Islam, Gender, and Leadership in Ghana

Abstract

Islam, Gender, and Leadership in Ghana Rabiatu Ammah Introduction The question of Islam and its role in contemporary society is a debatable one. That of gender relations is a controversial one, and the status and role of women in Islam is a vexatious issue that has been the subject of debate in different circles. The two combined are therefore interesting topical issues that arouse excitement, passion, and from different quarters with varying degrees of responses. According to Ghada Karmi, “the whole matter is so charged with emotions and paranoia that to attempt a cool evaluation of exactly what are the rights of women under Islam is no easy matter.” While the Western notion of feminism has made an intrusion into the debate, Muslims have also complicated the picture by providing different categories of interpretation of the Quranic verses on women. As Ghana goes through a process of change and tries to be more democratic in governance, the evaluation of existing institutions and transforming them to become more relevant in contemporary times becomes more crucial. Governance has become more participatory with citizens having the freedom to question and contribute in different ways to the development of the country. This process is important to all citizens especially Muslims as it is intricately related to leadership, their self‐actualization, and the development of their community. In Ghana, the issue is further complicated by the mixing of the faith with cultural elements. To this end, it is difficult to say what is Islamic and based on the scriptures and what is not. In this discussion on Islam, gender, and leadership what I propose to do is to give a conceptual framework by discussing terms like Islam and gender issues. I will also highlight the Islamic understanding of leadership. This is necessary in view of the fact that the basis of our discourse will necessarily be informed and guided by what Muslims in general and especially the Muslim woman understands her role in Islam to be. The discussion therefore will raise issues such as: Is the Muslim woman restricted in her leadership roles? What are the factors that have influenced the leadership role of women? What are Muslim women doing in leadership and are these roles meeting a felt need in the Ghanaian Muslim community? What are the major challenges that women pose to the community as a whole? What are the problems and prospects of Muslim women in leadership? I must emphasize at the onset that it will be difficult to speak for all Muslim women in Ghana because the women are under different ethnic and doctrinal influences, all of which color attitudes and mentality. A Ga Muslim from the coast, for example, may not have a problem with women going to the cemetery, while a Dagomba from the North may have problems with it. Again, a member of the ahl us Sunna wal jamat may be uncomfortable with women speaking in the midst of men, while the Tijaniyya will not have a problem with that. For example, in 2000 when a national conference was held by the Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG) in Ho, some Ahl us Sunna wal Jamat women literally wanted to drive away men who were peeping through the windows because this was unacceptable to them. In view of this, I shall make general comments and make cross‐references to situations in other communities when appropriate. However, I shall illustrate with the Ghana Muslim Mission, with examples from the Ghana Muslim Mission and FOMWAG, organizations of which I am a member. It may be difficult to draw any specific conclusion, though I shall attempt to highlight some critical issues. It may also be difficult to conclude that gender issues raised within the Muslim community in Ghana come up solely because of Islam, as there are other influences on Muslims in the community. I will also assess the role of the Muslim woman to determine whether it has changed drastically. Concept of leadership According to Khurram Murad as cited in Beekun and Badawi, leadership is the ability to see beyond assumed boundaries and come up with solutions or paths that few can visualize. This vision must then...