Believing Women in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur'an - in conversation with Prof. Asma Barlas, 5th July 2019

Date: Friday 5th July

Time:  5- 6.30pm

Venue: Business School, Western Lecture Theatre (G.01), University of Leeds

Does Islam call for the oppression of women? The subjugation of women in many Muslim countries is often used as evidence of this, while many Muslims read the Qur’an in ways that seem to justify sexual oppression and inequality. In this paradigm-shifting book, Asma Barlas argues that, far from supporting male privilege, the Qur’an actually affirms the complete equality of the sexes.

Offering a historical analysis of religious authority and knowledge, Barlas shows how, for centuries, Muslims have read patriarchy into the Qur’an to justify existing religious and social structures. In her seminal volume, she takes readers into the heart of Islamic teachings on women, gender and patriarchy, offering an egalitarian reading of Islam’s most sacred scripture. The revised edition includes two new chapters, a new preface, and updates throughout.

Join us on the 5th of July for this partnered seminar organised by AIMES, Iqbal Centre and the Leeds Centre for Religion and Public Life (CRPL) to hear Professor Barlas discuss the core themes of this work in conversation with others.