Gender Roles In Islamic Culture

The issue of gender roles and the subsequent treatment of women is a topic that is reflected as a taboo in Islam. This very controversial issue is defined in both the Quran and the history of the Muslim culture. Much like the relationship shared by Christians towards the Bible, the Quran is the religious text in Islam, and it ambiguously highlights the relationship of women in the Islamic culture. Although the Quran states that “ men and women are religiously equal” and have to adhere to the same religious duties the Quran does indeed stress a huge separation towards gender specifications as it regards men as the "protectors and maintainers of women.” But contrary to popular belief this prophet stating the superiority of men is directed in …show more content…
Not everyone agreed that the transition to Islam was all that positive, instead being forced to abide by new Islamic laws that robbed women of certain privileges and freedoms was hard to endure. Looking back at the historical path of Islamic culture you can examine the existence of a system that allowed for greater freedom of women; a system that was then replaced by the transition of stern rules that controlled everything from a woman's behavior to the particular control of her sexuality. Arabs did in fact conquer many things on behalf of women like the inheritance of legal codes and property assets. These norms restricted women in all sorts of ways; one example is the institution of veiling which serves as a symbolism for modesty and the preservation of a woman's chastity. Women in the Middle East that are beyond the age of puberty are covered; the term came about in the Quran where men are told to talk to their wives through this type of "curtain". Most Islamic legal systems have guidelines for how women should be covered especially in the presence of men. But a veil is much more than a fashion statement, it is a tool used by men to assert their control over a woman and to silence them. The Quran tries to connect clothing and sexuality to establish a symbolism for chastity. Similarly, …show more content…
Leila Ahmed writes a very objective piece of work that not only introduces her audience with descriptive examples and research but reexamines gender in Islamic history. Leila investigates the evidence of cultural heritage of women in many parts of the Middle East telling the story of independent women and their loss of status and freedom that have led them to where we are today; living in a patriarchal society. Despite my argument in depicting the oppression of Muslim women, I can affirm that many women today do not resist but instead accept their responsibilities as the Quran expects them to. People argue both sides of the issue; historians argue that the freedom that was available to the wives of the Prophet Muhammad need to be again accepted seeing as how they legitimize feminine power in society. It is known that in the Middle East and in other areas of the world where Islam has spread, there is a general sense of patriarchy that rules among communities forming societies. It is not fair to propose an argument without also speaking for the other side, so contrary to popular belief, there are legal reforms that have focused on matters such as education, the dress attire, and the responsibilities for women and their submissive role in society. Many traditional Muslims believe that by doing this they are going against their faith and women who

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