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Islam Gender Equality

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Islam has gradually claimed its title as the second largest religion in the world after Christianity (Severson, 2011). Muslims make up majority of the population in 49 countries (Desilver, 2017), but within those countries, approximately forty-five of them are inhabited by half a billion Muslim women (Galloway, 2014). Throughout history, women have been disregarded, dehumanized, disenfranchised, and censored in society. Within Islam, it has been widely believed that Muslim women are secluded within their homes. To many, this seclusion highlights a religious culture that oppresses Muslim women. The controversy of gender inequality between Muslim men and women continues to derive from the historical inferior position of women (Galloway, 2014). Like other religions, there are several controversial aspects within the religion that contribute to growing issues of gender equality in society. In this case, Islam is perceived to be the backbone of gender inequality between Muslim men and women. It is important to put into context the social roles of women in the past, the inferior position of women, and the cultural and traditional aspects of Islam. Issues of gender equality within Islam are mainly derived from the interpretations of the Qur’an and their religious practices. This study will examine the effects Islam has on the role of women and how it can promote religious empowerment towards Muslim women, and cultivate equality between the genders. It is important to consider

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