Islamic Feminism Research Articles

Analisis Egalitarianisme Asma Barlas dalam Konsep “Sakinah” Alimatul Qibtiyah

The discourse on contemporary gender equality is an interesting study to discuss, especially more specifically in the family area. Alimatul Qibtiyah presents the direction of the Muslim feminism movement in Indonesia with a silent revolution approach, which is subtle, avoiding conflict and not frontal, of course starting from the family area. Alim's moderate-progressive style of feminist thought is to dissect the concept of sakinah so that it can be relevant in this contemporary era so that it has the value of equality, justice and equality. This research aims to describe the concept of sakinah according to Alimatul Qibtiyah who is influenced by Asma Barlas' egalitarianism. In this research, using qualitative methods and descriptive-analytical approach. The results of this study show that the three values of a sakinah family, namely kesalingan, justice and mashalah put forward by Alim become an upgraded area or development of Barlas' thinking even though in a specific area, namely contemporary family issues.

Siting Islamic feminism: The Indonesian Congress of Women Islamic Scholars and the challenge of challenging patriarchal authority

ABSTRACTThis article takes the first ever Indonesian Congress of Women Islamic Scholars (Kongres Ulama Perempuan Indonesia, KUPI), and its methodology for formulating religious opinions, as an entry point for analysing the challenge of challenging male, male-centred, and patriarchal authority in Islam. Although a recent initiative, KUPI must be understood in the context of a long and often contentious history of Indonesian secular activists and Islamic scholars (men and women) sounding each other out and seeking common ground in their efforts to reinterpret religious sources and develop new ideas about the position of women in society. Studying the event ethnographically as a site of public communication and exchange – of religious knowledge, views, and experiences – , and contextualizing it in the history of Indonesian Islamic practices and institutions, we argue that the main significance of KUPI lies in the way in which it expands the global Islamic feminist project from a scholarly and intellectual movement into a locally resonant and potentially impactful social movement.

Friendships, Fidelities and Sufi Imaginaries: Theorizing Islamic Feminism

This article theorizes Islamic feminism as a form of ‘friendship with/in tradition’, drawing creatively on Sufism. It unpacks these feminist friendships as forms of ‘radical, critical fidelity’ which includes commitments and loyalties to tradition while simultaneously engaging critically with sexism, patriarchy, and homophobia. Core epistemological and ethical concerns are explored, including the nature of relationships to tradition; analytical methods for engaging with Muslim tradition from a gendered lens; religious authority and authoritarianism; and most significantly, engaging with emancipatory horizons of imagination that are attentive to the contemporary axes of power and privilege. The paper turns to rethinking approaches to hierarchy and possibilities for abuse, focusing on the shaykh–murīd and broader teacher–student relationships. It presents a nuanced approach to engaging with hierarchies as a serious analytical category that requires attention. Positing fluidity, transparency, and accountability as central to cultivating responsible hierarchical practices, the article suggests that friendship as a modality of relationships can contribute to such positive transformations. This article, emerging from a project on Muslim feminist ethics, presents creative theorizations of Islamic feminism as a liberatory project of human and divine friendships, inspired by Sufi ideas of walāya.

The Future of Islamic Liberation Theology

This Special Issue is devoted to Islamic Liberation Theology (hitherto ILT) [...]

Islamic Liberation Theology and Decolonial Studies: The Case of Hindutva Extractivism

Decolonial studies define the coloniality of power as a complex assemblage of dominance and hegemony that emerged during the modern era or the era of colonialism, which stretches from the conquest of the Americas to the present. This article argues that, as part of the critical dialogue between decolonial studies and Islamic liberation theology, the latter should position itself in a decolonial political praxis around the preferential option for the poor that takes both a decolonial turn and a decolonial option seriously. There is a tendency to appropriate certain brands of decolonial studies to engage with forms of nationalism, such as Hindutva, to build a “decolonial option” in the global South by undermining the key insights of the “decolonial turn”. This article specifically engages with the claims of “decolonial Hindutva” to critique the nationalist appropriation in decolonial studies, thereby marking its divergence from decolonial Islamic liberation theology.

