One of the presenters at the Epiphany Explorations conference was Raheel Raza, a Muslim woman who passionately supports interfaith dialogue, and who upholds the dignity and rights of women. http://www.raheelraza.com/ She sees this as the true message of the Quran and Islam rather than the misogynistic approach which has taken over in some expressions of this religion. Raza is a feisty, articulate soul who told us that she is currently number eight on a list of most-hated Muslim women. Her goal is to become number one!
A young Muslim woman came to a microphone and said she had been informed that women of her faith could not be political leaders such as prime ministers and presidents. Raza called her up to stand with her, and looking this young woman in the eye she said that nowhere in the Quran are women denied roles of leadership, mentioning that the Queen of Sheba is in the Quran.
Raza also told us that in her opinion Muslim women in Canada should not be allowed to vote or testify in court with faces covered because this practice is cultural, not religious.
Another older Christian woman came to the mike and mentioned that she had been scolded when young for showing up to drive an elderly woman to church wearing trousers, so rules about dress for women aren't restricted to Muslims!
What is your reaction to a Muslim woman who is convinced that equality is the more accurate interpretation of Islam? Do you think Islam is too patriarchal to be redeemed? Are we where we need to be in upholding equality in Christianity?
2 comments:
This woman, Raheel Raza, sounds amazing; and she is another example of how wide spread people's beliefs are, even within one faith tradition. She sounds like a very courageous woman. And I don't think she would be sharing her opinion if she thought it was a lost cause; so yes, there must be hope.
And yes, I think Christians, in their own way, have a long way to go to reach equality.
I remember reading, at the turn of the century, an American editorial stating that the final frontier would be the battle between globilization and fundamentalism; between fully opened and fully closed minds.
People like Raza, who fly in the face of fundamentalism and unyielding social conservatism stand to make ground for the good guys in this battle.
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