The Existential Status of Women Between Islamic and Western Thought: A Critical Analytical Study

Adnan Hashim

Summary
The topic of women and their existential status has received significant attention from thinkers, philosophers, and researchers, both ancient and modern, in the East and the West. It has been a subject of contention among proponents of various epistemological approaches. Philosophers, mystics, and religious figures have each contributed their perspectives, formulating theories and ideas aligned with their respective methodologies. This article explores some of these foundational perspectives, discussing the Christian philosophical heritage and its stance on women, shaped by its reliance on biblical texts. Subsequently, the article engages with the Islamic perspective, seeking to answer questions about the true status of women and to establish a coherent theoretical framework that aligns with practical mechanisms capable of translating into daily behavioral realities. The study explicitly deals with the issue of gender equality in existence, intellectual and cognitive capabilities, and political participation. It also highlights the reasons behind the perpetuation of a condescending view of women. The method employed combines descriptive and analytical approaches while incorporating critical analysis of the views discussed.

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)