Islamic Tradition and Feminism: A Comparative Study of Theoretical Perspective.
Dr. Lubna Abid Ali, Farhat Jabeen, Dr. Naveed-i-Rahat

Abstract

This article takes insights from feminist theory and examines the compatibility / incompatibility of women in the perspective of gender roles at workplace and in family life. This study attempts to bring out the controversial issues surrounding feminism and role of women in Islam and impact of cultural settings that define the social milieu. The compatibility of Islam with feminism has drawn important attention from Western and Eastern scholars alike. A definition of feminism is hard to find due to diversity of socio-cultural settings. Feminism, unlike other ideologies, does not derive its theoretical and conceptual framework from any single theoretical formulation. Therefore, no specific abstract definition of feminism applicable to all women at all times could be available.Feminist Movement continues to be one of the most powerful struggles for social justice taking place in the world today. Women’s assertion of emancipation has taken many forms historically, ideas of self-determination, visions of mutuality, the conviction of the legitimacy of claims of livelihood and the assertion of rights can be found jostling against one another and interacting in popular movements in many countries from the late eighteenth century. Taking this broad vista enables us to situate “feminism” or indeed feminism because there have been many versions, within a wider spectrum. A historical perspective provides a useful and frequently neglected dimension not only in considering contemporary discussions of feminisms, but in thinking how women’s specific experiences of subordination might illuminate the recreation of a vision of human emancipation. Feminist beliefs have existed throughout history but feminism did not become widespread in Europe and the united states until the mid 1800’s1. At that time, many people regarded women as inferior as and less important than men. Such people believed a women’s proper place was in the home the law reflected this opinion. For example women were barred by law from voting in elections or serving on juries. Most institutions of higher education and most professional careers were also closed to women. Despite strong opposition, feminism grew in power during the 1800’s and 1900’s2 and won a number of new rights for women. Many people regarded the feminist movement and the resulting change in the status of women as a turning point in the history of society.

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