An Islamic Feminist Lens: Analyzing the Seerah's Enduring Relevance for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment vis-à-vis Western Feminist Theory

Abstract

In today's world, the Western viewpoint is typically brought up while discussing gender equality and women's empowerment. It has sparked debate about Islam and led to misunderstandings about whether Islam protects women's rights or not. With an Islamic perspective, the study aims to understand feminism, compare it to Western feminist theory, and then discuss Seerah's perspective on women's rights. Key texts from both sides were selected and examined as part of the study's "comparative analysis" methodology. Contradictory points were discussed, and common ground was examined.

The study concluded that Seerah has truly taught and granted women rights that are remarkable, including the right to education, the right to speak and express themselves, and legal protections without treating them as objects. Islam stands out from Western feminist theory because it genuinely rejects all forms of gender discrimination and treats all people equally.

This research offers a powerful, Islamic vision for gender equality, directly engaging with Western feminist ideas to build our own authentic solutions and challenge global misconceptions.