Locating ‘Praxis’ in Islamic Liberation Theology: God, Scripture, and the Problem of Suffering in Egyptian Prisons

Locating ‘Praxis’ in Islamic Liberation Theology: God, Scripture, and the Problem of Suffering in Egyptian Prisons

Decolonising Islam: Indigenous Peoples, Muslim Communities, and the Canadian Context

The problem of empire has been a key theme in Islamic Liberation Theology (ILT). However insightful, ILT’s engagement with the category of empire has generally presumed a particular colonial configuration in which Muslims are located on the receiving “end” of power, being occupied by an external, non-Muslim force. But what about the presence of Islam within settler colonies, in which voluntary Muslim migrants are structurally complicit in the ongoing disenfranchisement of Indigenous peoples? Focusing on the Canadian context, I ask: How can we decolonise Islam in the settler colony? That is, how can Muslims address their own complicity with the settler colonial project, standing in solidarity with native peoples and revisiting their own faith tradition in the light of that praxis? I argue that decolonising Islam entails three hermeneutical moves: (I) gaining a critical understanding of the socio-historical context, namely, the history of empire on the land; (II) deconstructing the boundaries between “migrant” and “settler”, which actually serves to vindicate the former group, releasing them of accountability and responsibility; and (III) engaging in bold theological reflection on the Islamic tradition. This final theological step, I maintain, is a two-fold dynamic: expounding Islam as both a radical subject that decolonises and a problematic object requiring decolonisation.

Jinn and Jins: Sensuous Piety as Queer Ethics

Abstract This article explores the speculative short stories of Egyptian writers Alifa Rifaat (Alīfah Rifaʿat, 1930–1996) and Mansoura Ez-Eldin (Mansūrah ʿIzz al-Dīn, b. 1976) in conversation with scholarship from the anthropology of Islam, Islamic feminism, and queer theory. Rifaat’s 1974 “ʿĀlamī al-Majhūl” (“My World of the Unknown”) and Ez-Eldin’s 2010 “Jinniyyāt al-Nīl” (“Faeries of the Nile”) both stage queer encounters between women and jinn (sentient spirit-beings within Islamic cosmology) who provide spiritual actualization as well as sexual fulfillment. I argue that their emphasis on sensuous forms of piety—largely through Sufi mystical philosophy and poetic imagery—models a queer ethics of being and knowing. Addressing the polarized critical receptions of Rifaat and Ez-Eldin among both the Arabic literary establishment and Anglophone reading publics, the article further exposes the secular sensibilities of the “world republic of letters,” in which feminist and queer modes of reading are often uncoupled from spiritual, and particularly Muslim, epistemes.

Progressive Islamic Teaching and Learning: Integrating Knowledge and Practice for Societal Advancement


 
 
 
 
 
 This conceptual study explores the paradigm of progressive Islamic teaching and learning, addressing the disconnection between traditional teachings and modern science, which hinders their societal relevance. Fueled by the "progressive Islam" paradigm initiated by Muhammadiyah, this research advocates for integrating Islamic doctrines and practices with scientific knowledge to enhance individual and societal well-being. Employing a conceptual survey, the study analyzes existing literature to propose that modern teaching methods should be employed to facilitate a deeper understanding, practical application, and reflection of Islamic teachings. The study's implications underline the significance of fostering a harmonious integration between Islamic education and modern knowledge, contributing to the advancement of both individual growth and social progress.
 Highlight:
 
 Societal Disconnection Addressed: This study explores the paradigm of progressive Islamic teaching, bridging the gap between traditional teachings and modern science, crucial for enhancing societal relevance.
 Integration for Well-being: Fueled by the "progressive Islam" paradigm, the research advocates for merging Islamic doctrines and practices with scientific knowledge to bolster individual and societal well-being.
 Modernization of Education: Through a conceptual survey, the study emphasizes the importance of utilizing contemporary teaching methods to enable a comprehensive grasp, practical implementation, and thoughtful contemplation of Islamic teachings, thereby contributing to individual growth and societal advancement.
 
 Keyword: Progressive Islamic Teaching, Modern Science, Societal Relevance, Integrating Knowledge, Teaching Methods
 
 
 
 
 

Progressive Islamic Teaching and Learning: Integrating Knowledge and Practice for Societal Advancement


 
 
 
 
 
 This conceptual study explores the paradigm of progressive Islamic teaching and learning, addressing the disconnection between traditional teachings and modern science, which hinders their societal relevance. Fueled by the "progressive Islam" paradigm initiated by Muhammadiyah, this research advocates for integrating Islamic doctrines and practices with scientific knowledge to enhance individual and societal well-being. Employing a conceptual survey, the study analyzes existing literature to propose that modern teaching methods should be employed to facilitate a deeper understanding, practical application, and reflection of Islamic teachings. The study's implications underline the significance of fostering a harmonious integration between Islamic education and modern knowledge, contributing to the advancement of both individual growth and social progress.
 Highlight:
 
