The Concept of Gender Equality in Western Feminism and Islam: an Analytical Study in The Light of The Quran and Sunnah

Abstract

This study critically examines the concept of gender equality in Western feminism and Islam through a comparative analytical framework grounded in the Qur'an and Sunnah. It explores the philosophical foundations, historical evolution, and major schools of Western feminist thought—including liberal, radical, socialist, Marxist, and intersectional feminism—and evaluates their understanding of gender equality. The study further analyzes the social and cultural impacts of feminist movements in Western societies while highlighting the strengths and limitations of contemporary feminist discourse. In contrast, the Islamic perspective is examined through the principles of justice (ʿadl), equity, human dignity, complementary roles, and the reciprocal rights and responsibilities of men and women as established in Islamic sources. Employing a qualitative and analytical methodology, the research demonstrates that although both Western feminism and Islam seek to safeguard human dignity and eliminate injustice, they differ significantly in their epistemological foundations, objectives, and conceptualization of equality. While Western feminism generally emphasizes absolute equality and individual autonomy, Islam advocates a balanced model based on justice, moral responsibility, and the complementary nature of gender roles. The study concludes that the Islamic paradigm offers a comprehensive and ethically grounded framework that preserves human dignity, strengthens family stability, and promotes social harmony while ensuring the legitimate rights of both men and women.

Keywords: Western Feminism; Gender Equality; Islam; Qur'an and Sunnah; Women's Rights; Justice (ʿAdl); Human Dignity; Gender Roles; Comparative Study; Islamic Perspective

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21381969