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Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam

2022

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Synopsis

In Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam, Ziba Mir-Hosseini offers a deeply personal yet intellectually rigorous exploration of how Islamic jurisprudence can be reconciled with modern notions of gender justice. The book functions as both a memoir of her own evolution as a scholar and a critical analysis of the "patriarchal bargain" within traditional legal frameworks. Mir-Hosseini argues that the inequality found in classical fiqh (jurisprudence) is not a reflection of divine will, but rather a human construction shaped by the social and political contexts of earlier centuries. By distinguishing between the eternal, egalitarian spirit of the Shari'a and the fallible, man-made interpretations of legal scholars, she opens up a space for feminist reform from within the faith.

The narrative is structured around a series of influential encounters and dialogues with activists and thinkers, illustrating the shift from "traditional" to "reformist" perspectives. Mir-Hosseini highlights the emergence of "Islamic feminism" as a vital movement that challenges the monopoly of conservative clerics over the interpretation of sacred texts. She meticulously deconstructs the legal concepts of qiwama (guardianship) and wilaya (authority), which have historically been used to justify male dominance in marriage and divorce. Ultimately, the book is a hopeful testament to the power of critical engagement, suggesting that the path toward equality lies in reclaiming the ethical essence of Islam while demanding legal systems that reflect the lived realities and dignity of women today.

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