Mapping Gender Issues in Islam through the Views of Muhammadiyah/‘Aisyiyah Members in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

‘Aisyiyah is the female wing of Muhammadiyah, one of the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia. Within the organization, Muslim female intellectuals defend different visions of gender issues in Islam. Some interpret religious texts literally while others interpret them contextually. This research maps contentious gender issues in Islam as perceived by Muslim gender scholars affiliated to ‘Aisyiyah and its mother organization. Through its extensive network of schools dedicated to educating and raising awareness of women on religious issues, the organization has been able to influence religious discourse in Indonesia. ‘Aisyiyah was founded with the goal of achieving religious purification and the emancipation of women. Among the women who have studied in this organization, some claim to be Islamic feminists. Through their struggle, they revisit the interpretation of religious texts in order to defend the rights of Muslim women.