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Women in the Qurʼan : An Emancipatory Reading
Today, the issue of Muslim women is held hostage between two a conservative Islamic approach and a liberal Western approach. At the heart of this debate Muslim women are seeking to reclaim their right to speak in order to re-appropriate their own destinies, calling for the equality and liberation that is at the heart of the Qur'an. However, with few female commentators on the meaning of the Qur'an and an overreliance on the readings of the Qur'an compiled centuries ago this message is often lost. In this book Asma Lamrabet demands a rereading of the Qur'an by women that focuses on its spiritual and humanistic messages in order to alter the lived reality on the ground. By acknowledging the oppression of women, to different degrees, in social systems organized in the name of religion and also rejecting a perspective that seeks to promote Western values as the only means of liberating them, the author is able to define a new way. One in which their refusal to remain silent is an act of devotion and their demand for reform will lead to liberation. Asma Lamarbet is a pathologist in Avicenna Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. She is also an award-winning author of many articles and books tackling Islam and women's issues. Myriam Francois-Cerrah is a writer and broadcaster whose articles have been published in the Guardian , Salon , and elsewhere.
212 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 10, 2019
"It is sad to see how Islam as a religion is relentlessly accused of wrongs which it is undeniably innocent."
There has always been this question that people keep asking me : How come you're both muslim and feminist , isn't that contradictory ? .
This book is the perfect answer for such questions.
In Women in the Qur'an , Asma Lamrabet not only reminds us of some of the most strong , determined and influencial women in the history of Islam but she also offers a new interpretation of the Quran with less gender bias thus providing an alternative to more traditional/ patriarchal readings.
Asma lamrabet wrote in her conclusion : " The majority of the current Islamic discourse on women is limited to her body ; on the most appropriate way to cover , what is permissible or impermissible in termsof clothing , on the prohibition of wearing perfume , of speaking loudly, of laughing! Is this what the message of Islam can be summed up by for women ? Where is the liberating spirit of the Qur'an and all the initiatives put forward by the text to initiate a truly autonomous status for women ?" and I can only agree.
However , I still can't get over the fact that the publisher of the translated version allowed himself to correct Asma's views both at first when writing the publisher's note and most importantly at the end where he commented on every single matter on which he disagrees with her .
While Asma was clearly trying to deconstruct the influence of patriarchy while interpreting some verses of the Qur'an in her book , this publisher , with his notes , further confirmed that there is still a long way to go for a women to express herself and her views freely .
Highly recommend it , it's definitely worth the read.
There has always been this question that people keep asking me : How come you're both muslim and feminist , isn't that contradictory ? .
This book is the perfect answer for such questions.
In Women in the Qur'an , Asma Lamrabet not only reminds us of some of the most strong , determined and influencial women in the history of Islam but she also offers a new interpretation of the Quran with less gender bias thus providing an alternative to more traditional/ patriarchal readings.
Asma lamrabet wrote in her conclusion : " The majority of the current Islamic discourse on women is limited to her body ; on the most appropriate way to cover , what is permissible or impermissible in termsof clothing , on the prohibition of wearing perfume , of speaking loudly, of laughing! Is this what the message of Islam can be summed up by for women ? Where is the liberating spirit of the Qur'an and all the initiatives put forward by the text to initiate a truly autonomous status for women ?" and I can only agree.
However , I still can't get over the fact that the publisher of the translated version allowed himself to correct Asma's views both at first when writing the publisher's note and most importantly at the end where he commented on every single matter on which he disagrees with her .
While Asma was clearly trying to deconstruct the influence of patriarchy while interpreting some verses of the Qur'an in her book , this publisher , with his notes , further confirmed that there is still a long way to go for a women to express herself and her views freely .
Highly recommend it , it's definitely worth the read.
June 19, 2017
Review (for Amazon) of the English translation of Asma Lamrabet’s book, Le Coran et les femmes: une lecture de liberation.
I want to start this review of the English translation of Asma Lamrabet’s book, Le Coran et les femmes: une lecture de libération, by putting my cards on the table. First, I know the author well, and have a great deal of respect and affection for her, as a scholar and a friend. Second, I have read the book in its original French version as I have read several others of Lamrabet’s excellent books. Third, my primary reason for buying the English translation of the book (available at Amazon) was to assess the quality of the translation before recommending it to English language readers.
I started reading the rather long introductory chapter (24 pages in the French version, 19 in the English) with both versions in hand, paragraph by paragraph, always starting with the French. When I finished, I re-read the chapter in its entirety, in both French and English. Afterwards, I continued with the English translation, but going back to the original French, as needed.
The translator, Myriam François-Cerrah, has done a remarkable job translating a somewhat difficult book to capture, and I applaud her efforts. In my view, the English version would have been much stronger had Ms. Cerrah tried to convey the essence of the text rather than seeming to be primarily concerned with the transmission of the meaning of just about every word, resulting in the book appearing rather repetitive at times, especially to the English-language ear. Having said that, the English translation of this important book is not only worth reading but is a must read for Anglophones interested in the position of Women in Islam as portrayed by Islam’s holiest book, the Qur’an.
Herself a devout Muslim, Dr. Lamrabet is among the most knowledgeable contemporary Muslim scholars, the majority of whom are men. With remarkable skill and delicacy, Dr. Lamrabet discusses the status of women in Islam, held a hostage by two opposing but equally extreme perspectives – one rigid conservative Islamic, the other western, ethnocentric, islamophobic – pointing out that despite their great differences, they always end up at the same impasse, generated by each side’s equally impaired vision, thus rendering a meaningful dialogue between the two camps virtually impossible.
