Muslim Feminism Is Here to Stay The Mutual Inclusivity of Feminism and Islam

As women who are not blind to misogyny, Muslim feminists bring into existence an alternative to secular feminism, which leaves out any form of religious reference.

'It is not our different approaches to religion that divide society, but the negation of each person's right to defend their diverse views and interpretations.'

— Sherin Khankan, Women are the Future of Islam.

Under the canopy of crystal clear light, the comforting warmth of a cup of black Lipton tea and the reviving breeze of rain that finds its way through the window and goes on forever, I place my fingers on the keyboard and begin to type in the words that have been eating away at me for quite some time; because I refuse to be on the blacklist of those who oppose Islam just for fighting for what naturally belongs to me.

Early in February, an article written by Khadija Sanusi,‘Between Feminism and Islam: My Personal Journey from Muslim Feminist to Muslimah’ had aroused the interest of so many Muslims, many of whom celebrated the writer as their ‘hero’, while hurling insults on those who presented dissenting views. The article, which challenged Muslim feminism on grounds of incompatibility with Islam, had based its findings on two extremely contrasting views, ignoring the plurality of views on what feminism means to diverse Muslim women and wrapping all Muslim women under one umbrella.

This essay is available to online subscribers only. To read, buy a subscription plan here. We're currently offering 30% off on our annual (non-student) subscription + a free copy of our latest print issue. Click here for this deal and use the coupon code: RXSAVE30