Recognition of "difference" in Shari'a: a feminist scrutiny through the lens of substantive equality

Tamanna, N. (2013) Recognition of "difference" in Shari'a: a feminist scrutiny through the lens of substantive equality. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 35 (3). pp. 329-345. ISSN 1469-9621 doi: 10.1080/09649069.2013.802435

Abstract/Summary

The paper looks at the works of notable Islamic feminists to examine whether Islam can be reconciled with a substantive approach to gender equality. Located within contemporary feminist debates related to gender equality, it considers the Qur’anic verses related to two controversial areas of Shari’a law, namely, duty of obedience and polygamy, to explore how Islamic scriptures perceive ‘difference’ and its implications for substantive equality-based legal reforms in a Muslim society.