Rather than being satisfied with criticizing the West for its poor portrayal of Muslim women, Dr. Lamrabet, in a radical departure from what she refers to as centuries-old, unchallenged parochial interpretations of the Qur’an, interpretations that have become almost a part of the “sacred,” hence absolute, thus copiously sheltered from critical examination and reflexion, she urges learned Muslims, men and women, to differentiate the “Sacred” from the “interpretation of the Sacred.”
Dr. Lamrabet laments the inclination of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to embrace human, hence forcibly subject to error interpretations that have contributed to the thriving of a culture that devalues women, rather than staying steadfast to the meaning of the Divine. She affirms that, as believers, Muslims, women and men, are entitled to question the common assertion that only men have the authority and the right to interpret the pronouncements of God. This leads her to probe the logic behind the absence of even a single exegesis (tafseer) by a Muslim woman, throughout the long history of Islam! Here, she promptly stresses that the endgame of her book is not the promotion of an exclusive feminine interpretation, at the expense of centuries-old classical exegesis, or to deny the extremely rich legacy of classic exegesis, essential for any in-depth study of the Text, or to marginalize it. Rather, it is to unveil the historical preconceptions and discriminations against women, instituted by flawed human interpretations of the Sacred Text.
I want to start this review of the English translation of Asma Lamrabet’s book, Le Coran et les femmes: une lecture de libération, by putting my cards on the table. First, I know the author well, and have a great deal of respect and affection for her, as a scholar and a friend. Second, I have read the book in its original French version as I have read several others of Lamrabet’s excellent books. Third, my primary reason for buying the English translation of the book (available at Amazon) was to assess the quality of the translation before recommending it to English language readers.
I started reading the rather long introductory chapter (24 pages in the French version, 19 in the English) with both versions in hand, paragraph by paragraph, always starting with the French. When I finished, I re-read the chapter in its entirety, in both French and English. Afterwards, I continued with the English translation, but going back to the original French, as needed.
The translator, Myriam François-Cerrah, has done a remarkable job translating a somewhat difficult book to capture, and I applaud her efforts. In my view, the English version would have been much stronger had Ms. Cerrah tried to convey the essence of the text rather than seeming to be primarily concerned with the transmission of the meaning of just about every word, resulting in the book appearing rather repetitive at times, especially to the English-language ear. Having said that, the English translation of this important book is not only worth reading but is a must read for Anglophones interested in the position of Women in Islam as portrayed by Islam’s holiest book, the Qur’an.
Herself a devout Muslim, Dr. Lamrabet is among the most knowledgeable contemporary Muslim scholars, the majority of whom are men. With remarkable skill and delicacy, Dr. Lamrabet discusses the status of women in Islam, held a hostage by two opposing but equally extreme perspectives – one rigid conservative Islamic, the other western, ethnocentric, islamophobic – pointing out that despite their great differences, they always end up at the same impasse, generated by each side’s equally impaired vision, thus rendering a meaningful dialogue between the two camps virtually impossible.
Rather than being satisfied with criticizing the West for its poor portrayal of Muslim women, Dr. Lamrabet, in a radical departure from what she refers to as centuries-old, unchallenged parochial interpretations of the Qur’an, interpretations that have become almost a part of the “sacred,” hence absolute, thus copiously sheltered from critical examination and reflexion, she urges learned Muslims, men and women, to differentiate the “Sacred” from the “interpretation of the Sacred.”
Dr. Lamrabet laments the inclination of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to embrace human, hence forcibly subject to error interpretations that have contributed to the thriving of a culture that devalues women, rather than staying steadfast to the meaning of the Divine. She affirms that, as believers, Muslims, women and men, are entitled to question the common assertion that only men have the authority and the right to interpret the pronouncements of God. This leads her to probe the logic behind the absence of even a single exegesis (tafseer) by a Muslim woman, throughout the long history of Islam! Here, she promptly stresses that the endgame of her book is not the promotion of an exclusive feminine interpretation, at the expense of centuries-old classical exegesis, or to deny the extremely rich legacy of classic exegesis, essential for any in-depth study of the Text, or to marginalize it. Rather, it is to unveil the historical preconceptions and discriminations against women, instituted by flawed human interpretations of the Sacred Text.
April 6, 2017
It was okay. Not great but not bad. I think somebody should be very strong in their deen before reading it. :)
There were many fabulous points that she pointed out - many people have forgotten these interpretations or ignored them honestly. There is a section at the end for endnotes from the publisher though where they tried to clarify her writing that didn't set well with me as a reader. Like did you not ask her for clarification on these things?
There were many fabulous points that she pointed out - many people have forgotten these interpretations or ignored them honestly. There is a section at the end for endnotes from the publisher though where they tried to clarify her writing that didn't set well with me as a reader. Like did you not ask her for clarification on these things?
March 15, 2023
كما قلت، هذا كتاب ماكرٌ وخبيث..
