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Presentation remarks at a webinar in Bangladesh held on October 31, 2020. By Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule Sr
1.0 I thank the main speaker and the
panelists who have covered the topic very extensively and very ably. I have
only a few additional remarks to make.
2.0 Gender would never have been an
issue for Muslims if they followed the Qur’an and Sunnat which have clear and
robust solutions to all gender-related problems. Our gender problems arise from
two forms of blind following I(taqlid): (a) following our un-Islamized cultures
(b) following un-Islamic feminist ideas imported from the West.
3.0 Gender equality is taught by the
Qur’an. Men and women are equal in their personhood and are also equal in
ubudiyat (servanthood) before Allah. They are called upon equally in matters of
faith and ibadat. They are equal before the law regarding life, property, and
due process of the law.
4.0 Gender differences exist but they should not be used to confer superiority or inferiority to any gender. Anatomical and physiological differences are for purposes of reproduction without which human kind would cease to exist. Specific psychological, emotional and intellectual characteristics are not unique to any one gender; they care found in both.
5.0 We need to return to the Qur’an so seek guidance on gender issues. The solutions will not be uniform each society while following the general Qur’anic principles will evolve patterns suitable for its environment which is part of the diversity and flexibility of Muslim culture.