The Rights of Women in Islam by Asghar Ali Engineer
Book Name: The Rights of Women in Islam
Author(s): Asghar Ali Engineer
Language: English
Category: Religion
- Publisher: New Dawn Press, Year: 2004,
Sterling Publications; 3rd UK ed. edition
ISBN: 0972960732,9780972960731
Book Cover
Introduction
The Rights of Women in Islam is a book written by Asghar Ali Engineer that examines the status and rights of women in Islam. The author, a renowned scholar, and activist, offers a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter, drawing on Islamic sources and historical context.
Overview
The book The Rights of Women in Islam covers a range of topics related to women’s rights in Islam, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, education, and employment. The author argues that Islam grants women a high degree of dignity and equality and that the prevailing patriarchal attitudes and practices in many Muslim societies are not consistent with the spirit of Islam.
Marriage
Engineer discusses the Islamic requirements for marriage, including the importance of consent and the equal rights of men and women in choosing a partner. He also examines the issue of polygamy, arguing that it is a practice that should be discouraged as it goes against the principles of justice and equality.
Divorce
The author examines the Islamic laws on divorce, highlighting the fact that women have the right to initiate divorce and that they are entitled to financial support during and after the marriage. He also emphasizes the need for a fair and just divorce process that takes into account the interests of both parties.
Inheritance
Engineer analyzes the Islamic rules on inheritance, arguing that they are based on the principle of equity rather than equality. He explains that while men may receive a larger share of the inheritance in some cases, this is due to their greater financial responsibilities and does not diminish the rights of women.
Education and Employment
The author discusses the importance of education for women in Islam and emphasizes the need for greater access to educational opportunities. He also examines the issue of women’s employment, arguing that Islam encourages women to work outside the home and provides them with the necessary protections and rights.
Editorial Reviews
The Rights of Women in Islam is a long-overdue reassessment of women’s rights in Islam which have long been widely misunderstood and misinterpreted. The fundamentalists, unmindful of the social context in which Quranic verses on the subject were written, have tried to portray men as superior human beings to women. The author, a renowned scholar, has sought to set the record straight by reinterpreting women’s rights in the true Quranic spirit.
He argues, quite convincingly, that the Holy Book gives equal rights to both sexes and that it does not discriminate between them in respect of personal, democratic, and human rights. An activist in women’s struggle for equality, he has provided Muslim feminists with a powerful weapon for their fight for equality with men. He examines in depth the question of whether in a secular society, Muslim Personal Law needs any change, and, if so, in which direction reforms should be undertaken. The related issue of the introduction of a common civil code, doing away with religiously discriminating laws, is considered.
Main Focus Of The Book
- The book “The Rights of Women in Islam” examines the status and rights of women in Islam.
- The author, Asghar Ali Engineer, provides a comprehensive analysis of various topics related to women’s rights in Islam.
- The book covers topics such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, education, and employment.
- The author argues that Islam grants women a high degree of dignity and equality.
- The book challenges patriarchal attitudes and practices in many Muslim societies that are not consistent with the spirit of Islam.
- The author promotes a better understanding and appreciation of women’s rights in Islam.
Conclusion
The Rights of Women in Islam is a well-researched and thoughtful analysis of the subject matter. Engineer’s arguments are persuasive and grounded in Islamic principles, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the status and rights of women in Islam.
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