Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-192) and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- Part I: Women in Islam: A new approach. Beyond the problematic of "the Muslim woman" -- The Qur'anic revelation in seventh-century Arabia -- An alternative approach to the Qur'an -- Part II: Women and men in the Qur'an: The key concepts. The creation of humanity -- The construction of human civilization -- Moral integrity as an evaluative criteria -- The egalitarian call of the Qur'an -- The Qur'anic ethic of the marital union -- The principles of divorce in the Qur'an -- The shared responsibility of men and women -- The management of public and private spheres -- The basic verses on inheritance -- Foundations of corporal ethic -- The equality of in-court testimony -- Part III: Equality, the time of a revelation. Why is there a lag? -- What alternative possibilities? -- Equality, the time of a revelation -- References -- Index.
Summary:
"This book distinguishes Islam as a spiritual message from the sociopolitical context of its revelation. While the sacred text of the Qur'an reveals a clear empowerment of women and equality of believers, such spirit is barely reflected in the interpretations. Trapped between Western rhetoric that portrays them as submissive figures in desperate need of liberation, and centuries-old, parochial interpretations that have almost become part of the "sacred," Muslim women are pressured and profoundly misunderstood. Asma Lamrabet laments this state of affairs and the inclination of both Muslims and non-Muslims to readily embrace flawed human interpretations that devalue women rather than remaining faithful to the meaning of the Sacred Text. Full of insight, this study carefully reads the Qur'an to arrive at its deeper spiritual teachings"--Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.