قُسّم الكتاب إلى جزئين: حيث تعرض أسماء لمرابط في الجزء الأوّل قصص النّساء اللواتي ذُكر�� في القرآن (حوّاء، أم موسى، آسية، بلقيس، مريم عليها السلام). وفي الجزء الثاني تناقش أبرز المواضيع الشائكة في قضية المرأة والصدام بين النسوية والإسلام. (الإرث، الشهادة، الضرب)
مشكلتي مع الكتاب هو إصرار لمرابط أن تصوّر أحداث السيرة ونصوص الوحي بهيئة نسوية حقوقيّة تفرّغها من بعدها الإيماني.. فلا يبقى أمام القارئ سوى أن يقتنع بـ "منطقيّة" ذلك وتوافقها مع مطالب الحركة النسوية (وإن كان المطالب أصبحت متناقضة بحيث لم نعد نفهم ماذا يريدون حقا)
المجازفات الفقهية والأصولية في التفسير الواردة مُخزية حقًا.. لماذا يتجرّأ من لا علم له على الحديث بكلّ هذه الأريحية؟
لم أكن لأقرأ هذا الكتاب لولا متطلبات العمل.. لست نادمةً على قراءته، بل سعيدة أنني استطعت أن أحتفظ بحسّي النقدي طوال الأيام الثلاثة السابقة.
شعبان 1444
قُسّم الكتاب إلى جزئين: حيث تعرض أسماء لمرابط في الجزء الأوّل قصص النّساء اللواتي ذُكر�� في القرآن (حوّاء، أم موسى، آسية، بلقيس، مريم عليها السلام). وفي الجزء الثاني تناقش أبرز المواضيع الشائكة في قضية المرأة والصدام بين النسوية والإسلام. (الإرث، الشهادة، الضرب)
مشكلتي مع الكتاب هو إصرار لمرابط أن تصوّر أحداث السيرة ونصوص الوحي بهيئة نسوية حقوقيّة تفرّغها من بعدها الإيماني.. فلا يبقى أمام القارئ سوى أن يقتنع بـ "منطقيّة" ذلك وتوافقها مع مطالب الحركة النسوية (وإن كان المطالب أصبحت متناقضة بحيث لم نعد نفهم ماذا يريدون حقا)
المجازفات الفقهية والأصولية في التفسير الواردة مُخزية حقًا.. لماذا يتجرّأ من لا علم له على الحديث بكلّ هذه الأريحية؟
لم أكن لأقرأ هذا الكتاب لولا متطلبات العمل.. لست نادمةً على قراءته، بل سعيدة أنني استطعت أن أحتفظ بحسّي النقدي طوال الأيام الثلاثة السابقة.
شعبان 1444
April 11, 2020
• As the book description says, " Today the issue of Muslim women is held hostage between two perceptions: a conservative Islamic approach and a liberal Western approach."
So I assume, in this book, author will consider a perspective that will be distinction to the above cited two mainstream perception!! But I find Author's view slightly biased towards 'Western feminist approach'. Specially in the sections of 'inheritance', 'polygamy', 'testimony' and 'hit them..?' The way writer tries to explain those quranic verses it seems to me she is desperate to prove the point 'women are equal to men' without any 'emancipatory' rationale.
• I expect this book will discuss about the rights, duties and aspects of women through out the stories, regulations that mentioned in Quran.
But I haven’t read anything which has solid ground or facts to believe the points Lamrabet wants to make! I find her logic of interpretation obnoxious and contentious. Also I haven’t found any clear concept about author's viewpoint regarding 'muslim women's freedom'.
• Author's Credibility
I am concern most on this point. Asma Lamrabet's continuous nagging to convince the writer without any solid arguments make me question her credibility. Author also mix up issues, assumptions of other religions along with Quranic stories to proof her points. When she is trying to explain the verses and stories from Quran and Hadith she is not sticking to the version mentioned in the quran and hadith but go throuh the myth and unreliable sources too. Example: mistake of Adam and Eve, romance between Yusuf and Zulaykha and so on.
• Not everything objectionable in this book!
There are some compelling discussion on 'Maryam,the favourite' and 'sumayaa, the first martyr of Islam' But overall this book really lacks in explaining and advocating, what are the real conflicts, struggles and consceince of muslim women.
So I assume, in this book, author will consider a perspective that will be distinction to the above cited two mainstream perception!! But I find Author's view slightly biased towards 'Western feminist approach'. Specially in the sections of 'inheritance', 'polygamy', 'testimony' and 'hit them..?' The way writer tries to explain those quranic verses it seems to me she is desperate to prove the point 'women are equal to men' without any 'emancipatory' rationale.
• I expect this book will discuss about the rights, duties and aspects of women through out the stories, regulations that mentioned in Quran.
But I haven’t read anything which has solid ground or facts to believe the points Lamrabet wants to make! I find her logic of interpretation obnoxious and contentious. Also I haven’t found any clear concept about author's viewpoint regarding 'muslim women's freedom'.
• Author's Credibility
I am concern most on this point. Asma Lamrabet's continuous nagging to convince the writer without any solid arguments make me question her credibility. Author also mix up issues, assumptions of other religions along with Quranic stories to proof her points. When she is trying to explain the verses and stories from Quran and Hadith she is not sticking to the version mentioned in the quran and hadith but go throuh the myth and unreliable sources too. Example: mistake of Adam and Eve, romance between Yusuf and Zulaykha and so on.
• Not everything objectionable in this book!
There are some compelling discussion on 'Maryam,the favourite' and 'sumayaa, the first martyr of Islam' But overall this book really lacks in explaining and advocating, what are the real conflicts, struggles and consceince of muslim women.
August 2, 2017
I was really excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it was not an easy read.
