Some social scientific studies, such as a recent study by well-known Princeton psychologist, Dr. Susan Fiske, have been misleadingly used to promote the use of the hijab. Misrepresenting these studies – acknowledged by their authors to require further investigation – does little to serve such a cause, nor does it fairly portray the reality of Muslims (and non-Muslims) who choose to dress without it.
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 MoreSexual crimes have been mainstays of Pakistani politics for nearly all of its sixty-one-year history and have been used to legitimise all sorts of regimes. This gives the Taliban ample room to justify yet another repugnant episode in the history of Pakistani women.
Read MoreThe spirit and the letter of Islamic law prohibit acts of relationship violence. Are we willing to hold our brothers, fathers, and sons accountable for domestic violence at work, at home, and at the mosque?
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Following the brutal murder of Aasiya Zubair, renewed attention has been paid to the position of Islam on domestic violence. In response, here is a sermon by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, recorded on February 20, 2009 in San Jose, California.
Read MoreWelcome to Altmuslimah.com – what I hope will become the go-to place for compelling comment on gender issues in Islam. Our editorial team consists of individuals who have for a long time wanted a space to discuss critical – and often controversial – gender-related matters that are both personal and public. What makes Altmuslimah different is its combination of journalistic and academic perspectives with deeply private looks into our identity struggles vis-à-vis both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Read MoreAccording to Allah’s rules and laws women and men are equal with different duties and responsibilities in society. I believe that western feminists have the wrong notion of what “equal rights” between men and women truly mean.
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