The Perspective of Deobandi Ulema Regarding the Economic Empowerment of Women

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to explore the ‘Perception of Deobandi Ulema Regarding Women’s Economic Empowerment’, which is closely associated with their educational and political empowerment. The study also aims to comprehend women’s family and reproductive rights as they are closely linked to economic empowerment. Target population of the present study included those who are teaching in Deobandi Madrassa’h, with eight years’ religious education of ‘Dars-e-Nizami’. A sample size of twenty-five respondents was selected through purposive sampling technique. Among these twenty-five respondents, ten respondents were taken from rural Mardan and ten were taken from urban Peshawar. While five female Ulema from rural Mardan trained in Deobandi school of thought were also interviewed to learn about their perceptions regarding women’s economic empowerment. The nature of the study was qualitative and an interview guide was used for data collection. The major findings highlighted that most of Deobandi Ulema from rural area were not in favor of economic empowerment of women. Some of them gave conditional approval to women’s education and employment but in segregated institutions. Concept of empowerment was negatively perceived by most of rural areas Ulema. Almost all of the Ulema from urban Peshawar were supportive of women’s equal access to employment, income, education and medical treatment. They considered due share of women in property, a compulsory Islamic principle, which provided opportunities to women to take part in decision making in crucial economic and socio-culture matters within the family setup. However, majority of the respondents thought women’s freedom to go shopping or employment was against the teachings of Islam. It is suggested, on the basis of the findings, that religious values and ideas, which are based upon the true teachings of Islam, should be propagated and applied in true spirit through legislation and education. This will help reduce irrational behavior towards women. Key words: Deoband, Women’s , Ulema, Parda'h, Islam, Pashtun