Abstract
The research focuses on the compatibility issues between the notion of ‘gender equality’
and the ‘religion Islam.’ This article investigates, if any, gender policy (s) build around
the conciliation developed in the contemporary social scenario of Pakistan. This paper is
qualitative in nature and involves textual analysis of policy documents and written
teachings of religious scholars. In-depth interviews were conducted by using interview
guide from five religious scholars. These scholars belonged to Hanafi, Ahl-Hadith and
Brelvi schools of thought. For this purpose, UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human
Rights) and CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women) were translated into Urdu language for clear understanding about the
background and context of the state policies. All the interviews were scripted. Interview
data was coded into different inductive themes. Complete draft of the study was shared
with the scholars interviewed during the study to maintain ethical standards. Analysis of
the interviews conducted revealed that gender equality policies in the Republic of
Pakistan are intrinsically incompatible to the teachings and spirit of Islam, hence, few
epistemic and practical possibilities exist to reconcile them. Suggestions of religious
scholars are corroborated by the long traditions of Islamic history, but such suggestions
are condemned and challenged by feminist groups in public offices. In the same vein,
feminist ideals have no authenticity among religious scholars.
Sabir Ali, Asma Majeed. (2018) Problems and Possibilities in Reconciling Islam and Gender Equality Policies in Pakistan, Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization, Volume VIII, Issue 1.
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