In Muslim societies around the world, women's experiences vary across cultures, values and geographical differences. Although these differences affected their daily lives, the faith of Islam became a common identity for Muslim women and provided a bridge between different cultures. Among the sources of Islamic law,
Social, legal, spiritual and cosmic status had far-reaching consequences.the four basic sources of the Qur'an, Hades (Muhammad's words and deeds), Izhimah (scholar consensus), and Qiyas (reasoning)
As fundamental teachings of Sunism, the Qur'an and Hades provide guidelines for women in their lives. These guidances are understood through Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), whose interpretation is influenced by the historical context of different eras.
During Muhammad's life, he married multiple wives. The political purposes behind these marriages reflected the needs of the society at that time. Similar examples of this phenomenon can still be found in today's society.The Quran states that men and women have equal moral rights and will receive equal rewards in the hereafter.
The guidance provided by the Qur'an and Hadith did not cover all situations, resulting in secondary sources of law, mainly the ijma, qiyas and fatwas. These secondary sources evaluate and guide Muslim behavior and have important implications for the legal status and rights of Muslim women.
In addition, fatwas are often widely circulated in the community, guide women's behavior, and are generally recognized by the Muslim community.Izhma and qiyas enable jurists to make interpretations and decisions about current situations, ensuring that the role of Muslim women is legally recognized.
In Islamic culture, gender roles are strongly influenced by religious teachings. The instructions in the Quran emphasize the religious and moral equality of men and women, but they also define corresponding social roles. Women are generally considered to be primarily caregivers in family life, yet in many Muslim societies women also play an important role in public life.
The family is the core of the social structure. Women's motherhood is highly valued, and many cultural customs also emphasize the value of motherhood.The Quran makes it clear that men and women are equal in their relationship with God.
In Islam,
Women's clothing usually includes covering their hair and body, but this norm varies greatly across different cultural backgrounds. In today's society, many women choose to wear different styles of headscarves or veils in public to express their beliefs and cultural identities.Haya is considered part of the faith and applies to both men and women.
This shows that understandings of cleanliness and piety are unique to each woman and reflect their different interpretations of identity.A 2021 report shows that 46% of Muslim American women often wear visible symbols of faith, such as headscarves, in public.
Due to the above factors, the lives of Muslim women are affected by multiple legal sources and cultural backgrounds. Against this background, how do Muslim women define themselves and find their role and place in contemporary society?