A Theological Approach to the Identity Challenges of a Modern Muslim Woman

Abstract

A Theological Approach to the Identity Challenges of a Modern Muslim Woman Siavash Asadi, Tahereh Hooshangi Abstract The present paper focuses on the conflict of the two main identity maker factors for a modern Muslim woman: the Islamic rules and modernity’s manifestations. In some Middle-Eastern societies, because of the strong social religious structures and depth of the personal religious beliefs, this conflict has more severity. In this paper, with a descriptive-analytical method, the possible conflicts are categorized into three main categories: women’s rights, women’s social roles, and emotional issues. The three possible ways to decrease the conflicts are identified as follows:1) “The network right-orientated” approach: the Islamic rules, as a coherent network, must not be changed, but, the obligation-oriented approach to the Islamic rules has to be replaced by a rights-orientated approach. 2) “The minimal change” approach: the main structure of the Islamic rules must be kept, however, some cultural rules could be changed. 3) “The maximal change” approach: The theological propositions and prayer rules of Islam must be kept. However, everyday life, social, and rights rules could be changed according to modern conditions. The successfulness of the special approach depends on personal and social conditions. Muslim societies must select the best manner to give the modern Muslim woman her identity. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jisc.v6n1a1