Islamic feminists Flashcards
What does Tawhid suggest for Wadud?
Fundamental principle of Islam - in matters of social justice, it refers to unity. Men and women are unified by Tawhid.
What does Wadud say about being a Khalifah?
The role of women in Islam is to be a Khalifah, a moral agent of Allah on earth, supported by the Qur’an verse, “Indeed I will create an agent on earth” - not created as a second class citizen to man, created equally.
How does Wadud view Fiqh?
It is flexible and subjective.
Give the quote which suggests women shoud wear their jilbab abroad.
“Tell thy wives and daughters that they should cast their jilbab over their persons (when abroad) and say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty”
What did Barlas say about the words veil and hijab?
They were never used in the Qur’an. The word khumar means covering so the bosoms must be covered but not the face or hair with the hijab. Use of ijtihad.
What does Barlas say about covering?
Is applicable to the eyes in the sense that one should cover the eyes by looking downwards and not gaze at the opposite sex so as to attract unwanted attention - both men and women.
For Barlas what was the point of covering?
Used only to distinguish reputable Muslim women from slaves at the time who did not wear a covering
What did Barlas say about woman mixing with men?
Should be allowed to mix publicly with men otherwise it would not state to cast their eyes down. Both should be covered and dress modestly and avert their gaze. The verse has to state that woman should cover the bosoms because they have them.
What does the Qur’an say about the Prophet’s wives?
Muhammad’s wives only ever wore the veil in the compound of his house - “And when ye ask of them anything, ask it of them from behind a curtain”
What do Barlas, Ahmed and Ramadan say about the Prophet’s wives?
They wore the veil because they were higher in society so this didn’t apply to most Muslim women and not should it today.
What do the Malaysian Sisters say about how men should treat their wives?
Men should act compassionately to their wives because the Qur’an teaches that God is compassionate.
How do Barlas and Al-Hibri interpret “men are the support of women…”?
Men provide the finances because they often earn more but women can still earn if in a marriage it is decided they should - so women are still equal.
What does beat them mean for Barlas?
Just to set an example. Or she talks about how Job took a sprig of leaves and symbolically struck his wife as she cursed God - didn’t hit her physically.
What does Barlas say about daraba?
Can mean to prevent - prevent a women from leaving the house. It does not mean to be violent towards women.
What does Haleh Afshar say about beating wives?
Claims that lightly beating the wife was a description for Arabs at the time but not for Muslims to follow today.
What does Barlas say about Sunken?
Arabic term which means an intimate love relationship. Husbands and wives are in an intimate love relationship in Islam and so it is unlikely that this passage would mean beat/rape your wife.
Give the quote about supporting women?
“Men are the support of women as God gives some more means than others, and because they spend of their wealth…”
Give the quote about beating your wife.
“As for women you feel are averse talk to them suasively; then leave them alone in bed and go to bed with them (when they are willing or daraba)
Which Islamic feminists are against the hijab?
Amara and Mhenni
What does Amara say about the Hijab?
Supports France’s ban of it. Says: “The veil is the visible symbol of the subjugation of women”. Also says “It’s not tradition, its archaic!”
What does Mhenni say about Tunisia’s ban?
“If today we accept the headscarf, tomorrow we’ll accept that women’s right to work and vote and receive education be banned and they’ll be seen as just a tool for reproduction and housework”
Give the Qur’anic quote about Sunken.
“helpmeets from amongst yourselves that you might find “sunken” in them.”
How does Fakhry’s translation of the “Men are the support of women” differ?
“Men are in charge of women…” suggests violence towards women is allowed. Traditionalists support this.
What was the White Wednesday campaign?
Women should have the choice to wear the hijab or not to wear it. To force women to wear it is oppressive. In response there has been a Hashtag Monday campaign - women decided to wear the Hijab and have White Monday.
What happened to Mahsi Amini?
Died in police custody in Iran having been taken by the morality police for wearing her hijab incorrectly and having hair showing.
