Customer Reviews

Gender Equity in Islam: Basic Principles

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As a non-Muslim, I found the explanations of Islamic views very clear and well delivered. The quotations from the Qu'ran and Ahadeeth are well selected. Misconceptions of Islamic views are dealt with by reference to those specific quotations from primary sources, which have ignited those misinterpretations.

I found the book wholely honest and helpful. No propaganda, just simple, straightforward discussion of gender equity according to the Qu'ran and Ahadeeth. Included are many examples of cultural views in Muslim lands, which contradict Islamic views. This differentiation is vital to the reader, who would tend to see current non-Qu'ranic practices, such as that of the Afgan Taliban, as Islamic when it is but a perversion from Islam.

I fully recommend this text for open-minded non-Muslims, who desire a fair treatment on the subject.

Dr. Badawi presents an authentic approach to gender equity in Islam and dispells certain misconceptions held by many muslims and non-muslims alike. He supports his position by drawing from examples in the Qur'an and the Hadeeth.

This is a must-read for anyone who want to learn more about gender equity in the spirit of normative Islamic principles.

please don't buy into the portrayal of Islam as oppressive and unfair to women. Learn as much as you can before jumping on the hate bandwagon. There's more to life than just what YOU may hold to be true. Again, for a good explanation of the status of women and men in Islam, study this work by a great contemporary Islamic scholar, an excellent speaker, and a true gentleman.

As-Salaamu A'alaikum.

Jamal Badawi is an Egyptian born Muslim, and a well-known author, preacher and speaker on Islam. He is also a former professor in the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University in Canada.

He states in the Preface to this 1995 book, "The issue of gender equity is important, relevant and current. Debates and writings on the subject are increasing and are diverse in their perspectives. The Islamic perspective on the issue is the least understood and most misrepresented by non-Muslims and, at times, by some Muslims as well... As such, there is a pressing need to reexamine this issue in the light of the primary sources of Islam. This brief book is a call for such an overdue task."

Here are some quotations from the book:

"The Qur'an makes it clear that the sole basis for the superiority of any person over another is piety and righteousness, not gender, color or nationality." (Pg. 13)
"The Shari'ah [Islamic Law] recognizes the full property rights of women before and after marriage. They may buy, sell or lease any or all of their properties at will. For this reason, Muslim women may keep (and in fact they have traditionally kept) their maiden names after marriage, an indication of their independent property rights as legal entities." (Pg. 16)
"Islam regards (a woman's) role in society as a mother and a wife as her most sacred and essential one... This may explain why a married woman must secure her husband's consent if she wishes to work, unless her right to work was mutually agreed to as a condition at the time of marriage." (Pg. 18)
"Education is not only a right but a responsibility for all males and females. Prophet Muhammad (P) said, 'Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim.' The word 'Muslim' here is inclusive of both males and females." (Pg. 22)
"Under no circumstances does the Qur'an encourage, allow, or condone family violence of physical abuse. In extreme cases, and whenever greater harm, such as divorce, is a likely option, it allows for a husband to administer a gentle pat to his wife that causes no physical harm to the body nor leaves any sort of mark." (Pg. 25)
"While the Qur'an allowed polygyny, it did not allow polyandry (a woman's marriage to multiple husbands)." (Pg. 29)
"There is no text in the Qur'an or Sunnah that precludes women from any position of leadership, except in leading prayer..." (Pg. 38)
"(F)emale circumcision is connected with cultural practices rather than with Islam itself ... No mention of female circumcision is to be found in the Qur'an either directly or indirectly. There is no known Hadeeth which requires female circumcision." (Pg. 48)