BEYOND MODERN MYTHS: ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND THE QURAN, HADITH, AND LINGUISTIC NARRATIVES IN PAKISTANI FEMINISM LOOKING PAST CONTEMPORARY

Abstract

Through a critical examination of Qur'anic passages, Hadith, Sufi philosophy, and current feminist narratives, this book delves into the language of feminism in Pakistan and the rights of women in Islam.  This study employs a mixed-methods approach, surveying 102 undergraduates from several Pakistani universities and integrating qualitative critical discourse analysis of religious texts with feminist slogans (with a focus on those from the Aurat March). Despite the fact that the majority of participants believe that Islam fully protects women's rights, when presented with feminist slogans like "Mera jism and Meri marzi," their opinions change, demonstrating the importance of cultural sensitivity.  Exploring the ways in which language, framing, and interpretation impact public opinion, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) reveals that patriarchal readings frequently originate from social context rather than the text itself.

In particular, the study highlights how Islamic ethics and feminist ideas, particularly those pertaining to equality, justice, and dignity, are compatible. By contrasting Islamic principles with global feminist movements, the study questions dichotomies and opens up possibilities for improvement.  In order to advance gender equality while maintaining an Islamic foundation, the results highlight the significance of understanding religious texts within contemporary settings.