunately enough, there have been many feminist movements that fight for gender equality and women’s rights. The basis for male domination is sometimes justified by culture, or religion. The problem arises when the oppression of women is being justified on the basis of religion mainly Islam in the Arab countries, for it becomes harder to women to challenge the situation, because it conflicts with their inner faith. This thesis will tackle the issue of Islamic Feminism, a recent movement that calls for gender equality in the name of Islam, through providing an alternative feminist interpretation of the Qur’anic text as well as Islamic Law. Although Islamic Feminists have succeeded in using their interpretation to reform laws that address women’s issues in the Muslim countries, they still face many challenges from traditional scholars who have attained Islamic education and have studies Islamic jurisprudence. Consequently, this paper argues that in order to move a step forward, and for the movement to be more effectively successful, Islamic feminists have to engage with the traditionalists, to increase the movement’s credibility as well as legitimacy and to be able to make the changes they long for come true.

Department

Law Department

Degree Name

MA in International Human Rights Law

Graduation Date

2-1-2017

Submission Date

October 2017

First Advisor

Beckett, Jason

Committee Member 1

El Sayed, Hani

Committee Member 2

Abbassi, Muhammad Zubair

Extent

61 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Comments

This thesis is dedicated to all the women out there who are being oppressed through having their inner faith abused in the name of religion. To those who inspired it.

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