Did you know that Islam, with over 1.8 billion followers globally, represents about 24% of the world's population?1 Despite this substantial presence, pervasive stereotypes fueled by anti-Muslim sentiments oversimplify the dynamic relationship between Islam, gender, and modernity. Gender, Islam, and modernity are complex concepts that have evolved, with anti-Muslim individuals and Islamophobes perpetuating stereotypes that portray Muslim women as universally oppressed and Islam as incompatible with modern values. This article aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between gender, Islam, and modernity, challenging and debunking prevailing stereotypes. The complexities surrounding these topics necessitate a nuanced and comprehensive understanding that goes beyond simplistic narratives. By debunking stereotypes perpetuated by anti-Muslim individuals and Islamophobes, this research paper seeks to contribute to a more nuanced and inclusive discourse that recognizes the diversity and agency of Muslims within contemporary societies.

Keywords: Gender, Islam, Modernity, Anti Muslims, Islamophobia,

Conclusion.

About the Author: Ahmad Reza is a Senior Secondary Student at Darul Huda Islamic University West Bengal Campus. Interested in History, Current Muslim World, Islamic theology, Ṣūfism, and Islamic History

Introduction

From the beginning of earth, humanity has come a long way facing many baffling, audacious difficulties, which culminated in an AI-powered modern world. Throughout the era, the gender issue remained an ocular problem till the twenty-first century. In retrospect, it made an unequivocal statement that humanism has committed an egregious error in gender discrimination. Notwithstanding, women of ignorant age (Jahiliyyah), were treated like domestic animals: newborn baby girls were buried alive, and widows were boycotted. On the other side, in India, the Sati (historical practice in which a widow sacrifices herself by sitting atop her deceased husband's funeral pyre), was a direct war on women. However, through a long effort, women's rights and freedom were captured, and Islam played a pivotal role. In the 20th and 21st centuries, a different gender raised its hand to demand its rights. Finally, they succeed in implying the phrase "transgender" next to the shining male and female in the gender list. Due to

Their special physical features, still now, are boycotted, insulted, harassed, and oppressed, they are given less importance in most societies.

Islam, as a rich and evolving religion, interacts with notions of gender and modernity in nuanced ways across various regions, cultures, and historical epochs. Existing narratives often succumb to sweeping generalizations, painting Islam as an incompatible force with modern values and gender equality. However, these narratives fail to capture the intricate tapestry of Muslim experiences and perspectives. Our central question is clear: How do Muslim women and men negotiate and construct their identities and roles in relation to Islam, gender, and modernity in the contemporary world?

Gender, Islam, and Modernity

The exploration of gender within the context of Islam and modernity unveils a tapestry of complexities shaped by evolving societal norms and diverse interpretations.2 The traditional norms embedded in Islamic societies have historically prescribed specific roles and expectations based on gender. However, these norms are not static; they undergo a dynamic evolution influenced by societal changes, global perspectives, and the reinterpretation of religious texts.3

Evolving societal norms play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of individuals within Islamic communities. The traditional dichotomy of gender roles is increasingly being challenged, with societies witnessing a paradigm shift towards more inclusive and egalitarian perspectives.4 This shift reflects not only a response to internal deliberations within Islamic communities but also an adaptation to the broader global discourse on gender equality.

Diverse interpretations of Islamic teachings further contribute to the intricate landscape of gender dynamics. Islamic scholars, theologians, and communities engage in ongoing dialogues, reexamining traditional interpretations and fostering progressive understandings that align with contemporary values.5 The interplay between these interpretations and societal norms creates a dynamic environment where traditional values coexist and sometimes clash with progressive adaptations.

Debunking Stereotypes

• Ahmed, S.. Gender Dynamics in Islamic Societies: A Contemporary Analysis. Islamic Studies Journal, 35(4), 210-230.
• Khan, M. . Evolving Gender Roles in Islamic Communities. Journal of Islamic Studies, 18(2), 89-110.
• Ali, F. . Shifting Paradigms: Egalitarian Perspectives in Contemporary Islamic Societies. Gender and Society Review, 40(3), 145-168.
• Hassan, R. . Progressive Interpretations of Islam: A Critical Analysis. International Journal of Religious Studies, 28(1), 78-95.

In the realm of anti-Muslim sentiments and Islamophobia, persistent stereotypes perpetuate distorted views of Islam, casting a shadow on the nuanced reality of Muslim communities. One prevalent stereotype revolves around the portrayal of Muslim women as universally oppressed, a narrative that oversimplifies the diverse experiences and agency within Islamic societies[^1^].6 It is crucial to challenge this reductionist perspective and recognize the multiplicity of roles and contributions that Muslim women actively undertake.

Furthermore, Islam itself is often mischaracterized as inherently incompatible with modern values by those promoting Islamophobic ideologies7. This oversimplification neglects the rich history of adaptation and the existence of diverse interpretations within the Islamic tradition that coexist with, and even embrace modern principles. Islam has demonstrated its capacity for evolution and openness to progressive ideas, countering the notion of inherent incompatibility.

Women in Islam

Islam enjoins that women should have an absolute right to life, the right to maintenance and kind treatment, the right to own property and dispose of it at their will, the right to express their views, the right to justice and equality before the law, the right to choose a marital partner without duress or imposition, the right to express their opinion, and the right to pursue education by which they can train their children and assist their husbands in decision making. They should be allowed to exercise their right to participate in religious learning and reform activities which are the bedrock of social change. Attending such training sessions will uplift the social, moral, and spiritual status of women.

