Book Review: Woman and Her Rights in Islam Morteza Motahari

Woman and Her Rights in Islam

Book Review: Woman and Her Rights in Islam Morteza Motahari

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Woman and Her Rights in Islam Morteza Motahari Muhammad by Legaproblema.com - Have you ever wondered how Islamic feminism and Islamic women's rights are interpreted within classical Islamic scholarship? The Book Review: Woman and Her Rights in Islam Morteza Motahari offers a nuanced exploration of these themes, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting the dignity Islam accords to women. This work by Motahari, a prominent Iranian Shia scholar, delves into the rights and roles of women from an Islamic perspective, emphasizing both equality and difference.

Motahari argues that while men and women are inherently different, this does not translate into inequality but rather complementary rights and responsibilities. His discourse on women's rights is rooted in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and the principle of ijtihad, allowing adaptation to changing times without compromising core values. The book addresses critical topics such as education, inheritance, marriage, divorce, and political participation, all within the framework of Islamic teachings.

By presenting a detailed and contextualized view, this book contributes significantly to the discourse on Islamic feminism and Islamic women's rights, offering readers a perspective that is often overshadowed by Western narratives. It challenges both rigid traditionalism and superficial liberalism, advocating for a balanced understanding of women's status in Islam.

Book Details

Author

Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari, an influential Iranian Twelver Shia scholar, philosopher, and lecturer, known for his profound impact on Islamic thought and ideology.¹

Original Language

Persian (Farsi)²

Translation

Available in English and other languages, with notable translations published to reach a broader audience interested in Islamic studies and women's rights.³

Publisher

World Organization for Islamic Services; digital editions by Ghaemiyeh Center of Computerized Researches⁴

ISBN

9781733028493⁵

Length

Approximately 200 pages, depending on the edition⁶

Genre

Religious Studies, Islamic Jurisprudence, Women's Rights, Philosophy⁷

Structure and Contents

What makes this book a compelling read on Islamic feminism and Islamic women's rights? Its clear structure and comprehensive content make complex issues accessible.⁸

• Introduction to women's rights in various religions and cultures, with a focus on Western civilization versus Islamic teachings.
• Historical context of women's rights in Islam from the time of Prophet Muhammad (s).
• Detailed discussions on rights within family and society, including marriage, divorce, and polygyny.
• Examination of women's rights to education, employment, inheritance, and political participation.
• Critical analysis of modern societal norms and comparison with Islamic principles.
• Exploration of freedom and equality concepts within Islamic jurisprudence.

Strong Points of the Book

Why does this book stand out in discussions about Islamic feminism and women's rights? Here are some of its strengths:⁹

• Balanced Perspective: It neither blindly defends nor condemns Islamic traditions but offers a thoughtful interpretation grounded in fiqh and ijtihad.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses a wide array of topics relevant to women's rights in Islam, from legal to social dimensions.
• Contextual Understanding: Recognizes the differences between men and women while advocating for dignified rights and roles.
• Critique of Western Misconceptions: Challenges the notion that Islam inherently oppresses women, highlighting the dignity and respect Islam accords them.
• Encouragement of Education and Political Participation: Supports women's active role in society and higher education within Islamic frameworks.

Impact and Legacy

How has Woman and Her Rights in Islam Morteza Motahari influenced the discourse on Islamic feminism and Islamic women's rights?¹

The book has served as a foundational text for scholars and activists seeking to understand women's rights through Islamic jurisprudence rather than secular or Western feminist lenses. It has helped clarify misconceptions and provided a framework for respectful dialogue between traditional Islamic values and modern gender rights debates. Its legacy endures in academic circles and among Muslim communities striving for gender justice consistent with their faith.

Motahhari's work also inspired further scholarship emphasizing ijtihad as a tool for evolving interpretations, encouraging dynamic engagement with Islamic texts to address contemporary issues faced by women.

Morteza Motahari

Criticism of the Book

Is the book without fault? What critiques have been raised regarding its treatment of Islamic feminism and Islamic women's rights?

Some critics argue that Motahhari's approach, while progressive for its time, still upholds gender differences that can be perceived as limiting women's full equality. His acceptance of traditional roles and certain legal distinctions between men and women may not satisfy advocates of secular feminism. Additionally, some readers find the book's tone and style dense, requiring prior knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence to fully grasp its arguments.

Others note that the book’s emphasis on Shia jurisprudence may not fully represent Sunni perspectives, limiting its applicability across the broader Muslim world.

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does this book compare with other works on Islamic feminism and women's rights?

Book	Focus	Approach	Unique Feature
Woman and Her Rights in Islam - Morteza Motahhari	Islamic jurisprudence on women's rights	Traditional yet reformist Shia perspective	Emphasis on fiqh and ijtihad for contextual interpretation
Women and Gender in Islam - Leila Ahmed	Historical and feminist analysis	Critical feminist and historical approach	Focus on socio-political history and colonial impact
Believing Women in Islam - Asma Barlas	Qur'anic hermeneutics and gender justice	Progressive feminist reinterpretation	Reinterpretation of Qur'an emphasizing equality

Islamic Feminism: A Closer Look

What exactly is Islamic feminism, and how does this book contribute to that discourse?

Islamic feminism seeks to reconcile faith with gender justice, advocating for women's rights within an Islamic framework. Motahhari's book contributes by grounding women's rights in Islamic law and philosophy, emphasizing that equality does not mean identical roles but equitable dignity and rights. His work supports the idea that women’s empowerment is compatible with Islamic teachings, a core tenet of Islamic feminism.

Islamic Women's Rights: Context and Challenges

How do Islamic women's rights manifest in contemporary society, and what challenges remain?

Motahhari's book highlights that Islamic women's rights encompass education, political participation, inheritance, and family roles, all protected by religious law. However, challenges persist due to cultural practices, legal interpretations, and societal norms that sometimes contradict these rights. Understanding these rights through Motahhari's lens helps clarify the distinction between religion and culture, a critical step toward advancing women's status in Muslim societies.

Final Ruling

So, what final judgment can we pass on the Book Review: Woman and Her Rights in Islam Morteza Motahari in the context of Islamic feminism and Islamic women's rights?

This book stands as a vital resource for anyone seeking an informed, balanced understanding of women's rights in Islam. It bridges traditional Islamic jurisprudence with contemporary issues, advocating for dignity, respect, and rights for women without abandoning religious principles. While not without its critiques, it remains an essential text for scholars, activists, and readers interested in the intersection of faith and gender justice.

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1. What Quran says about women's rights?
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5. What does the Quran say about respecting your mother?
6. How to be a good woman in Islam?
7. Is husband superior to wife in Islam?
8. What are the duties of a wife in Islam?
9. Is there gender equality in Islam?
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Do you also have questions? Or curious about where you can download the book, read the book online, or buy the book online? Or want to add something more to the review above and give responses? You can write a comment below.