Women in Islam

1
Women in Islam

• Prepared by Jack Mahoney

2
Roles of Women in the Quran

• Men and women are equal
• Revelations directed to men women (3335)
• What truly matters is not male/female, but
  whether they believe in Allah (971, 4124)
• Provisions for the physical financial
  well-being of women (2236, 2240)
• Men and women are not equal
• Daughters inherit half as much property
• Valued mostly as mothers and wives

3
Surah 4 The Women

• 19-25 The treatment of wives, and proper
  courtship
• 32 Fair treatment of women
• 34 Roles of husbands in regard to wives and
  their loyalty
• There are numerous unnamed women throughout the
  Quran that are mentioned, such as the wives of
  the prophet.

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Importance of Mary

• Maryam (Mary, Mother of Jesus) is the only woman
  named in the entire Qur'an.
• Mary, mother of Christ (335-37, 42-47, 19
  16-29)
• Virgin conception and role as mother of the
  Messiah recognized in the Quran
• Chosen by and obedient to Allah
• There are some references to Elizabeth, though
  she is never named (337-41, 191-15)

5
Modern Muslim Women (Reformed Areas)America,
Europe, parts of Middle East

• Women, as well as men, are encouraged to become
  as educated as they can
• Right to an official position in a mosque is
  disputed by many (Female Imam one day?)
• Fully emancipated
• Enjoy all rights and privileges that men have
• Are not second grade members of community
• Following Hijab is often optional

6
Modern Muslim Women (Conservative Areas) Africa,
most of Middle East, Asia

• Religious law often heavily enforced in public
• A Burka, which covers all parts of the body
  except the eyes are often mandatory for women
• Women prevented from being employed, not allowed
  to drive, vote, hold office or seek divorce.
• given very few rights, they are rarely allowed to
  testify in court
• Honor killings are still a major problem
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali

7
Ingrid Mattson

• New president of the "Islamic Society of North
  America
• Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of
  Islamic Chaplaincy
• Dr. Mattson earned her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies
  from the University of Chicago in 1999. Her
  research is focused on Islamic law and society.
• Convert from Catholicism, first woman to lead the
  organization.

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Summary

• Mary only woman specifically mentioned in the
  Quran, she is mentioned several times and in
  many places.
• The Quran makes several references to the
  equality of Women, emphasizing modesty over
  subjection
• Modern Muslim Woman are often subject to the laws
  of their respective areas some strict, others
  free.
• Women are gaining power and influence
• Materials from Janel Alimboyoguen, Gwyneth
  Calipjo, Julia Conley, Elly Guadarram, Leslie
  Kincaid, John Michael Reyes, Max Altshuld,
  Subhan Ayoubi, Cierra Cass, Chad Greer, Dani
  Lencioni, Gina Belmonte, Taylor Chaput, Katrina
  Gould and Lindsay Smith