Muslim perspective on feminism?

[BatmansBat]

Hi,

I have started a thread in feminism as I feel that religion often is blamed for suppressing women when in reality it often is men and patriarchal structures.

I believe (and I have found evidence) that Christianity was very pro women in the early days but that the church later took over and women were subjugated and partially written out.

I have also found suggestions and posted links that the prophet Mohammed actually helped women, that he was married to a business woman (Khadija) and that he helped women to gain the right to inherit.

I also have stated that the interpretation of the Koran varies between scholars and that more strict interpretations often are cultural. I am very open to being corrected.

I am being asked questions about child marriage which I cannot answer. I believe that this was a cultural thing at the time and that the age of Aisha at the time of marriage is debated by scholars. Would any Muslim posters be interested in joining the discussion? I would love to hear your perspective.

@Bananarice

The way I see it, it means don't reject your spouse for frivolous reasons. As there are exception to this.

Nobody is allowed to force themselves on another person. Having angles you don't see or hear cursing at you, is a way that gives the person who is turned on get an extra thought.

Frivolous reasons?

Any reason is a good reason for saying no to sex.

The hadith about refusing sex and being cursed by angels is a weak (daif) hadith which lacks an authentic chain of narration. I'll see if I can't find a link.

That of course hasn't stopped the men in many Muslim communities in using it as chain to beat women with.

@Milomonster

Oh and the man at the dawah stall who questioned my faith as I didn’t wear hijab. I now walk past every single one. That was a low point. Forget my good character and deeds. They count for nothing. I helped a homeless man who was Muslim who questioned the same. I asked what he needed to make his life easier. He said a rucksack. I spent an hour looking for one and purchased it for him. I told him that I really hoped God was compassionate, recognised my heart and deeds, and won’t punish me for the lack of cloth in my head. I hoped He would reward me for using my intelligence in a way that benefits society. I am deeply scarred by my experiences as a Muslim woman (by other Muslims), and so I don’t engage with any groups and live my life quietly. I never faced a single incident of discrimination/racism in the UK but those closest to me have in the name of Islam.

Are you me? I can so relate to your experiences.

As a (non-practicing) Muslim who lives in a Muslim country, I find the Quran and Islamic religion more oppresive towards women than, for instance, the Christian faith. Religions need to evolve, life 1500 or so years ago was completely different than it was now. Sadly, from what I have seen, the Quran is used in Muslim countries as a tool of opression. Basically, the only parts of the Quran that people seem to notice are the rules regarding women. If a man wants to take a bank loan (which is haram I believe) there is no notice, of course all men do that. But if a woman wants to wear what she wants or basic things like work for a living, it's not encouraged. Every part of the women's life is scrutinised, but not of the man's. A man can go to a prostitute and won't be chastised but a women out with friends after 9 or 10 pm is shocking. Basically, life is a tad miserable.

It’s odd, I’m not Muslim but I grew up in a Muslim country. Lived there 10years. By the time we left, all the family half believed a woman alone in a restaurant was a prostitute, a woman smoking in public was “ loose” , and that cafes were strictly for men only. Having been sexually harassed in public spaces from age 8 onwards , it left me with a distrust of men which only age and the gradual loss of my looks has resolved. ☹️