Conference on Islamic feminism: "Islam can liberate women..."

Islamic feminists denounce 'chauvinistic' reading of Koran
October 31, 2005

BARCELONA, Spain -- The first ever international conference on Islamic feminism, held this week in Barcelona, denounced on Sunday what it termed as "male chauvinist" interpretations of the Koran and claimed that Islam could "liberate" women.

"Islam can liberate women and change their status," the conference's final statement read. It also called for a more open interpretation of the Muslim holy book to take into account the context of twenty-first century societies.

"Islamic feminism is an emerging reality that must be seen as an alternative to the dominant chauvinist readings ," the statement said, adding that the Koran "does not justify patriarchy".

The October 27 to 29 conference was organized by the Catalonian Islamic Board, whose secretary Abdennur Prado called for a "gender jihad" to "struggle against male chauvinistic, homophobic or sexist readings of the sacred texts" during her presentation to the 400 delegates.

http://www.metimes.com/articles/normal.php?StoryID=20051031-065158-1996r

while they were married I would have to say that fundie-talibanic scholars are misinterpreting the Koran.

It would be like blaming Mother Theresa for the excesses of Pat Robertson (they *are* both Christian, after all).

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

and He is most certainly not wearing the pants in that household.

The Trouble with Islam Today: A Wake-up Call For Honest And Change by Irshad Manji


http://tinyurl.com/8v97z

It's a very good read on the subject.

Cam

should be fascinating.
Here's one thing the review mentioned:
<snip>
“Ijtihad” (ij-tee-had) is the positive message of this book. Ijtihad is Islam’s lost tradition of independent thinking, which flowered in the Islamic golden age between 700 and 1200 CE. Reviving ijtihad requires Muslims and non-Muslims alike to stop spouting received wisdom, start thinking for themselves and take action. For example, Manji writes, we can revitalize the economies of the Islamic world by engaging the talents of female entrepreneurs. When offered micro-business loans, women accrue assets, become literate, read the Quran for themselves and see the options it gives women for self-respect as well as for respect for the “other.” Through this and other practical ideas, Manji shows how ordinary Muslims, with a little help from their friends, can have a future to live for rather than a past to die for.


I also found this interesting, from the original article:
<snip>
The conference also saw Amina Wadud, a female Islamic studies professor in the United States give the Friday jutba (sermon) and lead prayers in front of a mixed audience.

Wadud caused excitement in March when she led prayers for men and women in a Manhattan Episcopalian church, after three mosques refused her permission for the service.


There are a lot of people who dismiss Islam's poor treatment of women, but how many American churches and synagogues allow women leaders?