 Societal Disconnection Addressed: This study explores the paradigm of progressive Islamic teaching, bridging the gap between traditional teachings and modern science, crucial for enhancing societal relevance.
 Integration for Well-being: Fueled by the "progressive Islam" paradigm, the research advocates for merging Islamic doctrines and practices with scientific knowledge to bolster individual and societal well-being.
 Modernization of Education: Through a conceptual survey, the study emphasizes the importance of utilizing contemporary teaching methods to enable a comprehensive grasp, practical implementation, and thoughtful contemplation of Islamic teachings, thereby contributing to individual growth and societal advancement.
 
 Keyword: Progressive Islamic Teaching, Modern Science, Societal Relevance, Integrating Knowledge, Teaching Methods
 
 
 
 
 

Turats and the Reconstruction of Scientific Civilization in Progressive Muslim Perspective

This paper examines the intellectual responses of the progressive variant of Muslim thought to various contemporary humanity’s challenges based on its distinctive epistemological and interpretive approach, namely progressive ijtihad. This is library research based on analyzing the works of leading proponents of this progressive Muslim thought. It argues that progressive Muslim thought offers and develops a critical and progressive interpretation of Islam that respects and glorifies human values. With this epistemological and interpretive framework, progressive Muslim thought contributes significantly to the development and reconstruction of scientific civilization, which is transdisciplinary and capable of tackling various humanity's problems at both global and local levels.

Islamic Moderation (Islam Wasati): The Way Forward To Counter Radicalism

This study aims to explain the paradox of the face of Islam known as Rahmatan lil 'alamin on the one hand but indicates with acts of radicalism on the other hand. The rise of violence in the name of religion tarnished the face of Islam, which is famous for its friendship. Islam as a tolerant and peaceful teaching against radical and liberal Islam. This paper aims to reveal the root causes of acts of radicalism in the name of religion and how to solve them. This research uses literature study by searching and formulating several primary texts and supporting texts that rely on the topic, and then we analyze it to conclude the conclusion in the end. From the existing data, the authors found a relationship between religious truth claims and acts of violence that occurred because of them. Then came the discourse of Wasati Islam as a middle way in religion. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding so there are no misunderstandings in religious thought. Muslims must not be trapped in a narrow understanding and stuck with a model of understanding that makes Muslims undeveloped, even liars who transgress. Muslims must be messengers of mercy to this world with calm and peaceful faces by understanding the Shari'ah framework in implementing it.

Epistemological Openness and Fluidity in Progressive Muslim Thought

This paper seeks to examine the idea of epistemological openness and fluidity proposed by several progressive Muslim thinkers. In so doing, it combines theoretical investigation and analysis of the works of several leading Muslim thinkers of this persuasion. It argues that in strengthening the spirit to build a world order (in terms of economic, political, cultural and knowledge systems) that is more just, dialogical and contributive to solving humanitarian and ecological problems, epistemological openness and fluidity offered by progressive Muslim thinkers should be considered as an alternative basis for the revitalization of the Islamic civilization that is inclusive, cosmopolitan and dialogical, yet critical of all forms of hegemony and injustice.

Too Muslim to Be a Feminist and Too Feminist to Be a Muslim? Locating Lived Experiences of Feminism and Muslimness in Social Work Academe

In this paper, two authors seize space as Muslim women feminist social work educators and researchers. We challenge and hopefully silence homogenizing, essentialist and Islamophobic constructions. The first author is a hijabi, Indo-Caribbean, able-bodied cis-heterosexual Muslim feminist; the second author is a disabled, queer Muslim of South Asian heritage. We identify as racialized and firmly rooted in intersectional critical feminist perspectives. Using an autoethnographic, conversation-based approach, we share our narratives (lived experiences) in social work academe. Navigating feminisms, Muslimness, strategic essentialism and Islamophobia while engaging in a critical praxis, we attempt to bring together contradictory discourses for critical examination. We engage with the following questions: How do Muslim women fit (or not fit!) in social work academe? How do Muslim women fit (or not fit!) in critical social work feminist spheres? And what do Muslim feminist futures look like in social work academe? Our lived experiences as racialized Muslim feminists are standpoint perspectives which offer situated knowledges that disempower dominant social work discourses. Social work can no longer be reactionary and preserve the status quo; it must move forward with foresight and be an active player in dismantling inequities.

