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  • Title: Women's rights: eternal principles, changing forms.
    Journal: Asiaweek; 1993 Nov 17; ():17. PubMed ID: 12287494.
    Abstract:
    A rising movement within Islam is to turn back to Islamic values and to inject them into everyday life. Another movement gaining popularity is a campaign to grant women improved status. The two movements argue about how to interpret the prerogatives and duties of women addressed in the Koran. The tension between the two movements often threatens social harmony. Muslim communities have different laws and regulations to protect females and to nurture their lives, but they often cause inequalities and become obsolete or impractical. For example, in Malaysia, Muslim women can be theologians and teachers, but not clergy. Many think that Islam prevents them from divorce and allows their husbands to abuse them. Perhaps all leading Islamic scholars should meet to discuss and then agree on Koranic interpretations that would regulate all aspects of social interaction. They must abhor any violation of basic rights, e.g., denying education to females. Any answers to gender inequalities within Islam must be based in Muslim realities. In Malaysia, Sisters of Islam, a Muslim professional group, want a comprehensive gender policy that considers contemporary realities and Muslim culture. They point out that past interpretations of laws may no longer be pertinent, especially since women did not work outside the home in the 7th century. A male Muslim made a commentary that Allah's message does not change over time, but its form may change according to the needs and exigencies of the time. Thus, Islamic leaders can invoke new decrees to conform to modern situations. Pakistanis have done so with usury laws to allow a modern banking system to operate properly. Muslim women are in the forefront of the debate and try to change the system from within while preserving harmony. Men must remember that everyone is equal before God.
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