Does Islam call for the oppression of women? Non-Muslims point to the subjugation of women that occurs in many Muslim countries, especially tho... read full description
reviews
Dec 06, 2008
Naeem
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I read this in the manuscript form and felt that it would make the author an international success. It has.
Rather than a review, I would like merely to describe it. It battles on two fronts: against feminists who might like to think that Islam is anti-women; and Muslims who might like to think that Islam gives them license to subordinate women.
The core of the analysis is the idea that God created woman not, as in Christianity, from the rib of man. Rather, that God cre More...
Rather than a review, I would like merely to describe it. It battles on two fronts: against feminists who might like to think that Islam is anti-women; and Muslims who might like to think that Islam gives them license to subordinate women.
The core of the analysis is the idea that God created woman not, as in Christianity, from the rib of man. Rather, that God cre More...
Mar 08, 2011
Damian
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Pretty damn good book. Very detailed account of how oppressive readings of the Qur'an became confused with the Qur'anic discourse itself. Posits alternative intepretive approach that delineates a very convincing anti patriarchal theme within the text. Nevertheless, it does not give a satisfactory account of how the institution of a highly patriarchal family structure sits with this anti patriarchal theme. Furthermore, to argue that orthodox readings of the Qur'an are unholistic and ignore libera
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Jul 05, 2010
Fadoua
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Interpreting religious texts, in particular the Qur'an, has been the work of men for centuries. Women are excluded from contributing to the Tafsir. Although, women participated actively in the creation of religious knowledge in the early decades of Islam (the prophet's wife Aisha as example), their opinions have been excluded for a long time.
What are the consequences of the absence of women's voices? Isn't it one important reason of the patriarchal reading of the Qur'an? Isn't it a r More...
What are the consequences of the absence of women's voices? Isn't it one important reason of the patriarchal reading of the Qur'an? Isn't it a r More...
Feb 10, 2011
Jaine
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Absolutely, a fantastic book. An important book.
I can't emphasize enough how remarkable "Believing Women" is-- not remarkable only in so far as it applies to Islam...but also in the realm of women's studies, women's rights, feminism, families and marriages, justice, "peace studies", theology, hermeneutics.
Tremendous.
I can't emphasize enough how remarkable "Believing Women" is-- not remarkable only in so far as it applies to Islam...but also in the realm of women's studies, women's rights, feminism, families and marriages, justice, "peace studies", theology, hermeneutics.
Tremendous.
Dec 10, 2010
Alia
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Amazing read. Really academic but so insightful for Muslims and Non Muslims alike. She does a great job of "re-reading" the Sacred text, without coming off as trying to modify it. Would highly recommend anyone interested in feminist(s) critique theories or Woman in Islam.
Oct 20, 2011
Aasem
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I initially wanted to give this book 4 stars but then I ended up giving an extra because I must have given 5 if I was women. This is an excellent all-encompassing text and not just another feminist reading of the Quran. Barlas makes an extremely strong case for unreading patriarchical readings of scripture by principally moving the onus of (mis)reading from the Quran to the reader who is interacting with the text through his own subjectivities. In my view, the work achieves a two dimensional suc
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Apr 30, 2007
Hadia
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I really loved this book. Its tone is highly academic, but I thought it did a wonderful job of demonstrating how the Quran is consistent with egalitarian values of gender equity and how misogynist interpretations of the text reflect people's own pre-text and understanding of the text, rather than the Quran itself. She criticizes readings of the Quran that are decontextualized and selective, thereby emphasizing that it should be read holistically and intratextually. She argues that the Quran itse
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Dec 26, 2007
G
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Barlas' book is part of the modern scholarship in Islamic studies. She puts forth a strong argument (with excellent citations) that Islam has been derailed by shutting down ijti'had and ijma as well as the elevation of the ahadith over the Qur'an itself - which God specifically warned against. The book is broken into 3 parts and the first two delve deeply into these issues. The third part focused on the impact of these failures onto women. Excellent book for its argument and her craft.
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Sep 05, 2011
Fatima
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One of the best books I've ever read. A challenge to all long-established, misogynistic interpretations of the Quran with very convincing and logical arguments.
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May 13, 2011
Claire
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I'm finished with "Believing Women"...: An incredible scholarly & critical analysis that offers an insightful & inclusive approach textually, historically, culturally; lifting the veil off of patriarchal paradigms (once and for all) and revealing the true beauty, the essence of the Qur'an. Highly Recommended.
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Oct 14, 2011
Juliette
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For those who think Islam doesn't make room for human rights (esp, womens rights) this book is a great insight into Islam, the Qur'an and its true meanings.
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Jan 17, 2008
Sabra
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this is a must read- even if you don't agree with her rather modernist take on Islam, it's definatley thought-provoking!
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