Interpretations of Islam

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that within the varying interpretations of Islam there are many different views on the institution of marriage. The writer specifically looks at the number of wives one is allowed or sanctified to have, the wearing of the veil by women and lastly female circumcision. The writer notes that these varied interpretations have led to varied applications and laws that dictate the diversity of the very mildest forms of the application of these ideas to the most extreme applications.

Outline:
Introduction: Differing interpretations of Islam
Introduction: Marriage
Polygamy
Interpretation 1
Interpretation 2
The Veil
Interpretation 1
Interpretation 2
Female Circumcision
Interpretation 1
Interpretation 2
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The variations of the veil, worn by women in Islam are many. There is in fact no better direct visual representation of the varying interpretations of the Quran, than the variations of the veil, especially with regard to a limited western view. In more progressive Islamic communities the veil is nothing but a light scarf worn by women to cover their hair and their shoulders. While in its most conservative form, the Burka or hijab, the entire person becomes swallowed by a large heavy garment that covers them from the top of their head to the tips of their toes, and allows vision only through an elaborate lace screened slit over the eyes. The Quranic interpretations abound differing cultural identities, and as has been seen in some fundamental reaffirmations, such as by the Taliban in Afghanistan the affirmation of the fundamentalist can often be a very visible enforcement of more restrictive codes toward women. Prior to the time of the Taliban Afghanistan had been a rather progressive Islamic nation, where women were educated and employed and changes were extreme, for both men and women. A lesson to be learned from this involves the acknowledgement that a form of protection, in the Quran was interpreted in many extreme ways to create a situation of forced social order and conservatism, and the situation was stark in many ways, not just in its treatment of women."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abu-Hamdiyyah, Mohammad. The Qur'An: An Introduction. London: Routledge, 2000.
• Badawi, Jamal. "Gender Equity in Islam" webpage at: http://www.soundvision.com/info/gender/femalecircumcision.asp , 2007.
• Cook, Michael A. The Koran: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Cragg, Kenneth. The Mind of the Quran: Chapters in Reflection. London: Allen & Unwin, 1973.
• Del Collins, Marla. "To Veil or Not to Veil (1), That Was the Question: A Feminist's Journey through the Land of Jordan." Women and Language 26.1 (2003): 61.

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