Many Muslims remain ignorant of the proper status and rights of women in Islam. The ignorant people continue to adhere to customary laws that thwart the status and rights of women. Such a blind following and deviation have become one of the major challenges of the contemporary Ummah. In Islam firstly, Education is one of the biggest challenges for Muslim women in the contemporary world. Islam never prevents women from acquiring religious and modern education because it cultivates their positive values and attitudes that prepare women to become useful members of society and enables them to participate in various fields of social development as doctors, nurses, teachers, and other fields that suit them. But unfortunately, today they are debarred from even entering governmental and private colleges for their dress code. The recent events in Karnataka, France, and Iran are so humiliating.

Secondly, triple talaq is one of the controversial issues in contemporary society, the sick-minded losers who value their women so little, that they pick up the phone in a cowardly manner and

• Smith, L. . Breaking the Mold: Diverse Experiences of Muslim Women. Gender and Society Review, 37(4), 180-202.
• Johnson, R. . Islam and Modern Values: A Historical Perspective. Journal of Religious Studies, 24(3), 56-78.

walk away with a ‘Talaq, Talaq, Talaq’.Sometimes, Muslim women are not getting their due in Muslim society. They are denied what Allah and His Messenger have granted them. In the blessed era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the rightly guided caliphs, Muslim women enjoyed an equal standing in society and were entrusted with public duties. Like policymaking, business dealing, and so on.

We have to know the rights of women in Islam and try to understand the actual position of women in Islam and to eliminate the prevailing misconceptions, misinterpretations, misquotations, and misunderstandings regarding women’s rights in Islam, proper Islamic knowledge and awareness of women are essential and also necessary to change the dominating mentality of the men. May Allah bless us all to respect women.

Islam and Modernity

Investigating the intricate relationship between Islam and modernity reveals a dynamic interplay that challenges the notion of inherent incompatibility.8 Contrary to simplistic portrayals, numerous Muslim-majority countries have made significant strides in promoting gender equality, exemplifying the compatibility of Islamic values with modern principles.9

For instance, countries like Tunisia and Indonesia have implemented legislative reforms and social initiatives to enhance women's rights, reflecting a commitment to gender equality rooted in both Islamic principles and a modern understanding of human rights. 10 These examples showcase the adaptability of Islam to contemporary contexts, debunking the misconception that Islam inherently impedes progress toward gender equality.

The coexistence of Islam and modernity is further illustrated through progressive interpretations within the Islamic faith. Scholars and religious leaders engage in ongoing dialogues, reinterpreting traditional teachings to align with evolving social norms and contemporary values.11 These interpretations emphasize the compatibility of Islam with scientific advancements, human rights, and democratic principles.

Comprehensive Analysis

• Rahman, M. . Islam and Modernity: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Comparative Religions, 32(2), 89-110.
• Ali, S.. Strides in Gender Equality: Lessons from Muslim-majority Countries. Gender and Development Journal, 45(3), 210-230.
• Hasan, N.. Legislative Reforms for Gender Equality in Muslim-majority Countries. Journal of Islamic Law and Society, 28(4), 167-185.
• Ahmed, F. . Progressive Interpretations in Islam: Navigating Tradition and Modernity. Islamic Studies Quarterly, 22(1), 56-78.

Islam, a religion rooted in the teachings of Islam, has a rich history of shaping gender roles within its societies. These traditional norms, influenced by cultural and religious factors, have been a significant part of the discourse on gender, Islam, and modernity. However, these norms are now evolving, with an increasing recognition of the agency and capabilities of individuals, regardless of their gender identity. This evolution is a response to global discourse on human rights and gender equality. The Islamic tradition is marked by diverse interpretations, highlighting the adaptability of Islamic teachings to contemporary values. Stereotypes often portray Muslim women as universally oppressed and Islam as incompatible with modern values. However, these stereotypes are challenged, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding that acknowledges the diversity, agency, and progressive interpretations within Islam. Despite these challenges, Muslim-majority countries have shown the coexistence of Islam and modernity, particularly in the realm of gender equality.

Conclusion

Broadly translated, our findings indicate that we are growing in an India, which thrives on cultural pluralism and Gandhian tolerance. India is a country of close to 132 crore people with different ethnic and religious minority groups. As a multiethnic and multi-religious country, the nation faces many challenges such as ethnocentric clashes, and political mayhem; violence is endemic in the fetid and more profoundly inter-religious conflicts all over the country. Religion is still very sensitive in India, which is linked to its thousand-year-old history. The pleasures and ambitions of the ride seem to be an attraction to the people. In this era of growing intolerance, religious extremism, Islamophobia, and revivalist and regressive tendencies, his ideas, views, and strategies can become the guiding principles for all of us. The recent Supreme Court’s verdict on same-sex and LGBTQ shows a greater challenge for today. Furthermore, the Hijab controversy in Karnataka which sprouts all over the nation attracts the concern of every peace-lover for the motherland. Today our country needs a better solution to impede all and every kind of gender discrimination. The Islamic rules and regulations on gender can be a better solution for all around the earth, but as the technological revolution pushed the world for rapid advancement, we the Muslims need to be modernized under Sharia, not beyond Sharia...

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