Islam, Women and the Challenges of Today - Arabic Constitutions - News

Islam, Women and the Challenges of Today Modernist Insights and Feminist Perspectives By: Charlotte Bullen Al Thara- 10-8-2010 Farzana Hassan’s book ‘Islam, Women and the Challenges of Today’ strives to engage young Muslim minds in a debate of the key tenets of Islam, challenging them to re-examine entrenched views in order to develop new interpretations of the religion which are relevant to the needs and lifestyles of Modern Muslims. Regardless of a readers’ religion or gender Hassan’s book provides much needed information about the history of many Islamic views and their development. She shines light on why, in the 21st Century, there is increasing need for change and re-examination within the Seven-Pillared House of Faith. Hassan structures her case to allow the reader to question the wisdom behind such engrained beliefs. It is surprising that is has taken so long for these deep-rooted problems to be addressed yet women have only recently begun to hold positions of strength across the world and many more women still find themselves in societies that remain close to the traditional interpretations of Islam. Cleverly, Hassan manages to address issues such as marriage, abuse and polygamy whilst retaining deference to Islam. Although writing from Canada and referencing specific cases in Pakistan, this book and its advice is applicable across the Islamic World. Hassan’s argument begins with an honest examination of her beliefs and her struggle with certain tenets of Islam. She does not always have an easy journey but she reconciles herself by becoming more informed about Islam and belief in religion as a whole; so begins a swiftly navigated path through belief and disbelief, one that will ensure self-examination of the reader’s beliefs too. Hassan is a vocal believer in God and her approach allows her religious critics to be reassured of her position in looking critically at Islamic practices. The heavy hitting aspect of this book concerns the position and role of women under Islam in the world today. Seeking to examine the breadth of issues facing women, Hassan tackles polygamy, the right to seek a divorce, the issue of inheritance, domestic abuse and rape with sensitivity and insight. There are aspects of the book which do not make for pleasant reading although Hassan’s focus does not hope to gloss over the predicaments but rather emphasise the reality of the situation for women in Islam today. Peppered throughout her argument are case studies and excerpts from the Quran which emphasise the need for reform in existing thinking. A female Imam leads mixed prayers in Canada contrasts sharply with the burnt body of Zainab Noor who disobeyed her husband by visiting her family. Hassan does not seek to challenge the basic tenet of Islam, the belief in One God, nor does she dispute the qualities of generosity, justice and humility which are developed by the Quran. However, the focus of re-interpretation settles on whether concubinage, slavery, the seclusion of women and polygamy are relevant to today’s society and are not in fact just tools of traditional Islamists which help to perpetuate the existing social order. It is evident that many of these practices were possibly excusable in the 7th Century but have little foothold now. The elevation of the status of women is achievable through a re-interpretation of the Quran, the Sunnah and Shariah Law. Just as they have been subject to interpretation by those who consider themselves champions of Islam, the Quran and Shariah Law need to be re-examined for today’s modern women and changing societies. Ijtihad, the use of independent or personal judgement in legal matters, is heavily endorsed by Hassan as the only viable option of delivering justice to those who need it most. Too great a reliance on the Quran or Sunnah only allows the perpetuation of thoughts from custodians of the faith; therefore, the freedom to judge independently would help to contribute to the spread of democracy, social justice and economic progress across the Muslim world. Quite rightly, Hassan emphasises the need for laws to reflect the changes in society and for the current stalemate between women and law to be laid open by the Muslim youth. What may have been relevant to 7th Century Arabia is no longer relevant to the 21st Century because situations and circumstances change. Female illiteracy cannot be held up as a valid argument against barring women to testify in rape and adultery cases as access to information and education has allowed women to become better informed and aware of their rights. This logic can be applied to divorce, inheritance, as well as all aspects of traditional interpretations of Islam which view women to be inferior and incapable of making decisions. However, the complexity of her argument is in ensuring people acknowledge this fact. Hassan has taken on a daunting task, not least due to the scale of aspects under examination, but also because of the need for constructive criticism to be received suitably. Provoking the wrath of traditional Islam is an easy task for a Feminist yet it is the author’s duty as a writer and as a woman to ensure she does justice to women’s predicaments in Islam today. In other words, had Hassan not put forth such a straight forward and articulated argument, her work and all of its practical suggestions could be easily dismissed as yet another feminist who is striking out against her religion. Hassan brings together questions of religion, belief and tolerance and reflects the position of women within these practices. She strives to separate culture and religion and places special emphasis on reforms within Islam. Hassan hopes to create a debate about the pre-existing notions of Islam and women’s position in society; it is the reader’s responsibilty to connect with her words and bring about social change. She reflects on the need for tolerance within religion, the relationship between it and culture as well as calling for fresh interpretation of Islam. Her objective is to improve upon existing conditions for women in Islam today and to allow this ancient religion to become up-to-date with the needs of modern followers. ‘Islam, Women and the Challenges of Today’ succeeds in providing an eloquent argument for the re-interpretation of Islam and helps to dispense much needed information for women about their rights. Only with this information, and an understanding of why these practices are obsolete, can a woman begin to fight for her rights. Thara E- Magazine No. 245 ,10/8/2010 Reproduction permitted with appropriate citation

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Anonymous	Posted: 2010/8/12 16:11  Updated: 2010/8/12 16:12
	Re: Islam, Women and the Challenges of Today it seem a very good book would sendit to my email please