Feminism in the Middle East: An analysis into Western, Islamic, and Secular Feminism

This article showcases the diversity of feminism in the Middle East and its effects on Middle Eastern women, particularly Muslim women. I argue that though Western feminism has provided important conceptual tools for understanding and fighting patriarchal systems, it has ultimately supported the othering of Middle Eastern women. As such, Islamic feminism and secular feminism have played an important role in discrediting Western generalizations. In this paper, I first explain how the logic of Western feminism is inherently rooted in Orientalism, promoting an inaccurate and oppressive image of the Middle East. I then illustrate how Islamic feminism has been used significantly to conceptualize feminism within Islamic traditions and religious beliefs. Lastly, I showcase the prominent discourse between Islamic and secular feminism to prove movements are important to women’s liberation and can benefit from joining forces.

The Politics of Post-Essential Islamic Liberation Theology: The Difference and Intersection between Farid Esack and Hamid Dabashi

Farid Esack and Hamid Dabashi are two critical Islamic liberation theology scholars who redefined the discourse on 'self and 'other' in contemporary Islamic thought. These two scholars engage with the self and other category of pluralism and the employment of theodicy in Islamic liberation theology. Using pluralism to clear the space for a liberating praxis is the task of Esack, while Dabashi uses the idea of theodicy to challenge the existing consensus on and reconfigure the liberation in Islamic liberation theology. Moving from the otherness of Muslims to the multiplicity of otherness - the various manifestations of self and other - in a pluriversal horizon of liberation, this article deploys both Esack's and Dabashi's notions of self and other towards building a new politics of Islamic liberation theology.

Vanja Mosbach, Voices of Muslim Feminists: Navigating Tradition, Authority and the Debate about Islam

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Muslim Women Against Feminism: The Family Love Alliance (Aliansi Cinta Keluarga) and Its Impact on Women's and Sexual Rights in Contemporary Indonesia

Abstract This article discusses how Islamic conservatism has affected public discourse and policymaking on gender and sexuality and its impact on the struggle for gender equality and sexual rights in contemporary Indonesia. It particularly seeks to examine and analyse how Muslim women in the Family Love Alliance produced a counter-discourse against feminism in their struggle to oppose the ratification of the sexual violence eradication bill. While research on Islam and gender in Indonesia has primarily focused on Islamic feminism, little research has addressed the counter-discourse against Islamic feminism produced by Muslim women and how this might influence ideas of and advocacy for women's rights and gender equality. Some scholars on Indonesian Islam have also argued that rising Islamism has turned the country more religiously conservative. However, scholarly understanding of the relationship between Islamic conservatism and gender remains limited. Drawing on my fieldwork in 2018 and 2019 and informed by social movement theory, this study captures how AILA women activists represent a conservative Islamic backlash against gender equality movements in contemporary Indonesia's public sphere.

Comments on “Progressive Muslims and Islamic Jurisprudence," by Kecia Ali

This is a review of Kecia Ali’s book chapter “Progressive Muslims and Islamic Jurisprudence.” Ali argues for a need to reform Islamic family law, such that it is representative of the contemporary context. Her argument is based on her research on Islamic family law in Islamic jurisprudence manuals in which she found a significant influence of gender norms in the formative period of Islam (until the third century AH) in shaping its content. She concludes by highlighting that as the gender norms in the formative period influenced Islamic family law, we need to reform Islamic family law for it to reflect contemporary gender norms. This write-up explores Ali’s argument and methodology and situates her argument within other scholarship on rethinking Islamic family law. It concludes by providing an evaluation of Ali’s argument.

Women's Communication Strategy for Women's Islamic Organizations in Overcoming Radicalism

Women's involvement in radicalism and their role in addressing the issue are important considerations. Islamic organizations, such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah in Indonesia, have played a significant role in combating radicalism. NU has developed the concept of Islam Nusantara as an antidote, while Muhammadiyah focuses on Progressive Islam as a counter-discourse. This research aims to explore the communication strategies used by women activists in Islamic organizations to address radicalism. The study will employ a descriptive qualitative method, focusing on Nasyiatul Aisyiyah and Fatayat NU as mass organizations representing young women. This research have a finding that the women activists in Islamic organizations employ distinct communication strategies to address radicalism, with Muhammadiyah emphasizing moderation and inclusivity, and NU focusing on identifying radicalism within groups. Effective communicators and targeted communication media are prioritized, despite the differing approaches between the two organizations.