Find Out More, Workshop 14: Islam 2—Contemporary Issues
In "Building Bridges," a Tapestry of Faith program
The quote from this workshop comes from Saimah Ashraf. Her essay "Shattering Illusions: Western Conceptions of Muslim Women" contrasts Islam's position on women as stated in the Qur'an versus women's rights and roles as proscribed today in a variety of countries and examines Western attitudes toward Muslim women.
Additional resources on women and Islam: Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Zahra Janmohamed (Boston: Beacon Press, 2010); Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate by Leila Ahmed (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992, paperback 1993); a post on the IslamiCity website by Tayseir Mahmoud Shabadul Haq, a Muslim woman who wears hijab; the online post "Hijab: a Must, OR a Choice?" by Haitham Sabbah; and a 2009 report, "Women Leaders Struggle for Female Rights in Iraq" on the Niqash website. While its mission is evangelical, the website Witness-Pioneer presents biblical and qu'ranic references that have shaped the treatment of women in traditional Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
On its website, the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry describes differences between the Bible and the Qur'an from a Christian perspective.
Khadijah
The book Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs by Sara Conover and Freda Crane offers a story about Khadijah, "The First Muslim." The Islam for Today website offers Khadijah's story ("A History of Khadijah"), while the Islamic Occasions network offers a longer, less formal history of Khadijah. Also see a translation of a 2003 biographical study of Khadijah-al-Kubra (Khadijah the Great) by Anar-Al-Din.
Shia and Sunni
Explore differences between Shia and Sunni Islam on the Islam for Today website, in the articles "Comparison of Shia, Sunni, and Sufi Factions of Islam" and "Summary of Shia Fundamentals." Also see information posted by Jonathan Bacon, "History of Sunni/Shia Split."
Sihkism
Visit the Sikhs website or the website Khalsa Kids.
The Religious Tolerance website has information about Sikhism. Also see The Ten Gurus of Sikhism (Hindu website) and The Five Ks (the Search Sikhism website).
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Last updated on Thursday, November 10, 2011.
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