Gender (non)-Egalitarian Interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna

 

Gender (Non)-Egalitarian Interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna

Adis Duderija

This article will explore gender egalitarian interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna, drawing upon some of my earleir academic work. The article will examine the definition of gender egalitarian interpretations, the historical context of gender cosmologies in classical Islam, and the interpretative mechanisms employed in gender egalitarian approaches.

Defining Gender Egalitarian Interpretations

Gender egalitarian interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna aim to develop Islamic ethical and legal theories that are responsive to the social realities faced by Muslim women and men, ensuring that gender-based inequalities do not create structural disadvantages for either sex. These interpretations advocate for gender-just and symmetrical legal rights for Muslim women within the framework of Islamic interpretation and methodology. They systematically derive and justify these rights based on specific conceptualizations and interpretations of the Islamic tradition, primarily the Qur'an and Sunna.

Gender Cosmologies in Classical Islam

To understand the emergence of gender egalitarian interpretations, it is crucial to examine the historical context of gender cosmologies in classical Islam. These cosmologies encompass presuppositions about the inherent nature of masculinity and femininity, along with assumptions that shaped the interpretation of the Qur'an and Sunna.

Presuppositions Regarding Masculinity and Femininity

Several key presuppositions about the inherent roles and nature of masculinity and femininity were prevalent in classical Islamic thought:

• Women created of and for men: This notion stemmed from interpretations of certain verses in the Qur'an, leading to a hierarchical understanding of gender roles where women were seen as subservient to men.
• Male superiority: The belief that God made men superior to women was rooted in interpretations of verses emphasizing male leadership and authority within the family and society.
• Deficiencies in women's reason and faith: This presupposition, often attributed to interpretations of Hadith, suggested that women possessed lesser intellectual and spiritual capabilities compared to men.
• Aggressive female sexuality and the concept of fitna: Women's sexuality was often viewed as a potential source of social and moral chaos (fitna), requiring strict control. In contrast, masculinity was constructed in relation to a man's ghira (unreasonable levels of sexual/family honor and jealousy).

These presuppositions contributed to the development of a gender cosmology based on "gender oppositonality," where men and women were seen as fundamentally different and opposing forces, rather than complementary partners.

Assumptions Underpinning Classical Interpretations

Classical interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna were influenced by a set of assumptions that further reinforced existing gender hierarchies:

1. Philologically-centered interpretation: Emphasis was placed on the literal meaning of words and grammatical structures, often overlooking the broader context and purpose of the text.
2. Revelation as the sole standard of ethics: Ethical values were primarily derived from divine revelation, with limited consideration for human reason and experience.
3. Marginalization of the interpreter's role: The interpreter was seen as a passive recipient of the text's meaning, minimizing the influence of their own perspectives and biases.
4. De-contextualization: The historical and social context of the Qur'an's revelation was often disregarded, leading to interpretations that were ahistorical and potentially anachronistic.
5. Lack of thematic or holistic approach: Interpretations tended to focus on individual verses or passages, without considering their interconnectedness and the overall message of the Qur'an.
6. Hadith-dependent concept of Sunna: The Sunna, the Prophet Muhammad's exemplary conduct, was often conflated with sahih (sound) Hadith, limiting its scope and potential for dynamic interpretation.
7. Prioritization of literal meaning: The literal meaning of the text was given precedence over its spirit and underlying values.
8. Lack of distinction between meaning and significance: The meaning of a text was considered fixed and unchanging, neglecting the potential for evolving interpretations based on changing contexts.

These assumptions, coupled with the prevailing gender cosmologies, contributed to interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna that often reinforced gender inequality and justified patriarchal structures within Muslim societies.

Gender Equality Affirmative Interpretations of Islam

In contrast to the limitations of classical interpretations, gender equality affirmative interpretations emerged as a response to the need for more just and equitable understandings of gender relations in Islam. These interpretations challenge traditional assumptions and offer alternative methodologies that promote gender justice.

Key Features of Gender Equality Affirmative Interpretations

Gender equality affirmative interpretations are characterized by several key features:

1. Interpreter-centered approach: This approach acknowledges the active role of the interpreter in constructing meaning from the text. The interpreter's background, experiences, and values influence their understanding, leading to a more dynamic and contextualized interpretation.
2. Comprehensive contextualization: This involves thoroughly considering the historical, cultural, political, social, legal, economic, and civilizational context in which the Qur'an and Sunna were revealed. This approach recognizes that the meanings and applications of verses can vary depending on the specific context.
3. Distinction between meaning and significance: While the meaning of a text may remain stable, its significance can evolve over time and across different contexts. This distinction allows for reinterpretations that are relevant to contemporary challenges and values.
4. Intrinsic contextuality of ethico-legal injunctions: This principle emphasizes that the ethical and legal rulings in the Qur'an and Sunna are inherently tied to the specific context in which they were revealed. This understanding challenges the notion that these rulings are universally applicable across all times and places.
5. Non-Salafi worldview: This approach moves beyond the limitations of Salafi interpretations, which often prioritize the practices of early Muslim communities and adhere to a premodern epistemology. Gender equality affirmative interpretations embrace innovative methodologies and ethical values that may not have been prevalent in the formative periods of Islamic thought.
6. Prioritization of higher objectives (Maqasid): This approach focuses on the underlying purposes and values of Islamic law, such as justice, compassion, and human well-being. Interpretations are guided by these higher objectives, ensuring that legal rulings promote ethical outcomes.
7. Non-Hadith-dependent concept of Sunna: This approach distinguishes between the Sunna and sahih Hadith, recognizing that the Prophet's exemplary conduct encompasses more than just a collection of authenticated sayings. It allows for a more dynamic and contextualized understanding of the Sunna, beyond the limitations of potentially misogynistic or patriarchal Hadith.

Examples of Gender Equality Affirmative Interpretations

The provided source offers several examples of how these key features are applied in practice:

• Qur'an 4:34 and the Concept of Qiwama: This verse, often cited to support male guardianship and authority over women, is reinterpreted through an interpreter-centered approach. By considering the broader context and purpose of the verse, gender equality scholars argue that qiwama refers to responsible leadership and protection, rather than dominance or control.
• The Five Domains of Qur'anic Meaning: Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd's framework for understanding the Qur'an's worldview highlights the intrinsic contextuality of its ethical and legal injunctions. By distinguishing between different domains of meaning, Abu Zayd argues that legal rulings are specific to their historical context and should not be applied universally.
• Inheritance and Polygamy: Thematic and holistic approaches challenge traditional interpretations of inheritance laws by linking them to verses on polygamy. This analysis reveals how historical social structures influenced these rulings, suggesting that they are not immutable divine commands but rather responses to specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Gender equality affirmative interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunna offer a critical and progressive approach to understanding gender relations in Islam. By challenging traditional assumptions and embracing alternative methodologies, these interpretations pave the way for a more just and equitable understanding of the roles and rights of women and men within the Islamic framework.

The seven pillars of gender egalitarian interpretations highlighted in the source provide a comprehensive framework for engaging with the Qur'an and Sunna in a way that promotes gender justice and equality. By prioritizing context, values, and the evolving significance of textual sources, these interpretations challenge patriarchal interpretations and offer a vision of Islam that is inclusive and affirming of the full humanity of all genders.