Why Islam and Feminism Have More in Common Than You Think They Do

September 8, 2014 / Muslims for Progressive Values

Think all Muslims are anti-feminism? Think again! There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be a Muslim woman. But the truth of the matter is, it’s entirely possible to be a feminist and a Muslim.

Watch this frank discussion between two feminist Muslim women about some of the common misconceptions people have about Muslim women.

Click for the Transcript

WOMAN #1: So I met this guy the other day and he asked me why, if I’m a Muslim, I wasn’t wearing a head scarf.

WOMAN #2: Okay, so what did you tell him?

WOMAN #1: Well, I told him about that verse in the Qur’an.

WOMAN #2: Oh, the one about modesty?

WOMAN #1: Yeah, the one that’s open to interpretation.

WOMAN #2: “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty.”

WOMAN #1: “That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof.”

WOMAN #2: And did you tell him that different cultures interpret it differently?

WOMAN #1: Yeah, and that some cultures want women to cover their whole bodies.

WOMAN #2: I’m just so tired of being misunderstood. Prophet Muhammad–

WOMAN #1: Peace be upon him.

WOMAN #2: —was a feminist!

WOMAN #1: Absolutely! I mean, he ended female infanticide.

WOMAN #2: Right! And he gave women the right to inherit property.

WOMAN #1: Long before Western women could.

WOMAN #2: Yeah, just think about Jane Austen!

WOMAN #1: What about FGM, female genital mutilation?

WOMAN #2: It’s barbaric! It’s not even asked for in the Qur’an.

WOMAN #1: It’s not even religious; it’s a cultural practice.

WOMAN #2: Exactly. I mean, in Egypt it’s done to both Muslim and Christian girls.

WOMAN #1: Oh, what about forced marriages?

WOMAN #2: Arranged maybe, but never forced. And women must give their consent.

WOMAN #1: It says so right in the Qur’an!

WOMAN #2: You know, I reckon if our prophet were alive today, he’d be way ahead of his time.

WOMAN #1: If Prophet Muhammad were alive today, I bet he would definitely take our side against these so-called traditionalists.

WOMAN #2: Yeah! I mean, all those guys who just reinterpret scripture just to fit their own agenda.

WOMAN #1: Patriarchy.

WOMAN #2: Exactly! Patriarchy and power.

WOMAN #1: You’re right.

WOMAN #2: We both are.

WOMAN #1: You know what, I envy you. I bet you never get bad hair days.

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Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) is an inclusive community rooted in the traditional Qur’anic ideals of human dignity and social justice. They welcome all who are interested in discussing, promoting and working for the implementation of progressive values – human rights, freedom of expression, and separation of church and state – as well as inclusive and tolerant understandings of Islam. Visit their website for more information.