The translation makes it very difficult to get through. It's not just repetitive (as mentioned in an earlier review): the grammar often feels off. I don't know the ins & outs of grammar; i mean more simple things, like the placement of commas. There are commas in awkward places throughout the book. This doesn't lend to a smooth reading of the text at all. Nor do the instances of "?!", but i figure that was carried over from the original text. There are also many run-on sentences; sometimes a paragraph is made up of only one or two sentences.
The translation felt like the biggest obstacle for me, but i was also out of my depth regarding the material. I know nothing regarding the Qur'an, which is what Asma Lamrabet draws from. The book is focused entirely on scriptures and exegeses, whereas i thought it would be focused at least somewhat on modern-day occurrences. I picked up the book thinking it would go over instances where Muslim women have been mistreated, either in the name of Islam or "liberation", and then work from there. No: it is all from the Qur'an, the Hadiths, and exegeses by other Muslim scholars. If you're like me, and know nothing aside from the basics of Islam, you will most likely feel like you don't know what Lamrabet is talking about.
It was interesting to read a scholarly book that was not unbiased. Lambrabet is unashamedly Muslim; she advocates for her religion at every turn. It was different from any other scholarly book i've read, where the author tries to be as impartial as possible. Lamrabet is talking about work she is entirely invested in. She doesn't even try to be impartial. While it's a change, i would guess, for many, it doesn't detract from the work (except where there are copious exclamation points & "?!" made).
Overall, the book was incredibly difficult for me to get through, despite it being a slim volume. I was completely unfamiliar with the depth of the subject matter, and the translation just did not flow at all. It made me wish i was fluent in French, in order to read Lamrabet's original text. I feel the translation was my biggest barrier to really getting into the book, and that perhaps a reworking of it may be helpful. Alternatively, i would like to read more books on this topic that explore women's rights and Islam, and the ways that fundamentalists have twisted the religion to their own ends.
The translation makes it very difficult to get through. It's not just repetitive (as mentioned in an earlier review): the grammar often feels off. I don't know the ins & outs of grammar; i mean more simple things, like the placement of commas. There are commas in awkward places throughout the book. This doesn't lend to a smooth reading of the text at all. Nor do the instances of "?!", but i figure that was carried over from the original text. There are also many run-on sentences; sometimes a paragraph is made up of only one or two sentences.
The translation felt like the biggest obstacle for me, but i was also out of my depth regarding the material. I know nothing regarding the Qur'an, which is what Asma Lamrabet draws from. The book is focused entirely on scriptures and exegeses, whereas i thought it would be focused at least somewhat on modern-day occurrences. I picked up the book thinking it would go over instances where Muslim women have been mistreated, either in the name of Islam or "liberation", and then work from there. No: it is all from the Qur'an, the Hadiths, and exegeses by other Muslim scholars. If you're like me, and know nothing aside from the basics of Islam, you will most likely feel like you don't know what Lamrabet is talking about.
It was interesting to read a scholarly book that was not unbiased. Lambrabet is unashamedly Muslim; she advocates for her religion at every turn. It was different from any other scholarly book i've read, where the author tries to be as impartial as possible. Lamrabet is talking about work she is entirely invested in. She doesn't even try to be impartial. While it's a change, i would guess, for many, it doesn't detract from the work (except where there are copious exclamation points & "?!" made).
Overall, the book was incredibly difficult for me to get through, despite it being a slim volume. I was completely unfamiliar with the depth of the subject matter, and the translation just did not flow at all. It made me wish i was fluent in French, in order to read Lamrabet's original text. I feel the translation was my biggest barrier to really getting into the book, and that perhaps a reworking of it may be helpful. Alternatively, i would like to read more books on this topic that explore women's rights and Islam, and the ways that fundamentalists have twisted the religion to their own ends.
June 25, 2020
Although, overall I believe this book presents valuable insights, I would not recommend reading it as your first introduction to "Women in the Qur'an." The writing itself is complex and hard to follow at times, and the author delves into a huge variety of sources to defend her arguments, the significance of some and how they connect to her point were lost on me. Some points were explained ad nauseum and yet, others were made, as if a statement of fact, without any detailed explanation. The best way to read this book is as supplementary reading after already establishing a basic understanding of women in Islam, both in the Qur'an and throughout the seerah. I feel I was able to make the most of this book because I was already mostly familiar with the premises the book then expands on.
In general, although Lamrabet displays an evident bias, sometime detracting from her argument by engaging in emotional appeals, she does a good job of discussing the heart of the issue, the elevation of women within a context of a deeply entrenched misogynistic society, and the delicate ways that the Qur'an serves to correct this and how this has been corrupted over time by patriarchal societies wishing to maintain a status quo. She presents the wide variety of interpretations and understanding that can be derived from a singular verse or story, and is able to effectively show that deep reading is necessary.
In general, although Lamrabet displays an evident bias, sometime detracting from her argument by engaging in emotional appeals, she does a good job of discussing the heart of the issue, the elevation of women within a context of a deeply entrenched misogynistic society, and the delicate ways that the Qur'an serves to correct this and how this has been corrupted over time by patriarchal societies wishing to maintain a status quo. She presents the wide variety of interpretations and understanding that can be derived from a singular verse or story, and is able to effectively show that deep reading is necessary.
February 2, 2023
This was a good read though there were too many unsubstantiated views and contentious statements to really make this a strong read. Nevertheless, there are still some good arguments that could be gleaned from this, hence the three stars. This review pretty much covers my thoughts on this book.
November 24, 2022
4,5 ⭐️
December 30, 2017
This was an excellent insight into some inspirational female figures in Islam.
