Description

The Quran (main source of Islamic Law) has prescribed a special status for women. The Hadith (Prophet Muhamad’s sayings and actions) has reinforced that special status through teachings and specific practices. Over the years, traditions and various ‘scholarly’ and cultural influences (not dissimilar to Western practices) have led to a diminished and somewhat ‘inferior’ status of women in the Islamic world.

This class will explain the basic Islamic principles, the roles and responsibilities of women through 14 centuries of Islam with specific examples of women who played a major role and made considerable contributions to the political, social and educational public life.

We will conclude with a look at the present situation throughout the Islamic World, also with specific examples of modern days Muslim women.