The comments by the National Organization for Women-New York regarding the Aasiya Zubair case unfortunately perpetuate the erroneous claim that domestic violence is religiously sanctioned by Islam. Thankfully, other womens groups are speaking out about this lapse in judgment.
Read MoreThis week, gang-rape victim Mukhtar Mai gets married, Iran sends a female skier to the upcoming Winter Olympics, and the UAE's campaign to counter the prevalence of “manly” women. More news briefs for the week of March 16, 2009.
Read MoreIraq's nearly 1 million war widows desire progress. Like men, women seek opportunities to feel normal again. But in a patriarchal society, women understand that men are central to their survival. Therefore, we can only hope to improve the lives of women in Iraq by making sure that men are included in any gender-based project.
Read MoreThe difference that Mona and I have on the interpretation of verse 4:34 of the Qur'an is really related to our basic theological orientations. In addition to bringing to light the issues involved in gender roles, it also highlights the diversity of systematic traditions in the Muslim world.
Read MoreOutdated family laws are a major source of concern to Muslim women, as it’s often women who get the short end of the stick. As a result of family laws that have been misguidedly interpreted or carried out, many women lose the custody of their children, receive no mahr or alimony in divorces, are given no legal options in the instance of rape, and worse.
Read MoreHonor killings, in which women are murdered for tarnishing their family’s honor, are prevalent throughout the Middle East. In Jordan they account for one-third of all violent deaths, on the order of twenty-five a year. Although they are illegal, the murders are prosecuted leniently in a country where tribal custom and Islamic teachings often hold sway in the courts.
Read MoreOn February 13, 2009, a group of 250 gathered in Kuala Lumpur for five intense days to challenge the unjust application of family law throughout the Muslim world. The movement that resulted – Musawah – represents an important initiative in the search for equality and justice in the Muslim family.
Read MoreHow do theological definitions work in the context of gender relations? How can we believe that we as humans tend toward goodness, and somehow still not only oppress others but also try to argue that such oppression is religiously sanctioned?
Read MoreEvery day, issues related to gender intersect with our society, politics, economics, and culture. Altmuslimah is your source for up-to-date news and commentary on these critical intersections. Here are our news briefs for the week of March 9, 2009.
Read More“AltMuslimah provides well-written articles that address issues about which there has previously been either silence, or apologia that miss the impact these issues have on the lives of women, men, and children.”
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