Women's rights in Islam, two reformist approaches: Abdullahi An-Na'aim and Khaled Abu El Fadl

Abstract

The papers examines two different reformist approaches to Islamic law in general and women's rights in particular. Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im and Khaled Abou El Fadl are chosen as the focus of this study because of their respective innovative approaches to a historically controversial issue. The focus is on the Qur'anic verses and various definitive texts in Qur'an or al-nas qati al-delalah. Discussed is the historical context of the scholars interpretation of the Qur'anic verses; the relationship between the historical context of the Qura'nic verses and the occasions for which the Quranic verses were revealed to the Prophet; any differences between their methodologies on this issue; how the traditional Qur'anic texts are used in their interpretations; and finally, the problems which they are to incorporate. this is then applied to the questions of women's rights. The medthodologies of the reformist approaches make a case for a fuller understanding of the restrictions arising out of reform, definitive text, and the methodologies that seek consensus while avoiding conflict and integration of Sharia with human rights. The methodologies presented appeal to the elite, and those who are interested in the reform of Islamic law and the Islamic discourse. The average Muslim is not exposed to such theories the discourse in the media tends to be outside much of the reformist debate.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Date of Award

6-1-2006

Online Submission Date

February 2015

First Advisor

Modirzadeh, Naz

Committee Member 1

Hill, End

Document Type

Thesis

Extent

83 p.

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. The author has granted the American University in Cairo or its agents a non-exclusive license to archive this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study, and to make it accessible, in whole or in part, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known.

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