The emergence of male reformist scholars engaging in ijtihad (independent reasoning) on gender issues within Islam holds profound significance for the acceptance and advancement of gender-affirmative interpretations of the faith. In this op-ed, we will explore the reasons why the male gender identity of these reformist ijtihadists matters, the collective nature of their efforts, their theoretical sophistication, insider engagement with tradition, global accessibility, and resonance with contemporary Muslim audiences. We will argue that these factors contribute to the potential impact and wider acceptance of gender-affirmative interpretations of Islam.

Male Gender Identity and Credibility

One of the notable aspects of the male reformist scholars’ ijtihad on gender issues is their gender identity. Historically, gender-affirmative interpretations were often dismissed by conservative-minded male scholars as feminist or subjective products of female identity. However, male reformist scholars challenge this narrative by providing a male perspective on gender equality within Islam. In traditional societies, religious authority has been predominantly associated with male figures, making the arguments put forth by these male reformists harder to dismiss. Their gender identity lends credibility to their perspectives, as they can navigate the patriarchal structures of Islamic scholarship and engage with a broader audience.

Collective Effort and Credibility

The collective nature of the male reformist scholars’ efforts significantly contributes to the impact of their work. It is not just a few isolated voices but a relatively large number of male scholars who are devoting their time and effort to foster gender equality-affirming interpretations of Islam. This collective effort enhances the credibility and influence of their arguments, distinguishing them from earlier male reformers of the twentieth century. Scholars such as Khaled Abou El Fadl , Muhammad Khalid Masud, Yousef Eshkevari ,Mohsen Kadivar and myself have made significant contributions to these discourses, amplifying the reach and influence of gender-affirmative interpretations of Islam.

Theoretical Sophistication and Engagement with Tradition

The male reformist scholars stand out due to their remarkable theoretical sophistication in engaging with the pre-modern Islamic tradition. Their work goes beyond superficial interpretations and offers robust and systematic approaches to gender issues. This level of scholarship adds substantial weight to their arguments, making them harder to dismiss or ignore. Moreover, these scholars have an intimate familiarity with the pre-modern Islamic hermeneutical, theological, ethical, and legal tradition. Many of them have undergone traditional Islamic education or have held high-ranking clerical positions. Their insider perspective enables them to engage with the tradition on its own terms, providing credibility and authority that cannot be easily dismissed by their traditionalist detractors.

Global Accessibility and Muslim Audiences

The impact of these reformist scholars extends beyond their scholarly contributions. Many of them reside in Western liberal democracies but write in major Islamic vernacular languages such as Arabic and Farsi, or their works are translated into these languages. This multilingual approach, coupled with the availability of their ideas through websites and publications, enhances the accessibility of their work to global Muslim audiences. This accessibility allows their gender equality-affirming hermeneutics to resonate with the lived realities and ethical sensibilities of contemporary Muslims, both male and female.

Reconciling Lived Experiences with Religious Ideals

Perhaps the most significant aspect of gender-affirmative Islamic hermeneutics is their potential to reconcile the lived experiences of contemporary Muslims with their desired religious ideals and norms. Unlike traditional interpretations, these hermeneutics acknowledge and address the gender-based realities of Muslims today. By doing so, they offer a path to bridge the gap between lived experiences and religious ideals, aligning with the ethical sensibilities of many contemporary Muslims.

The rise of male reformist scholars engaging in ijtihad on gender issues heralds a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality within Islam. Their gender identity, collective efforts, theoretical sophistication, insider engagement with tradition, global accessibility, and resonance with contemporary Muslim audiences all contribute to the potential impact and wider acceptance of gender-affirmative interpretations of Islam. By advancing gender equality through their scholarship, these male reformist scholars are paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive understanding of Islam that aligns with the lived realities and ethical sensibilities of Muslims in the modern world.

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A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are ( co-edited)-  Shame, Modesty, and Honora in Islam  and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide  (Springer)

This piece is based on authors academic paper that can be accessed here- https://www.academia.edu/43990448/Contemporary_Muslim_Male_Reformist_Thought_and_Gender_Equality_Affirmative_Interpretations_of_Islam

Courtesy: New Age Islam

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