Women In The Quran-An Emancipatory Reading

Summary of "Women in the Qur'an - An Emancipatory Reading":

Main Themes:

1. Duality of Perceptions:

   • Muslim women navigate between conservative Islamic and liberal Western perspectives.
   • The struggle involves reclaiming the right to speak and seeking equality rooted in the Qur'an.

2. Need for Rereading:

   • Asma Lamrabet urges a feminist reinterpretation by women to bring out the spiritual and humanistic messages of the Qur'an.
   • Critiques the dearth of female commentators and reliance on ancient readings.

3. Acknowledgment of Oppression:

   • Recognizes varying degrees of women's oppression in religiously organized social systems.
   • Rejects a perspective promoting Western values as the sole liberation method.

4. New Paradigm:

   • Proposes a new approach where women's refusal to remain silent becomes an act of devotion.
   • Calls for reform as a path to liberation.

Author Information:

• Asma Lamrabet:

  • Pathologist at Avicenna Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
  • Award-winning author focusing on Islam and women's issues.

• Myriam Francois-Cerrah:

  • Writer and broadcaster with a focus on current affairs, France, and the Middle East.
  • Articles published in notable outlets like the Guardian, Salon, etc.

Selected Books:

1. "Qur'an and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman's Perspective" by Amina Wadud

   • Published by Oxford University Press in 1999.

2. "Believing Women in Islam" by Asma Barlas

   • Published by University of Texas Press in 2002.

3. "Women and Gender in Islam" by Leila Ahmed

   • Published by Yale University Press in 1993.

4. "Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women" by Geraldine Brooks

   • Published by Anchor in 1995.

5. "Women in the Qur'an, Traditions, and Interpretation" by Barbara Freyer Stowasser

   • Published by Oxford University Press in 1996.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction:

   • Explores the concept of liberation and sets the stage for the subsequent discussion.

2. First Part - When the Quran Speaks About Women:

   • Narratives of women in the Qur'an, featuring figures like Bilqis, Sarah, Hagar, Zulaykha, Umm Musa, Assia, and Maryam.

3. Second Part - When the Quran Speaks to Women:

   • Explores the language of the Qur'an, its response to female demands, involvement in social and political spheres, and addresses controversial issues like polygamy, testimony, inheritance, and verses on discipline.

4. Conclusion:

   • Reflects on Islam as a potentially aborted women's revolution.

5. Bibliography:

   • Cites sources supporting the feminist reinterpretation of the Qur'an.

Marketing Strategy:

• Unique Perspective:

  • Challenges traditional views constructed by men in patriarchal societies.
  • Offers alternative versions through a female perspective.

• Feminist Vision:

  • Presents a vision for modern Muslim women rooted in faith and history rather than liberal values.

• Target Audience:

  • Pitched to pre-publication journals, Islamic magazines, bloggers with Islamic interest, and major US Muslim associations.

• Wide Reach:

  • Approach newspapers, magazines, and web columnists covering women's issues globally.
  • Display at Middle Eastern Studies and American Library Association conferences.

• Educational Outreach:

  • Target comparative religion and Islamic studies departments.
  • Special marketing to Muslim student associations and community centers.