August 29, 2022
This really was an emancipatory reading. A book every Muslim should read. Especially those who think of Islam as a patriarchal religion. Spoiler: it’s the contrary; Feminism stems from Islam!
September 25, 2016
Women in the Quran: An Emancipatory Reading offers an interpretation of the Quran with less gender bias and in that respect provides an essential alternative to more traditional or patriarchal readings. The idea that patriarchal interpretations or values/interpretations considered Islamic are based in Muslim history and not the Quran itself isn't always evidenced by history in the book and there are some arguments put forward, especially to do with inheritance, that feel stretched. However, Women in the Quran would not be the place to mine history for examples or to go into extensive linguistic detail to evidence the claim. The presence of the book as an offering of a less misogynistic reading of the Quran goes a long way to set the foundations for correcting the patriarchy Lamrabet describes. In that respect, it is essential reading for anyone interested in women in Muslim majority countries.
January 13, 2018
The author does a good job in compiling stories from the Quran and making her point that men and women are equal. However, at some points, her reasoning lacked a bit. Regardless, love the book and would recommend it
June 14, 2017
(read in French)
Enlightening !
Enlightening !
September 11, 2018
Redundant. Merely recites stories without actual critical thought.
September 14, 2020
"Women were active participants in the story of exile, with all its adventures and their share of suffering and sacrifice, and this remains the indelible evidence of women’s activism as it was promoted by the message of Islam. Islam which, contrary to what is said about it today, judges the abilities and intrinsic values of each and every one of us, outside of any consideration based on gender or race."
In this reading, Dr. Lamrabet focuses on stories of important and inspiring women who had an imperative rule in the history of Islam. I got to dive deeper into their stories and the context of those stories and read about them from a female perspective rather than the usual male perspective which was enlightening. It also discusses some topics that concern women and are mentioned in the Qur'an.
However, I had an issue with the tone of the book because at times it felt a bit defensive and I think the note of the publisher was intrusive and irrelevant to add to the book.
The book is a must-read for their stories has a lot to teach in a multitude of layers, and for those who are looking for new and deep interpretations
In this reading, Dr. Lamrabet focuses on stories of important and inspiring women who had an imperative rule in the history of Islam. I got to dive deeper into their stories and the context of those stories and read about them from a female perspective rather than the usual male perspective which was enlightening. It also discusses some topics that concern women and are mentioned in the Qur'an.
However, I had an issue with the tone of the book because at times it felt a bit defensive and I think the note of the publisher was intrusive and irrelevant to add to the book.
The book is a must-read for their stories has a lot to teach in a multitude of layers, and for those who are looking for new and deep interpretations
June 19, 2017
Review (for Amazon) of the English translation of Asma Lamrabet’s book, Le Coran et les femmes: une lecture de liberation.
I want to start this review of the English translation of Asma Lamrabet’s book, Le Coran et les femmes: une lecture de libération, by putting my cards on the table. First, I know the author well, and have a great deal of respect and affection for her, as a scholar and a friend. Second, I have read the book in its original French version as I have read several others of Lamrabet’s excellent books. Third, my primary reason for buying the English translation of the book (available at Amazon) was to assess the quality of the translation before recommending it to English language readers.
I started reading the rather long introductory chapter (24 pages in the French version, 19 in the English) with both versions in hand, paragraph by paragraph, always starting with the French. When I finished, I re-read the chapter in its entirety, in both French and English. Afterwards, I continued with the English translation, but going back to the original French, as needed.
The translator, Myriam François-Cerrah, has done a remarkable job translating a somewhat difficult book to capture, and I applaud her efforts. In my view, the English version would have been much stronger had Ms. Cerrah tried to convey the essence of the text rather than seeming to be primarily concerned with the transmission of the meaning of just about every word, resulting in the book appearing rather repetitive at times, especially to the English-language ear. Having said that, the English translation of this important book is not only worth reading but is a must read for Anglophones interested in the position of Women in Islam as portrayed by Islam’s holiest book, the Qur’an.
Herself a devout Muslim, Dr. Lamrabet is among the most knowledgeable contemporary Muslim scholars, the majority of whom are men. With remarkable skill and delicacy, Dr. Lamrabet discusses the status of women in Islam, held a hostage by two opposing but equally extreme perspectives – one rigid conservative Islamic, the other western, ethnocentric, islamophobic – pointing out that despite their great differences, they always end up at the same impasse, generated by each side’s equally impaired vision, thus rendering a meaningful dialogue between the two camps virtually impossible.
Rather than being satisfied with criticizing the West for its poor portrayal of Muslim women, Dr. Lamrabet, in a radical departure from what she refers to as centuries-old, unchallenged parochial interpretations of the Qur’an, interpretations that have become almost a part of the “sacred,” hence absolute, thus copiously sheltered from critical examination and reflexion, she urges learned Muslims, men and women, to differentiate the “Sacred” from the “interpretation of the Sacred.”
Dr. Lamrabet laments the inclination of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to embrace human, hence forcibly subject to error interpretations that have contributed to the thriving of a culture that devalues women, rather than staying steadfast to the meaning of the Divine. She affirms that, as believers, Muslims, women and men, are entitled to question the common assertion that only men have the authority and the right to interpret the pronouncements of God. This leads her to probe the logic behind the absence of even a single exegesis (tafseer) by a Muslim woman, throughout the long history of Islam! Here, she promptly stresses that the endgame of her book is not the promotion of an exclusive feminine interpretation, at the expense of centuries-old classical exegesis, or to deny the extremely rich legacy of classic exegesis, essential for any in-depth study of the Text, or to marginalize it. Rather, it is to unveil the historical preconceptions and discriminations against women, instituted by flawed human interpretations of the Sacred Text.
