Methodological Approaches Used in the Works of Fatima Mernissi on Issues of Islam and Gender Equality

Abstract

The aim of this article is to reveal the methodological approaches that deal with the issues of Islam and gender equality in the works of Moroccan sociologist Fatima Mernissi, which is discussed within the scope of Islamic feminist discourse. In this sense, the subjects of "veil" and "women's leadership", which have an important place in Mernissi's works, are discussed as examples. In this context, two distinct methodological approaches stand out. These are the contextualist approach and hadith criticism. Mernissi's use of both methodologies in her work puts her in a special and unique position among Islamic feminist researchers. As a matter of fact, Muslim thinkers working on Islam and gender equality mainly focus on the Qur'an. This causes the field of hadith to remain in the background. In addition, even if the hadiths are discussed, the number of researchers who benefit from the classical methodology is quite limited. In this case, Mernissi's interest in both the fields of the Qur'an and hadith and her use of a methodological approach such as the hadith criticism put forward by the classical ulama in order to refute the validity of the acceptance by the classical ulema that women cannot be a leader brings her to the fore. Key Words: Contextualist Approach, Hadith Criticism, Veil, Women's Leadership