Inside The Gender Jihad: Women's Reform in Islam

Summary

            Amina Wadud takes a more faithful approach in discussing feminism in light of diverse achievements, challenges, and textual foundations of Quran. Wadud has converted to Islam, which reflects how feminism has been tackled in pro-faith manner. Wadud as well proposed to consider how the term Islam is defined by different sources and translated into different languages; while also stressing that a good definition of Islam is “engaged surrender.” These discussions were then integrated to feminism, in the light where women exhibits the manner of giving them full agency to make their own decisions to become real Muslims. Language in this aspect is as well considered as an important aspect in deciphering the words of Quran, which indeed affects one’s perception.

Reflection

            Wadud’s accounts in the book are also based on her educational journey, wherein she met diverse people and encountered diverse experiences. What the book has presented is also a representation on the essence of understanding the Quran deeply, in order to also address important issues involving women. To add, education for women is also regarded as an important privilege, for them to become more aware and educated on their roles as women. In a similar manner, Amina Wadud stressed the state the essence of Muslim women’s studies as discipline in general education. This has been seen as an important implication for understanding the concepts and the language of Islam, and as well the status of women in the society.