Asma Barlas performed a workshop on Islam and Autonomy, she showed a picture of a Burqa-clad woman which raised the question “does the Qur’an support gender equality?” Barlas raises many issues addressing her research subject about what the Quran says about patriarchy. I will be discussing Barlas arguments in depth and viewing whether the Quran truly treats males and females equally.
In summary of Barlas article she states, if cultural modes represent differentiation then what better maker on cultural difference than the veil? It distinguishes inside from outside, but also through which the eastern infiltration into the mysteries of the orient. The burqa is about cultural representation, but society has made it seem that women who wear a …show more content…
Barlas states that “Quran does not define women and men in terms of binary oppositions, the Quran does not arrange women and men in terms of their degrees of metaphysical perfection, nor does it define them in terms of binary oppositions”. Rather, in the Quran men and women originate in the same self and at the same time. Since both woman and men originate in a single self and at the same time, there is either literally or symbolically no “Other” (Chapter 5, The Quran, sex/Gender, and sexuality). In other words, indicating The Quran shows no difference in the two. Barlas makes strong points on gender equality, but a question that comes to my mind is “If the Quran does not show patriarchy, and displays equality for both genders, then why is the male figure displayed as superior in most aspects of the Quran?” The relationship between Adam and Eve symbolizes how religion views woman. Some scholars point out patriarchy does exist in Islam; Surah 4 clearly legitimizes gender inequality. The fundamental difference between Islam and Christianity is their views towards sexuality. Christianity views sex as “profane and sinful” as a whole. Islam attacks women instead, Islam views woman a “living carrier of the danger of sexuality” therefore, women have to be controlled. Since Islam initiates women as an active sexual power, it is important to restrict that power over men. “A …show more content…
Does the Quran see woman and men in a hierarchy, and if Islam a religion of patriarchy. Barlas’ arguments consist of representing Islam a religion that is misunderstood by many, although it may seem Islam is more favouring towards males, that is not necessarily true. The Quran does view males and females different for various reasons and situations, but the Quran does not represent inequality. I agreed with Barlas, she had strong arguments and valid background knowledge. E.g. people viewing Islam of lack of gender equality, but the Qurans supports equity for all, “I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other
In summary of Barlas article she states, if cultural modes represent differentiation then what better maker on cultural difference than the veil? It distinguishes inside from outside, but also through which the eastern infiltration into the mysteries of the orient. The burqa is about cultural representation, but society has made it seem that women who wear a …show more content…
Barlas states that “Quran does not define women and men in terms of binary oppositions, the Quran does not arrange women and men in terms of their degrees of metaphysical perfection, nor does it define them in terms of binary oppositions”. Rather, in the Quran men and women originate in the same self and at the same time. Since both woman and men originate in a single self and at the same time, there is either literally or symbolically no “Other” (Chapter 5, The Quran, sex/Gender, and sexuality). In other words, indicating The Quran shows no difference in the two. Barlas makes strong points on gender equality, but a question that comes to my mind is “If the Quran does not show patriarchy, and displays equality for both genders, then why is the male figure displayed as superior in most aspects of the Quran?” The relationship between Adam and Eve symbolizes how religion views woman. Some scholars point out patriarchy does exist in Islam; Surah 4 clearly legitimizes gender inequality. The fundamental difference between Islam and Christianity is their views towards sexuality. Christianity views sex as “profane and sinful” as a whole. Islam attacks women instead, Islam views woman a “living carrier of the danger of sexuality” therefore, women have to be controlled. Since Islam initiates women as an active sexual power, it is important to restrict that power over men. “A …show more content…
Does the Quran see woman and men in a hierarchy, and if Islam a religion of patriarchy. Barlas’ arguments consist of representing Islam a religion that is misunderstood by many, although it may seem Islam is more favouring towards males, that is not necessarily true. The Quran does view males and females different for various reasons and situations, but the Quran does not represent inequality. I agreed with Barlas, she had strong arguments and valid background knowledge. E.g. people viewing Islam of lack of gender equality, but the Qurans supports equity for all, “I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other