LLHU 346 - Women and Islam

Today's western media is quick to show images of veiled Muslim women in an attempt to demonstrate religious oppression or to show how these cultures are backward or old fashioned. But although some Muslim women may truly feel oppressed, is this the whole story? In this class we will take a look at the differing practices of Muslim women from Iran, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Turkey, and western countries in an effort to gain understanding of the modern Muslim woman's perspective. A look at the origin of Islam and the changing role of women from the religion's beginning through present day will help us understand the basis for practices that seem restrictive to us. We will look at the personality of the devout Muslimah (Muslim woman) as found in religious texts (the Quran and Hadith) and in modern practice. We will then examine the variety of ways in which religious traditions are observed, and gain insight into the significance of these practices for both committed and more secular Muslim woman. Finally, we will examine the struggle some modern women feel between their commitment to their religion and their desire for more social freedom. Recommended reading:No God But God, by Reza Aslan. Please expect lively discussion!