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Description
Hind Elhinnawy
Paperback, 288 pages
9780755649341
For over a century, Muslim women have championed their own brand of feminism, rooted in human rights principles and a deep understanding of their diverse cultural contexts. Yet, secular Muslim feminism remains shrouded in misunderstanding and contention. Secular Muslim Feminism boldly confronts the complexities and controversies surrounding this contested concept, offering a nuanced exploration of its potential to bridge divides and empower women. The book challenges simplistic portrayals of Muslim women, dismantling the harmful narratives of oppression and victimhood propagated by both Western and Islamist agendas. It critiques the selective glorification of religious agency by some feminists, recognising how this can inadvertently reinforce patriarchal ideologies. Additionally, it exposes the hijacking of the secular Muslim feminist movement by the far-right, disguised as advocates for women's rights but fuelled by anti-Muslim sentiments. Drawing on over two decades of personal observations and interactions with diverse organisations in the Middle East and Europe, the book delves into the heart of secular Muslim feminism, dissecting its nuances and potential to reconcile divergent perspectives. It amplifies these voices, challenging the misrepresentation and limitations imposed by external agendas.
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Demystifying secular Muslim feminism
3. Islam, feminism, and secular resistance
4. The politics of 'saving' the Muslim woman
5. Beyond resistance versus subservience
6. Islam, secularism, and the woman's question
7. Can the secular Muslim feminist speak?
