About the project
This resource explores the relationship between Islam and feminism from both an historical perspective and through the diverse lives of Muslim women today.
We want to highlight the broad range of thinkers on Islam and feminism, and avoid the often rigid definitions which lead to polarised discussions. As one of our contributors says, feminism should not be an exclusive club; the ideas should be accessible to everyone.
For some, Islam and feminism are often seen as incompatible, but as a number of our contributors point out, for them Islam provides a strong foundation for gender equality and social justice.
This resource is a conversation, and we expect the content to evolve with new material and new contributors. We hope this will be an open conversation and as such there will be both common ground and disagreement. But what remains vital is that this conversation happens so that the breadth of ideas and knowledge is available to everyone.
We want to highlight the broad range of thinkers on Islam and feminism, and avoid the often rigid definitions which lead to polarised discussions. As one of our contributors says, feminism should not be an exclusive club; the ideas should be accessible to everyone.
For some, Islam and feminism are often seen as incompatible, but as a number of our contributors point out, for them Islam provides a strong foundation for gender equality and social justice.
This resource is a conversation, and we expect the content to evolve with new material and new contributors. We hope this will be an open conversation and as such there will be both common ground and disagreement. But what remains vital is that this conversation happens so that the breadth of ideas and knowledge is available to everyone.
Who is this website for?
Anybody with an interest in exploring the breadth of ideas associated with feminism and Islam. It is written assuming no prior knowledge of the issues around feminism and Islam. Maslaha would like to emphasise that we seek to present a diversity of opinion and voices, and we place great value on this across all our work.
Specifically, it can be used in schools (Key Stage 3 upwards) and colleges, and other educational settings, as a means to explore a variety of topics.
Specifically, it can be used in schools (Key Stage 3 upwards) and colleges, and other educational settings, as a means to explore a variety of topics.
How can it be used?
There are a range of articles, profiles, and resources which give the reader an introduction to the subject. There is historical content and theory, as well as personal accounts from Muslim women.
It can be used as a research tool or as a practical tool to inspire and equip with current thought.
The resource can therefore be used in schools and educational settings as a way of exploring Women’s History Month. It can also be useful for PSHE, RE, Politics and Sociology.
It can be used as a research tool or as a practical tool to inspire and equip with current thought.
The resource can therefore be used in schools and educational settings as a way of exploring Women’s History Month. It can also be useful for PSHE, RE, Politics and Sociology.
Note on images
All images used throughout the site are licensed through creative commons, or used with permission.
Note on language
This resource is written for non-Muslim and Muslim readers. Muslims mark their respect for the Prophet Muhammad by using the phrase, 'peace be upon him,' following his name. We have chosen not to repeat this expression but we invite Muslim readers to add it mentally.
Who has created it?
This website and education resource is part of the I Can Be She project.
I Can Be She is a group of Maslaha projects seeking to challenge misperceptions of Muslim women and change the ways in which society perceives them. The project has previously involved focused work around empowerment in East London, cities across the UK, Parliament and Paris.
This project is run by:
This project is run by:
Maslaha translates from the Arabic as ‘for the common good’ and this is the driving force behind all our work.
Maslaha is an award-winning organisation creating new, practical resources for social issues affecting Muslim communities. We do this through projects which involve building a network of collaborators, and creating products (such as DVDs, websites and exhibitions) which help to improve a service, change attitudes and disseminate information.
In February 2012 Maslaha was recognised as one of Britain’s 50 New Radicals, a joint initiative by NESTA and The Observer newspaper to find examples of inspirational social pioneers improving the lives of people and communities across the country in radical and creative ways.
Maslaha is an award-winning organisation creating new, practical resources for social issues affecting Muslim communities. We do this through projects which involve building a network of collaborators, and creating products (such as DVDs, websites and exhibitions) which help to improve a service, change attitudes and disseminate information.
In February 2012 Maslaha was recognised as one of Britain’s 50 New Radicals, a joint initiative by NESTA and The Observer newspaper to find examples of inspirational social pioneers improving the lives of people and communities across the country in radical and creative ways.
