Islam, Women and Scholarship: Then and Now

Course Overview

This course analyses the role of women, particularly as scholars and intellectuals, within Islam from the perspective of both a Muslim and non-Muslim. The impact of colonial and orientalist narratives upon academia and their subsequent impact upon Muslim and non-Muslim thought are explored in detail. Secular approaches to understanding modern Islam are contrasted with religious approaches. A deep analysis of female scholars throughout Islam and their influence on Islamic scholarship is given. The impact of culture and philosophy upon Muslim scholarship and its impact upon women is explored. The Quran’s own discussion and treatment of women is detailed. The Prophet ﷺ and his treatment of women is also thoroughly explored.