Causes and impacts of feminism on Muslim family: causes and Impacts of Feminism on Muslim family: a Maqasidic appraisal

• Main Authors: Arab, Shaima Zohair, Muhsin, Sayyed Mohamed
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: BP140 Islamic law (Fiqh)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/105954/1/Effects%20of%20Feminism%20on%20Muslim%20Family%20A%20Maqasidic%20Appraisal.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/105954/2/INVITATION%20LETTER%20ERK10.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/105954/3/Proceedigns%20ICONISHS.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/105954/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Islam regards family as basic unit of society, protecting it with prescriptions and proscriptions. In the contemporary times, Muslim family encounters several challenges which can shake the foundation if not dealt with proper and effective strategies. One of the major challenges is feminism that disguised with brand of Islam, but poses threats to the core pillars of a Muslim family. The effects and far-reaching consequences are seen by now in various aspects and segments of Muslims across the globe, a fact that highlights the importance of studies on this topic. This study is an attempt to show the actuality of this movement by mentioning the arguments raised by the feminists on Muslim families. In addition, the study looks into Islamic juristic views which concern at the safety and flourishment of Muslim family and guides against the dangers of the this movement. This study adopts two methodologies: inductive method and analytical approach. The inductive approach is employed to collect data regarding the feminist movement, wisdom behind the values of Muslim family, and responses to the arguments from an Islamic jurisprudence perspective. Analytical method is used for investigating the causes and impacts of feminism on Muslim family and to suggest solutions based on Islamic principles and Muslim family values. Moreover, the findings show that feminism in the beginning fought for equal rights to vote and equal amount of salary compared to men. However, since it started involving with religious values such as the rise of Islamic feminism, it has affected the Muslim familial roles negatively. For instance, this movement argued for equality in guardianship and divorce. It questioned polygamy and raised voice against inheritance rules. These arguments contradict with the Islamic vision and jurisprudence of familial roles which are based on complementarity of two sexes in performing various roles.