Women, Feminism, and Islam - Paperback

by Saira Ihsan Khwaja (Editor), Adeel Zeerak (Author)

If asked for your perspective of Islam's treatment of women, what would you say? How would you explain Western feminism? Many Westerners believe that Islamic teachings are anti-woman, when the truth is that the religion gave many rights to women centuries before the rest of the world, including education, ownership and control of property, inheritance, and freedom of expression. Many Muslims believe that Western feminism is mostly the promotion of vulgarity and immorality, but it is actually an ongoing movement in pursuit of equal rights between genders. In Women, Feminism, and Islam, Adeel Zeerak provides secular and Islamic explorations of women's roles in society, exploitation, and rights. He discusses why gender equity is a better term to use than gender equality, differentiates the terms liberation and debauchery for people, and details how anti-women practices found in some Muslim regions are not at all related to Islam. This compelling discourse breaks down the wall of assumptions and stereotypes, through balanced, research-based discussion that is both enlightening and educational. By its end, you may find yourself wondering what other misperceptions are clouding your views and judgments of the rest of the diverse world population.

Author Biography

Adeel Zeerak was born in the cosmopolitan city of Karachi-Pakistan's business hub. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from NED University of Engineering and Technology; and completed an MBA, with dual specialization in marketing and finance, at the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi. He also received a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation from APICS USA. Adeel Zeerak acquired knowledge about Islam from traditional Ulema as well as non-traditional Islamic scholars. Zeerak develops and administers training programs for local and international organizations on general management, operations management as well as on gender and feminism. He took part in a joint program between United Nations Development Programme and the government of Pakistan to conduct gender-sensitive project planning skills training for government planning officers. Women, Feminism, and Islam is Zeerak's second book in which he aims to dispel many of the world's misconceptions regarding both Western and Islamic views of women.