2016 Student Research Conference:
29th Annual Student Research Conference

The Noble Qur'an: An Egalitarian Exegesis
Katlin A. Walker
Dr. Mark Appold, Faculty Mentor

The word "Islam" translates literally to "submission." For most Muslims this means submitting to the will of Allah, but international news often tells a different story of submission--women living as second-class citizens to Muslim men under pretense of Qur'anic verse. This thesis will delve into the intricacies of a woman's complex role in the spectrum of Islam as mandated by the Qur'an. It seeks to demonstrate that a female-positive reading of the Qur'an is both possible and preferable when historicizing and applying the text in modernity while upholding faith in the direct revelation of the scripture. The thesis will explore the grey areas between text and practice in order to establish the necessity of a middle ground between human rights and a religion rich in longstanding tradition, devotion, and submission.

Keywords: Islam, Women, Qur'an, Religion, Human rights, Muslim

Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
Women's and Gender Studies
Middle Eastern Studies

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: -2
Location: MG 2050
Time: 9:45

Add to Custom Schedule

   SRC Privacy Policy