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Women and Men in the Qur’ān
This book distinguishes Islam as a spiritual message from the sociopolitical context of its revelation. While the sacred text of the Quran reveals a clear empowerment of women and equality of believers, such spirit is barely reflected in the interpretations. Trapped between Western rhetoric that portrays them as submissive figures in desperate need of liberation, and centuries-old, parochial interpretations that have almost become part of the “sacred,” Muslim women are pressured and profoundly misunderstood. Asma Lamrabet laments this state of affairs and the inclination of both Muslims and non-Muslims to readily embrace flawed human interpretations that devalue women rather than remaining faithful to the meaning of the Sacred Text. Full of insight, this study carefully reads the Qur’an to arrive at its deeper spiritual teachings.
- GenresIslamNonfiction
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2018
6 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 18, 2024
FINALLY finished this book!
And honestly, I'm just left with a massive sense of being annoyed at how this passes as standard reading for #IslamAndWomenReads in academic settings.
There is very little real knowledge or research here; she provides almost zero evidence for her many sweeping claims (the Qur’an preaches total gender equality, fiqh is bad, fuqaha were all men who corrupted the spirit of the Qur’an's teachings, Muslim societies suck because they only follow fiqh), she conflates loads of things (cultural issues presented as justified by fiqh), and far too many strawman arguments (people say xyz about Islam and women!!! - but never provides WHO says it, and usually claims Islamic scholars did, with zero proof).
Her ignorance of many topics esp fiqh related is very clear (hijab, details of ruling of stoning for muhsan zaanis, and more) and it's incredibly frustrating to read through her pontificating while knowing she is missing a MASSIVE chunk of these discussions. It's impossible to take her seriously tbh.
What's sad is that sprinkled throughout are some actually good reflections & points, & I can deeply relate to her social critiques of Muslim attitudes & behaviors. I have a bunch of tabs for particularly poignant sections on how (ironically) several fiqh rulings in the Qur’an tie to bigger themes of justice, empowering women, & bringing about positive social revolution. I understand her frustration, I really do, and I share much of it.
It's just that... well, pretty much all her arguments suck. Would not recommend to anyone who doesn't already have a pretty strong background in Islamic studies + #IslamAndWomen discourse. (But is good to understand the academic discourse on these topics & what material is pushed as "foundational reading" for that niche.) Would recommend cross-referencing many of the points brought up with Abd Al-Halim Abu Shuqqah's work, as well as Hadia Mubarak's book.
And honestly, I'm just left with a massive sense of being annoyed at how this passes as standard reading for #IslamAndWomenReads in academic settings.
There is very little real knowledge or research here; she provides almost zero evidence for her many sweeping claims (the Qur’an preaches total gender equality, fiqh is bad, fuqaha were all men who corrupted the spirit of the Qur’an's teachings, Muslim societies suck because they only follow fiqh), she conflates loads of things (cultural issues presented as justified by fiqh), and far too many strawman arguments (people say xyz about Islam and women!!! - but never provides WHO says it, and usually claims Islamic scholars did, with zero proof).
Her ignorance of many topics esp fiqh related is very clear (hijab, details of ruling of stoning for muhsan zaanis, and more) and it's incredibly frustrating to read through her pontificating while knowing she is missing a MASSIVE chunk of these discussions. It's impossible to take her seriously tbh.
What's sad is that sprinkled throughout are some actually good reflections & points, & I can deeply relate to her social critiques of Muslim attitudes & behaviors. I have a bunch of tabs for particularly poignant sections on how (ironically) several fiqh rulings in the Qur’an tie to bigger themes of justice, empowering women, & bringing about positive social revolution. I understand her frustration, I really do, and I share much of it.
It's just that... well, pretty much all her arguments suck. Would not recommend to anyone who doesn't already have a pretty strong background in Islamic studies + #IslamAndWomen discourse. (But is good to understand the academic discourse on these topics & what material is pushed as "foundational reading" for that niche.) Would recommend cross-referencing many of the points brought up with Abd Al-Halim Abu Shuqqah's work, as well as Hadia Mubarak's book.
February 17, 2022
This book is one of the best works that tackle the question of equality between the sexes within the Islamic heritage. For Asma Lamrabet, women and men are perceived as equals by the sacred text. She mentions examples of Muslim women that best demonstrate their capacity to challenge, centuries ago, the patriarchal interpretations of the Quran as well as the attempts to exclude them from the public sphere in the name of Islam. What we need according to Lamrabet is a critical reading and understanding of the different interpretations of religion for they are often polluted by mysogynistic political and sociocultural backgrounds. She simply wants us to go back to that authentic Islam and get inspired by the Prophet Muhammad as a model for all Muslims. The context of the revelation should also be taken into account to best absorb the divine message and avoid the tendency of a literal reading of the Quran. We can say that the purpose is to highlight the egalitarian spirit of Islam and to prove that equality has never been an alien concept brought from the West and that Islamic feminism is not an oxymore as many would claim.
