Women of the Arab world have struggled to overcome inequality, oppression, and rights deprivation by state authorities, which takes the discussion of the Islamic feminist movement to the political domain. As identified in the course materials, women in the twentieth century Egypt and other countries of the Arab region were limited in their access to political processes, education, and other activities. Indeed, such restrictions imposed opposition between male and female rights that remain relevant at present. Notably, the religious aspect of Arab societies contributes to the understanding of the uniqueness of Islamic feminism.
Indeed, since the Muslim religion addresses both the citizens’ spiritual and societal life, the regulations that are found in the scriptures apply to the ways people behave in their daily lives. Such issues as women’s diminished rights for work, education, political decision-making, or social activity were regulated regarding Islamic ideas, which must be obeyed. However, in a similar manner that women’s roles were identified according to religion, feminists use Islam as the source of arguments for equality in men’s and women’s rights and freedoms. When fighting for improved women’s lives in the Arab world, feminists refer to Sharia, which is the religious law applied to guide the political life of the citizens. According to Sharia, women are granted equal rights with men and have a lawful basis to have the power of political influence.
Although female roles in the Arab world have improved over time, the modernization and westernization of Islamic societies continue, bringing more agenda to Arab feminism. The western view on Islam as a religion that inherently oppresses women expands the scope of the movement and allows for achieving more opportunities for women in the political and other spheres of life. According to Sharia, the unity of politics and religion in the Arab world is a foundation for gender equality.