I want to start this review of the English translation of Asma Lamrabet’s book, Le Coran et les femmes: une lecture de libération, by putting my cards on the table. First, I know the author well, and have a great deal of respect and affection for her, as a scholar and a friend. Second, I have read the book in its original French version as I have read several others of Lamrabet’s excellent books. Third, my primary reason for buying the English translation of the book (available at Amazon) was to assess the quality of the translation before recommending it to English language readers.
I started reading the rather long introductory chapter (24 pages in the French version, 19 in the English) with both versions in hand, paragraph by paragraph, always starting with the French. When I finished, I re-read the chapter in its entirety, in both French and English. Afterwards, I continued with the English translation, but going back to the original French, as needed.
The translator, Myriam François-Cerrah, has done a remarkable job translating a somewhat difficult book to capture, and I applaud her efforts. In my view, the English version would have been much stronger had Ms. Cerrah tried to convey the essence of the text rather than seeming to be primarily concerned with the transmission of the meaning of just about every word, resulting in the book appearing rather repetitive at times, especially to the English-language ear. Having said that, the English translation of this important book is not only worth reading but is a must read for Anglophones interested in the position of Women in Islam as portrayed by Islam’s holiest book, the Qur’an.
Herself a devout Muslim, Dr. Lamrabet is among the most knowledgeable contemporary Muslim scholars, the majority of whom are men. With remarkable skill and delicacy, Dr. Lamrabet discusses the status of women in Islam, held a hostage by two opposing but equally extreme perspectives – one rigid conservative Islamic, the other western, ethnocentric, islamophobic – pointing out that despite their great differences, they always end up at the same impasse, generated by each side’s equally impaired vision, thus rendering a meaningful dialogue between the two camps virtually impossible.
Rather than being satisfied with criticizing the West for its poor portrayal of Muslim women, Dr. Lamrabet, in a radical departure from what she refers to as centuries-old, unchallenged parochial interpretations of the Qur’an, interpretations that have become almost a part of the “sacred,” hence absolute, thus copiously sheltered from critical examination and reflexion, she urges learned Muslims, men and women, to differentiate the “Sacred” from the “interpretation of the Sacred.”
Dr. Lamrabet laments the inclination of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to embrace human, hence forcibly subject to error interpretations that have contributed to the thriving of a culture that devalues women, rather than staying steadfast to the meaning of the Divine. She affirms that, as believers, Muslims, women and men, are entitled to question the common assertion that only men have the authority and the right to interpret the pronouncements of God. This leads her to probe the logic behind the absence of even a single exegesis (tafseer) by a Muslim woman, throughout the long history of Islam! Here, she promptly stresses that the endgame of her book is not the promotion of an exclusive feminine interpretation, at the expense of centuries-old classical exegesis, or to deny the extremely rich legacy of classic exegesis, essential for any in-depth study of the Text, or to marginalize it. Rather, it is to unveil the historical preconceptions and discriminations against women, instituted by flawed human interpretations of the Sacred Text.
October 11, 2020
This book is trying to give different point of view regarding the Quran's interpretation on women. Most of the interpretations circulate today are mostly done by conservatives ulama or orientalists that tried to discredit Islam. The books divided into three parts, in the first parts, it gives readers a 'feminist' point of view on the stories of Queen Balqis, Zulaykha, Asyiah, Prophet Syuaib's daughter, and Maryam. In the second part it gives some insights on Quranic interpretations on religious equality, polygamy, inheritance, and women's involvement in social and political activities.
From my point of view, this book is relatively adequate to introduce new readers on islamic feminism. However, to be an academic reference, I don't think this book is sufficient, for the reason that it is lack of references. I also do not understand its writing style, i feel irritated with three dots in the middle of sentences and at the end of paragraph.
From my point of view, this book is relatively adequate to introduce new readers on islamic feminism. However, to be an academic reference, I don't think this book is sufficient, for the reason that it is lack of references. I also do not understand its writing style, i feel irritated with three dots in the middle of sentences and at the end of paragraph.
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July 1, 2010انتهيت منه ، و النسخة التى أملكها فيها خلل مطبعي فبعض الصفحات فارغة .. سأنقل فقرة من مقال الدكتور محمد أبولوز حول رأيه في هذا الكتاب و أحيلكم على مقالته ..
"والحال أننا بحاجة إلى مقاربة مختلفة نحقق بها مقصد الكرامة والعدل واسترداد ما ضاع من الحقوق من غير انتقائية أو تضحية بشيء من شرع الله في الاعتقاد أو الممارسة والسلوك، فنعتمد مقاربة الأسرة عوض الفرد والنوع، ونستحضر مقصد التكامل عوض الصراع بين الذكر والأنثى، ومقاربة التنافس في الخير والتقوى والصلاح عوض الضرب على وتر الجنس، والتأكيد على أن الغرم بالغنم وأن التكليف على قدر الوسع وأن الله عز وجل طلب من الناس بقدر ما أعطاهم،وأنه سبحانه يخلق ما يشاء ويختار"
وهذا رابط المقال بالكامل http://www.alhiwar.net/ShowNews.php?T...
"والحال أننا بحاجة إلى مقاربة مختلفة نحقق بها مقصد الكرامة والعدل واسترداد ما ضاع من الحقوق من غير انتقائية أو تضحية بشيء من شرع الله في الاعتقاد أو الممارسة والسلوك، فنعتمد مقاربة الأسرة عوض الفرد والنوع، ونستحضر مقصد التكامل عوض الصراع بين الذكر والأنثى، ومقاربة التنافس في الخير والتقوى والصلاح عوض الضرب على وتر الجنس، والتأكيد على أن الغرم بالغنم وأن التكليف على قدر الوسع وأن الله عز وجل طلب من الناس بقدر ما أعطاهم،وأنه سبحانه يخلق ما يشاء ويختار"
وهذا رابط المقال بالكامل http://www.alhiwar.net/ShowNews.php?T...
June 11, 2020
I am actually surprised at how many seemingly positive reviews this book has gotten. Not only is it poorly written/translated, it provides very little context to readers who may be beginners seeking to learn more about such an important topic (i.e. women in the Qur’an).
My review may seem harsh but this is a genuinely important topic and it is tiring to come across mediocre or underdeveloped takes which undermine the field. There are people who are trying to learn more and you cannot push away readers through work that appears to be lazy, underdeveloped and repetitious. The repetitious nature of the text also made it cringeworthy.
My review may seem harsh but this is a genuinely important topic and it is tiring to come across mediocre or underdeveloped takes which undermine the field. There are people who are trying to learn more and you cannot push away readers through work that appears to be lazy, underdeveloped and repetitious. The repetitious nature of the text also made it cringeworthy.
June 6, 2017
I am personally not fond of complicated language, because even the most advanced topics can be presented in a simple language. I had to squeeze my otherwise well-functioning braincells to embrace this book's message.
Nonetheless, it did raise some essential questions in my mind regarding my identity as a woman in a social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual context. As I always say; I respect faith, but doubt is what gets you educated. My search for emancipation will continue. Something tells me that I will not be disappointed.
Nonetheless, it did raise some essential questions in my mind regarding my identity as a woman in a social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual context. As I always say; I respect faith, but doubt is what gets you educated. My search for emancipation will continue. Something tells me that I will not be disappointed.
February 6, 2017
Lectura obligatoria. Definitivamente, lo tendría que haber leído antes.
Este libro explica muchos de los mitos que hay sobre el papel de la mujer en el Islam y da una explicación de muchos versos, contextualizandolos y aportándoles el valor espiritual que se merecen, más allá de superficialidades culturales.
Este libro explica muchos de los mitos que hay sobre el papel de la mujer en el Islam y da una explicación de muchos versos, contextualizandolos y aportándoles el valor espiritual que se merecen, más allá de superficialidades culturales.
March 5, 2017
A nice light read which provides a good basic introduction to women in the Quran.
May 8, 2018
This book is constructed and laid out as a "paper" on Women's perception throughout the Qur'an. I think this may have cause loads of reviews to comment on its "high" language and "boring" tone... For people involved in Academia, the tone is just like any other paper you can find on any topic.
I found this most interesting historically speaking. My only issue would be the last few chapters, when it basically states the Qur'anic text must be taken into context in order to explain some allegations (Which I agree), but then it talks about "inheritance" in terms of "Yes, men inherited double than their female relatives, but because men have the added responsibility to provide for them". If this were followed up by "And this is why it's problematic in the 21st Century, therefore it should be definitely fought against", I'd probably agree more with the whole analysis. Especially because 3/4 of the book talk about powerful women who rebelled against the system and for change, and were regarded as equals to men.
I recommend this to anybody who either wants to learn about Islam, or thinks they know everything already, but they don't. However, I'd also recommend (And so does the author) to read further into the topic for more in-depth content. Maybe venture yourself into reading the actual Qur'an?
I found this most interesting historically speaking. My only issue would be the last few chapters, when it basically states the Qur'anic text must be taken into context in order to explain some allegations (Which I agree), but then it talks about "inheritance" in terms of "Yes, men inherited double than their female relatives, but because men have the added responsibility to provide for them". If this were followed up by "And this is why it's problematic in the 21st Century, therefore it should be definitely fought against", I'd probably agree more with the whole analysis. Especially because 3/4 of the book talk about powerful women who rebelled against the system and for change, and were regarded as equals to men.
I recommend this to anybody who either wants to learn about Islam, or thinks they know everything already, but they don't. However, I'd also recommend (And so does the author) to read further into the topic for more in-depth content. Maybe venture yourself into reading the actual Qur'an?
November 1, 2017
I ran across this at the library. It is a sort of complement to the book by Fatima Mernissi I read earlier in the year - covers some similar territory but in less academic language and with much more overt passion. She writes about how the Quran tells the story of famous women common to both the Jewish/Christian and Muslim scripture (Sarah, Mary, the mother of Moses), and then about some of the verses that are used to justify female disenfranchisement (the context in which the statements were made and what they meant at the time). For example, the statement used to justify polygamy was written at a time when there had just been a war and many men were killed, leaving many women unprotected in a culture that was dangerous for single women; the intent was to make it possible for those women to be taken into a family/household instead of left on the streets.
Like Mernissi, she feels that based upon reading the actual Quran, women's status was rising due to the influence of Mohammed but then this trend was derailed after his death by the Arab culture in which the religion was born and continued.
I have to say - I have never read a book in which the PUBLISHER feels obligated to insert some endnotes disagreeing with the author. I believe that they publish Islamic books, so it felt like I was reading something intended to undermind her arguments. It was thought-provoking to say the least.