January 17, 2021
That was tough! Women and Men in the Qur'an is but 200 pages but took me 3 months to complete. Goodness.
I'll have to give it a 3.5*. -0.5 because it was tough and -1 because, gggrrr, it angered me the whole time.
I mean the disparity between The Sacred Text and the interpretations of it is disheartening.
I can't. My Heart.
And the fact that these misguided interpretations are being spread in some places every friday without ever taking a step back and think if the message is peaceful as Islam is, is even more concerning.
I quote last Friday sermon: "nou ban missier in donn nou pli boku lavataz, la force, lintelizence, responsabilité, pou ki nou pren compte nou ban madam et pa less zot egarer" 🙄 rolling my eyes to the other dimension.
I can't. My Mind.
Asma Lamrabet however, analysed the very beginning of the scared text and brought it to light. From Revelation, to Creation of Humanity, Marriage and Divorce (which was remarkably clear for those who need unbaised information about it and better know their rights). And also discussed SHARED responsibility of Men and Women, inheritance and ofc the Veil/khimar. (the veil/khimar was quite revelating as I didn't know the difference and how the verses came to be)
And she concludes with
"Muslim pray to God 5 times a day, respect the fast during the month of Ramadan, and memorise the Qur'an, all of which are important. However, this 'qiwama' - the provision of maintenance - of justice is virtually absent from their daily conduct. One thus note a huge gap between the religious practices and the sum of the Quranic ethics, a gap that seems to deepen, day after day, throughout the entire muslim world. This lag reduces the grandeur of this last monotheist révélation to a mere ritualised and formalised religious ceremony *carried to excess. "
which I couldn't agree more.
I'll have to give it a 3.5*. -0.5 because it was tough and -1 because, gggrrr, it angered me the whole time.
I mean the disparity between The Sacred Text and the interpretations of it is disheartening.
I can't. My Heart.
And the fact that these misguided interpretations are being spread in some places every friday without ever taking a step back and think if the message is peaceful as Islam is, is even more concerning.
I quote last Friday sermon: "nou ban missier in donn nou pli boku lavataz, la force, lintelizence, responsabilité, pou ki nou pren compte nou ban madam et pa less zot egarer" 🙄 rolling my eyes to the other dimension.
I can't. My Mind.
Asma Lamrabet however, analysed the very beginning of the scared text and brought it to light. From Revelation, to Creation of Humanity, Marriage and Divorce (which was remarkably clear for those who need unbaised information about it and better know their rights). And also discussed SHARED responsibility of Men and Women, inheritance and ofc the Veil/khimar. (the veil/khimar was quite revelating as I didn't know the difference and how the verses came to be)
And she concludes with
"Muslim pray to God 5 times a day, respect the fast during the month of Ramadan, and memorise the Qur'an, all of which are important. However, this 'qiwama' - the provision of maintenance - of justice is virtually absent from their daily conduct. One thus note a huge gap between the religious practices and the sum of the Quranic ethics, a gap that seems to deepen, day after day, throughout the entire muslim world. This lag reduces the grandeur of this last monotheist révélation to a mere ritualised and formalised religious ceremony *carried to excess. "
which I couldn't agree more.
July 22, 2018
A book I translated from French to English. Re-read after its publication. Definitely worth reading although some might think I'm biased (as the translator).
December 3, 2023
Asma Lamrabet’s Women and Men in the Qur’an has many contradictions, double standards and at times false or unsubstantiated statements.
The implication of her message is that the Quran is beautiful, but Muslims can never get it’s application right. Hence they may as well give up and follow their individual idea of spirituality, essentially their nafs.
She believes the main focus should be on spirituality, since applying the law is oppressive and backward. The jurists are all portrayed as misogynists, and their rulings as being a direct contradiction to the Quran. Her strong hatred for fiqh and the fuqaha is felt throughout the book.
There were some good points, but overall, this book was disappointing.
The implication of her message is that the Quran is beautiful, but Muslims can never get it’s application right. Hence they may as well give up and follow their individual idea of spirituality, essentially their nafs.
She believes the main focus should be on spirituality, since applying the law is oppressive and backward. The jurists are all portrayed as misogynists, and their rulings as being a direct contradiction to the Quran. Her strong hatred for fiqh and the fuqaha is felt throughout the book.
There were some good points, but overall, this book was disappointing.
January 24, 2024
The Real Beauty of Islam Recaptured Here
One of the best books that dispel the misinterpretations by humans (who are imperfect) of the perfect Divine Word, the Quran.
Addresses the growing uneasiness witnessing the contrast between:
real spirit and beauty of Islam v narrow and rigid application in daily lives of many Muslims.
Please read and enlighten yourselves.
One of the best books that dispel the misinterpretations by humans (who are imperfect) of the perfect Divine Word, the Quran.
Addresses the growing uneasiness witnessing the contrast between:
real spirit and beauty of Islam v narrow and rigid application in daily lives of many Muslims.
Please read and enlighten yourselves.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews