20th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
Politicized Islam’s Oppression of Women and the Movement Against It
Nadia S. Mozaffar
Dr. Linda Seidel, Faculty Mentor
The media has recently paid increasing attention to religion of Islam and its supposed mistreatment of women. Muslim Middle Eastern countries are portrayed as being oppressive to their female citizens and by association, Islam is labeled as a misogynistic religion. Critical examination of sacred Islamic texts such as the Quran and prophetic sayings shows however, that it is not Islam that denies women rights, but the political and economic structures of Muslim countries. The Quran, which is the basis of Islamic teachings gives equal rights and status to women. However, by misinterpreting and taking the Quran out of context, men have used it in order to subjugate women and legitimatize political and economic power over them. Currently in the oppressive atmosphere of many Muslim countries, feminists are trying to free themselves from the restrictions that have been placed on them by using their religion in order to demand their rights.
Keywords: Islam, Women's Rights, Middle East, Quran, Feminists
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 38-3
Location: OP 2210
Time: 1:45 pm