The Rights of Women in Islam: An Authentic Approach

by Haifaa A. Jawad

It has been argued that Islam liberated Muslim women by granting them full rights as citizens. Yet in reality we see that women have long been subjected to both cultural and political oppression. Instances such as forced marriages are sadly common in the Muslim World, as are restrictions on education and on their role in the labour force.

159 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

HAIFAA A. JAWAD is Senior Lecturer in Middle East and Islamic Studies at Westhill College, Birmingham. She previously taught politics and international relations at Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, and New England College, Arundel. Born in Baghdad, Dr Jawad gained her PhD from Exeter University in 1989. She has specialised on Euro-Arab relations, the socio-political study of Islam, Islam and the west and women's issues in Islam. Among her most recent publications is The Middle East in the New World Order (1997). Currently she is on secondment at the Religious Department of Lancaster University.

Reviews

[Diána M G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like repeteadly stabbing myself in the eye with a pen while reading this rather sad collection of unfathomable fallacies. Funny, it even states that Westerners are somehow banned from understanding this top notch epitome of hipocrisy - a rather self deceiving explanation of why thruthful rights of women in islam are very, very flattering and grand (for, you know, secondhand beings such as women are) - which, despite a few absolutely smashing and undisputable examples of 'woman seen as somehow respectable' that date from the times of the prohet (long time no see)- are not recognised for or exercised by any woman in islam. Treacherous, ridiculous, self righteous pamphlets like this book are the reason why the world needs radical feminism. Yes, in the 21st century, the need to get to the root of the problem is more aching as ever and first step would be to burn this sick joke of a book.

[Thiya Renjana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dikasih Mas Bas :*

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but needs more evidence to support the arguments. I would've liked more quotes from Hadiths and the Quran. However, Jawad raises a very important point: the seclusion of Islam from feminist movements worldwide ultimately alienates the faithful and is counterproductive for the very women that feminism might help most.