Like Mernissi, she feels that based upon reading the actual Quran, women's status was rising due to the influence of Mohammed but then this trend was derailed after his death by the Arab culture in which the religion was born and continued.
I have to say - I have never read a book in which the PUBLISHER feels obligated to insert some endnotes disagreeing with the author. I believe that they publish Islamic books, so it felt like I was reading something intended to undermind her arguments. It was thought-provoking to say the least.
August 29, 2020
This book is at its best when it's recounting the stories of the women mentioned in the Quran and the stories of the female companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to whom the Quran was revealed. The stories told are stories we are familiar with as Muslims but they're told with a feminine voice that is both strong and refreshing.
In my opinion, the author really should have stuck to these stories and the lessons of courage, endurance and sacrifice extracted from them. Instead, she continues and closes off by opening up and trying to take on some contentious issues like polygamy and women's inheritance and testimony. The problem is that she raises questions in this domain but doesn't really offer substantiated, convincing answers. It comes across a little ill-conceived and rushed, and it's a classic case of less is more.
My other problem with the book is that the translator seems to have taken to the thesaurus to pick the most difficult word on offer whenever there was a choice. It hurts the readability of the book. Expect words like anachronism, ethnocentric, hegemony and preponderance... and that's just in the first three pages of the introduction. It would be great in future editions of this book if the choice of words was revisited and simpler words chosen wherever possible.
In my opinion, the author really should have stuck to these stories and the lessons of courage, endurance and sacrifice extracted from them. Instead, she continues and closes off by opening up and trying to take on some contentious issues like polygamy and women's inheritance and testimony. The problem is that she raises questions in this domain but doesn't really offer substantiated, convincing answers. It comes across a little ill-conceived and rushed, and it's a classic case of less is more.
My other problem with the book is that the translator seems to have taken to the thesaurus to pick the most difficult word on offer whenever there was a choice. It hurts the readability of the book. Expect words like anachronism, ethnocentric, hegemony and preponderance... and that's just in the first three pages of the introduction. It would be great in future editions of this book if the choice of words was revisited and simpler words chosen wherever possible.
November 7, 2019
Women in the Qur'an provides a good introduction to the feminist view of the Qur'an. The writing style is clear and easy to understand while providing strong evidence to support the rights of women in heavily debated areas like polygamy, marriage and divorce. I appreciate that Asma helped to clear up the misconceptions that I was having regarding the nature of polygamy in Islam as it seemed to be an institution that is so alien to the monogamy that I was raised in and yet continue to hear orthodox ulama praise as being the best form for reasons such as curbing the lust of men. Reading a feminist interpretation that is emancipatory was refreshing as it helped me see the ayat I was reading in the Qur'an with new light - To see that women have been dignified in all aspects of society.
This book is a very good starting point for anyone who knows general information about Islam and the Qur'an but wishes to build on that knowledge by exploring a different view or to clarify misconceptions that a prevalent in the scholarship and way of thinking in modern Muslim societies.
This book is a very good starting point for anyone who knows general information about Islam and the Qur'an but wishes to build on that knowledge by exploring a different view or to clarify misconceptions that a prevalent in the scholarship and way of thinking in modern Muslim societies.
February 24, 2020
Full Disclosure: I only read the first half of this book. In this section Lamrabet discusses the women who are specifically named in the Qur'an, it was engaging and even though I was not familiar with every verse mentioned, I was able to follow along as most of these women are also part of the Biblical tradition. I stopped reading in the second half. In this section the author started to delve into more of the language elements in the Qur'an. This is the section that explored the parts of the Qur'an that speak of women in a more general sense. It became very technical and "inside baseball"; I just didn't have enough background to follow along. I did try, but it was above my head. An odd feature of this book is the "editor's introduction" in which the editor takes jabs at some of Asma Lamrabet's scholarship. Overall what I could read I enjoyed. The Muslim feminist interpretation of the women found in the Qua'ran has given me a richer understanding of these women that are also part of my own faith tradition.
May 11, 2020
I’m not able to write a full review at the time but as an academic, this book opened my eyes further into the studies of The Quran. The book is rich with textual evidence and provides a very novel and intriguing interpretation of a women’s position in Islam. Being Muslim myself, I found this book extremely enlightening and it’s awakened a new understanding and need to learn more about the feminist/equal undertones that exist within the Quran. The author makes you feel emotion as you learn through examples of historical figures, spiritual figures, and topics ranging from: political participation, freedom of expression, and seeking knowledge.
January 26, 2021
4.5 / 5 (There are some points that I find slightly problematic)
Whoah?? What a lot to unpack!! I immensely enjoyed this read and appreciate how organised the points are. The fact that it's not too academic made it easier for me to digest. Although at certain parts, the author tend to dramatise her points to prove her arguments & resort to flowery phrases - a typical woman's trait (Not to sound demeaning here but this proves the beauty of women in this sense and showcase Allah's power in terms of diversity subhanallah).
Really allow me to question a lot of things whilst being wary of jeopardising my current worldview.
Whoah?? What a lot to unpack!! I immensely enjoyed this read and appreciate how organised the points are. The fact that it's not too academic made it easier for me to digest. Although at certain parts, the author tend to dramatise her points to prove her arguments & resort to flowery phrases - a typical woman's trait (Not to sound demeaning here but this proves the beauty of women in this sense and showcase Allah's power in terms of diversity subhanallah).
Really allow me to question a lot of things whilst being wary of jeopardising my current worldview.
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