Gender Equity in Islam

BASIC PRINCIPLES

by Jamal Badawi, Ph.D.

Gender Equity in Islam presents an overview of the status and rights of Muslim women as defined by the Qur'an and Sunnah. In this brief but important work, Dr. Jamal Badawi examines the spiritual, social, economic, and political aspects of women's position in Islam and, in doing so, effectively summarizes the role of women in Muslim society. Further, in explaining the sources that provide the foundations for Islam's stance on gender equity, the author discusses the role of Islamic scholars in their approach to women's issues.
Dr. Badawi is a well-respected author and scholar of Islam. I respect him highly and also recommend this book to muslims and non-muslims alike (i wish it was required reading :)) Dr. Badawi takes no profit from his books and tapes, and the cost of his books are basically the cost of printing. May we make duah for him and his family Ameen.

This book is reproduced here electronically with the permission of Dr. Badawi. - H.A.
Copyright 1995 Jamal Badawi
Published by American Trust Publications
Plainfield, Indiana.

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the desires (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all that you do. (Qur'an 4:135)
O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women--fear Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you. (Qur'an 4:1)
The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise. (Qur'an 9:71)

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction and Methodology

Islam and Cultural Practices

Primary Sources of Islam

Factors in Interpretation

Chapter One

The Spritual Aspect
Foundation of Spiritual and Human Equality
Criterion for "Superiority"

Chapter Two

The Economic Aspect
The Right to Possess Personal Property
Financial Security and Inheritance Laws
Employment

Chapter Three

The Social Aspect
As a Daughter
As a Wife
- Marriage and Divorce
- Polygyny
As a Mother
As a Sister in Faith
Modesty and Social Interaction

Chapter Four

The Political and Legal Aspects
Equality Before the Law and Courts of Law
- Testimony
Participation in Social and Political LIfe
Women in Leadership Positions

Conclusion

The Ideal and the Reality
Islamic Reformation and Renewal
Relating to International Bodies and Movements
Imposition or Reform from Within

Appendix

Is Female Circumcision Required

Notes

Bibliography

Preface

Alhamdulillah wasalatu wassalam 'ala rasulullah wa 'ala alahee wa sahbahi wa man wala

The issue of gender equity [1] 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. The predominant local cultural practices in different parts of the world and the actions of some Muslims tend to reinforce erroneous perceptions of the Islamic perspective. These problems are enhanced by the tendency to treat some juristic interpretations as if they were identical with Islam.

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. It is based on a more detailed treatment by the author in album 4 of the Islamic Teachings audiotape series and may be a prelude to a more comprehensive work on the subject, Allah willing.

The author wishes to express his gratitude to all reviewers of the manuscript, especially Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad, who made several thoughtful comments. Any shortcoming or error is mine, and I seek both forgiveness and correction.

As a reader, your comments, criticisms and suggestions are appreciated and encouraged. Let us all engage in a collective search for truth, guided by the revelatory sources of Islam , the Qur'an and Sunnah.

Continue to Introduction and Methodology