MUSLIM WOMEN AS BRIDGERS OF FAITH

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MUSLIM WOMEN AS BRIDGERS OF FAITH

• Presentation for Manchester Centre for Public
  Theology (MCPT) by Robina Ahmad

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Aims and objectives

• Aim To highlight the contribution that muslim
  women have made and are making to the building of
  society
• Objectives brief historical and Quranic
  perspective, role of muslim women in society, in
  Britain and issues that they face in terms of
  being able to fulfil that role. Some
  recommendations.

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Quranic perspective-spiritual capital-the drive

• Created from the same soul and hence same
  responsibilities and duties, whether social or
  spiritual
• Quran gives the highest of status to women as
  builders of society.status of Mary, Bilquiss
  (Sheba), Wives of Abraham, early muslim society
• Amr bil maruf wa nahi anil munkar (To uphold the
  good and forbid the evil). Reference to the
  establishment of social justice
• Muslims are the Khalifah (custodians) of earth

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Establishment of a fair and just society

• To promote fairness and justice
• In terms of religious freedom
• Health, education, other fundamental human rights
• Begins from home and reflected in the society
• Success at a worldly level and ultimate success
  in the Life After death
• Religious ritual etc only a means to an end. End
  is as mentioned above

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EXAMPLES OF MUSLIM WOMEN FROM THE EARLY SOCIETY
TO THE OTTOMAN TIMES

• As scholars
• Judges
• Philanthropy
• Educational establishments
• Interfaith collaborations- with local communities
  and monarchies.

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MUSLIM WOMEN IN GREATER MANCHESTER- CHALLENGES

• Diversity and promoting understanding amongst the
  various faith communities- national muslims
  interfaith network
• Violence and other crimes in society- 2 women die
  a week from domestic violence, family life,
  parenting, third more muslims youth in prison
  than indigenous community
• Poverty and fairtrade, other environmental issues
• Education- muslim children are the lower
  achievers, especially from the Bangladeshi and
  Pakistani
• More contribution at the highest (effective)
  political level
• Tackling negative perceptions of muslim women and
  Islam

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SETTING THE SCENE

• Muslim community is the most ethnically diverse,
  from British converts to Asian African emigrants.
• Greatest number of languages and cultures
• The most youngest, yet the largest of the
  religious communities, after Christianity
• 60 of muslims under the age of 25, thus a young
  thriving community

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MUSLIMS WOMEN IN ACTION

• Education- religious and otherwise- study
  circles, Islamic schools and nursery all set up
  by women
• Philanthropy. Linking up with local and
  international charities, women are the most
  donors, muslim community the most generous
• Interfaith work/dialogue- have been active within
  Manchester for the last 20 years
• Some political involvement- as councillors

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT (RECOMMENDATIONS)

• More active and effective interfaith partnerships
  and addressing social issues, set agreed targets,
  within Greater Manchester
• Policy makers, government departments to consult
  the interfaith networks and actively engage in
  policy formulation (not to clear up the mess
  afterwards)
• Interfaith network very actively oppose the
  victimisation of religious communities
• Interfaith networks to work on active projects in
  the community at all levels as counsellors,
  chaplaincies (within hospitals and prisons)
• Education of faith communities about each other

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Thank you

• Robina_at_culturendiversitytrainingservices.co.uk