Feminism and Religion

Introduction
It is a perceptible phenomenon that modern ideas and transnational interaction between people brings about so many changes that they come into conflict with the existing norms and belief systems of a society. In fact, the ability to assimilate productive changes and the capacity to discard beliefs that are detrimental to the interest of the society are the essential qualities of a good social order. If a society allows itself to be dominated by beliefs that are not in tune with the needs and aspirations of the changing times, one cannot ascribe it as a progressive society. On the other hand, it must also be said that a society that is open to change without considering the detrimental effects that such a change can make in the long run, will not add quality to that society. Hence, ideally there needs to be a balance between age old ideas that form the foundation of the society on and modern ideas that gives vigor and variety to the society. The modern progressive ideas need to be implemented on the foundations of strong principles bestowed by culture and traditions. Such a society that can give equal importance to proven and tested norms but also respects newer ideas of merit will be healthy and vibrant. However, we can see that in this strife torn world people are carried away by ideas and seek to implement them without considering their merit in the long run. Similarly, conservatives in the society are too eager to cling on to practices that abuse human dignity and rights. Moderation is no where to be seen and the urge to counter the refusal to change with militant zeal, is a very pernicious trend that has gripped societies worldwide. One such issue that has always been at loggerheads for the past many decades is feminism that seeks to liberate women, and code of religions that requires adherence to certain religious principles in the society.

Cultural differences help to explain why countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Taliban's Afghanistan can all claim the imprimatur of holy law and yet treat their women differently. Iranian women can drive, work in a mixed office, and attend mixed university lectures. Saudi women cannot. Iranian women play active social roles as civil servants, teachers, doctors, and engineers - a profession closed to Saudi women. The Taliban discouraged women from leaving the house. But more than 3 million Afghanis have sought refuge in Iran in the last few decades, giving Iranian women a close look at another way of life under Islam [Frontline, 2002]. The vastness of the spread of the religion is definitely a fact that has impaired the development of all Muslim women.

The role of Women in other religions
Women's liberation has followed a similar trend in other religions as well. For example in the Hindu culture, women were for long, restrained by the religious laws. However in India women have been actively involved in politics and other spheres of life since a very long time. Although some states in the Indian subcontinent have very liberal laws for women, there are parts in India where the rights of women are still trampled upon. Like everywhere else, the reason for this neglect is lack of education and economic dependence on the males of the society. In the cities and town and even in many villages the number of working women is similar to the men and the role of the lady is almost equal to the males in the house. It is seen that in the majority of households the decision making capacity lies with the males although the females actively influence the decision making process. Similarly, is the case in Jewish communities where the women have been enjoying their freedom since a long time. The Jewish society was also not liberal as far as women's affairs were concerned. Now there is growing concern among fundamentalists that the laws of the Talmud are being violated in the country. However it may be seen that the state of the Je

The role of women in Muslim societies
The Muslim society is one the most restrictive one in terms of freedom to women. The attitude to Muslim women was clearly highlighted during the reign of the Taliban when women were even denied the rights to decent medical facilities. As mentioned before, women were given much importance in the Muslim social life, but gradually they were restricted from even presenting themselves in public. The modern Muslim feminists try to highlight these points and have been successful to a certain extent to highlight the plights of the Muslim woman [Schwartz, 1998]. The Muslim feminist although very few in number and very widely scattered across the world have an uphill task to perform because education and economic independence are issues with which the Muslim women are not as lucky as their Christian or Hindu counterparts.

"The fundamental principle of Islam is Tauhid - the unity of the human race under the sovereignty of the One and Only, Universal Divine Allah. Islam's message of peace affirms the equality of all human beings, and rejects all discrimination on the basis of race, class and gender. Yes, Allah is the Sovereign and we succumb to Him and put aside our preferences, prejudices, and traditions and culture which are secondary to Allah's injunctions. The Qur'an declares the absolute moral and spiritual equality of men and women" [Author not known, 1994]

Much of the misconception that the world has about Muslims is because of the Muslim personal laws called Sharia, which specifies specific actions for the problems in life. For example the Sharia has laws that elucidate how a person must conduct himself in a society. The Sharia also has specific punishments if a person does not conform to the rules codified in it. Administrative laws in Muslim countries are based on the Sharia. For e.g. In the Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, the law is very strict and is based on Muslim interpretations of the law. Therefore, human right violations are very high in these countries. The atrocities of the Taliban are well documented in modern history. The Taliban had different set of laws for Muslims, non-Muslims and Women. Barbaric practices in the name of the Muslim Personal law were implemented and the defaulters were treated mercilessly. The intolerance of the Taliban towards other faiths is also well known. Experts opine that the violence that is associated with Muslim cultures of the world is primarily because the Muslim law authorizes some kind of violence. [Nasr, 2002].
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However, the role of the Muslim woman has changed in many countries with a liberal outlook. For example in India and Bangladesh, the social involvement of women has increased since the past few decades. Women have started to occupy high posts in public administration and in Bangladesh, the highest office in the country is held by a lady. In many parts of the world, Muslim women have made a name for themselves as lawyers, physicians and administrators and have been competing with men in many fields. She has outgrown her traditional role as the housekeeper and has begun to affirm her identity in the society. Like in Christian communities Muslim women who are more affluent and educated have been able to break free from the shackles of restrictions imposed by religious misconception. There are a lot of Muslim organizations that impart educational and vocational training to Muslims in a bid to align them to the changing needs of the modern world. Most Muslim students who reside even in advanced nations are compelled to stop their education after their formal education in the religious schools. The lack of exposure to the outside world is one of the many factors that prevent their overall development. Muslim mothers who are educated can impart education to children at home and inculcate the interest in learning in them. Hence, the role of the Muslim woman begins from the grassroots level while the Christina woman can afford to look at higher issues that need further attention.

The foray of the Muslim woman outside her home has definitely made changes to the outlook of hardcore Muslims. Many households have become flexible to the educational needs of their children, especially their daughters. There is a growing resentment against age old practices that were imposed on women without any religious sanctions. Women have asserted and have gained their right to visit mosques and perform duties that are not restricted to the household. There are a lot of female Muslim professionals all over the world. With 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide today cultural differences make for great diversity in the way Islam is lived.