By Azza Heikal One of the most important topics confronting cultural as well as social societies in Egypt is the status of women in social life. Women are seen from different perspectives: first from a patriarchal male perspective; second according to the ideas of liberal societies; and last from the perspective of the West. The relationship between the situation of women and Islam is both controversial and debatable. This diversity in points of view and attitudes towards women in Islamic countries is rooted in misinterpretations of Islamic doctrine as well as old customs and traditions. Yet Egypt is perhaps the leading Islamic country in its support of women. From Qassem Amin, Hoda Shaarawi and Mohamed Abdu flow a line of intellectual and political leaders who enlightened Egyptian society and paved the way for a moderate interpretation of Islam and its relation to women. Some feminist writers in Egypt consider Islam to be one of the worst patriarchal religions as it imposes oppression on women and exercises gender inequality. However, other feminist writers hold a more moderate attitude towards Islam and read its holy book, the Quran, in terms of favouring equality between males and females. According to them, God's discourse addresses both man and woman equally since all rules, orders and rights are revealed to the male and female without discrimination. Yet the topics of inheritance, polygamy and veiling remain problematic and ill practised due to customs, traditions or political oppression. In short, the issue of Islamic feminism is growing worldwide and it needs more elaboration to reach a comprehensive vision that would situate Egyptian women within a new Islamic feminist approach. This week's Soapbox speaker is a writer and critic.
