The status of women in Islam: Relation between religion and culture

Abstract

In the article, author presents a short outline, through a historical perspective, of social status and the rights of women in various phases of development of the Islamic tradition, thereby trying to discern original Islamic stance from later cultural additions. In the beginning, the status of women in preislamic Arabia is briefly considered. Then, focusing on the key moments, starting with the Quranic revelation and the life of early Islamic community, to forming of the Sharia corpus, to modern emergence of Islamic feminism, article briefly illustrates historical development of the Islamic approach to women’s rights. The status of women in Islamic tradition stands out as a prime example of the complex interrelation between culture and religion.