Islam
The Male Is Not Like the Female (Q 3:36): The Question of Gender Egalitarianism in the Qur’ān
By , Institute of Ismaili Studies (June 2009)
Section: Islam
Key Topics: ethics, women, equality, gender, social hierarchy, feminism, justice, marriage.
Abstract
Notions of justice and gender egalitarianism are central to the debates on the status of women in the Qur’an today; however authors differ in their definitions of the terms of justice and egalitarianism. Some argue that egalitarianism is located in the spiritual realm, while marital hierarchies are natural. Others interpret the text to embody egalitarianism in all realms. A third group holds complete equality as an ideal, but admits to the text's hierarchical elements. This article examines these scholarly debates, and addresses the question of whether the Qur’an treats men and women equally. I propose that gender equality is not a central concern of the Qur’ān.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2009.00147.x
This article abstract has been viewed 735 times.
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