Islam and Women Entrepreneurship: Constraint or Enabler? A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study delves into the perceptions and interpretations of Islam among Muslim women entrepreneurs and how it influences their entrepreneurial endeavors within the context of Egypt. In achieving this objective, a qualitative interpretive method was employed. In data collection, ten in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with female entrepreneurs in Egypt. Accordingly, the contextualized analysis was used adopting the Islam feminist perspective to investigate the empowerment of Islamic feminism on women entrepreneurs to validate their business ventures and behaviors within the constraints of a patriarchal society. Based on the research framework, their interpretations and application of the Islamic beliefs were in line with Islamic feminist principles that challenged the prevailing patriarchal structures in Egypt. This research has contributed to the literature of entrepreneurship by investigating how Islam inspires and supports women entrepreneurs, particularly in the view of Islamic feminism.