Islam

Exploring the issue of women and power in Islam with a particular focus on the Middle East, Azadeh Kian offers an overview of four historical periods: the advent of Islam, the medieval period, and the modern and contemporary period.

Islamic feminism is a relatively new concept and not without controversy. Indeed many wonder whether it is possible to reconcile feminism with Islam – a religion critics regard as inherently patriarchal.

Syrian writer Morris Ayek is critical of those who claim that when it comes to human rights, Islamic countries are “culturally distinct” from the rest of the world. In his opinion, this discourse directly contradicts the universality of Islamic values

Female guardians in the historical sources. Were it not for the timely intervention of women down the centuries, many an Islamic dynasty would have torn itself apart.