Introduction:Amina Wadud is a leading Islamic feminist. This sophisticated writer and thinker argues that in Muslim societies men deliberately misinterpret sacred texts and try to exclude women. In addition, she declared that these sacred texts should be reinterpreted by women, not men. Women must re-handle all these texts according their own experience as women. Wadud concentrates on Muslim women’s problems related to the issues of gender discrimination and the problems between the sexes in different fields, especially problems women experience in Muslim countries. Her books and works focus on poverty, illiteracy, sexual oppression, and dominance by men in Muslim societies. Patriarchal Dominance and Misinterpretation of Sacred Texts in Islamic Countries Professor AminaWadud has argued that the influence of patriarchy on interpretation of the Qur’an and the practices of Muslims has restricted realisation of the Quranic message of equality and justice. One of the arguments she has advanced is that patriarchy is a form ofshirk(making partners to God) becauseby placing men above women it contradicts the Qur’anic vision of equal and reciprocal relationshipsand violates the requirement that God is supreme. The Quran is not a conditional text. It does not give conditions. It is jurists who imposed conditionsthrough law.Dr. Wadud said that Quranic language ascribes the masculine form neutrality, and called this amatter of linguistic convenience, not gender privilege. “When someone says this is what the text means, you have to ask how they came to know that. It is your job to question.” Dr. Wadud warned her listeners: “Just because you grew up speaking Arabic does not mean you can give an authentic interpretation of the Quran. Just because you are a ‘Quran specialist’ does not mean you are the only one who has the understanding.” Arabic is a
Want to read all 3 pages?
Previewing 2 of 3 pages Upload your study docs or become a member.
Want to read all 3 pages?
Previewing 2 of 3 pages Upload your study docs or become a member.
End of preview
Want to read all 3 pages? Upload your study docs or become a member.