Implications of Feminist Thought on Understanding Qur'an: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Recently, Islamic women scholars have presented an understanding and interpretation of Qur'anic texts and hadiths to better understand women issues as well as to discuss the concept of feminism, in the context of claims made by some of the leading Western researchers and scholars during the last century. Notable among them are Amina Wadud, Fatima Marnisi and Asma Barlas, who have discussed various concepts, including women domination, slavery, superiority of men over women, Eve's creation from Adam's rib, the concept of Qawamiyat, polygamy, women leadership and legal and political rights of women. Seen from and applied to the present age, these prevailing commentaries present conceptions from an Islamic standpoint, emphasizing on the role of women in society as well as highlights the privileges they enjoy as per the teachings of the religion. This article will review the Qur'anic interpretations and trends related to feminism and the interpretation of Qur'anic verses by Muslim thinkers and commentators to better understand the rights of men and women in social settings.