Speaking in Gods Name -Islamic Law, Authority and Women - Essay Example

Speaking in God’s Name -Islamic Law, Authority and WomenThe lack of self-confidence to make a decisive choice at a certain point leads one to a column of uncertainties. Whilst the Qur’an among the Muslims in the Islamic domain contains the words of Allah, even Muslim readers must reckon it against an era where the prophet himself does not have the formal education which people have these days.It is rather apt to understand the message per se, for in context, it assures everyone who believes in Allah, a sure guidance to the correct path (Abou El-Fadl 1).

From the Qur’an for example, contemporary readers may ask the meaning of such information as the nineteen (19) angels guarding hell (Abou El-Fadl 1). Additionally, they may ask how they look like. But, Allah in the Qur’an said what he does not allow people to see with their naked eyes, they will be able to do so in the next life.Nevertheless, the curious human mind attempts to understand what could be behind and beyond what is written. It is at this juncture, where analytic minds find more challenges (Abou El-Fadl 1).

Apparently, one unspoken approach perceived by the author was that of a participant to a continuing conversation. On the other hand, a rational reader may take the words to mean as it was written regardless of how others may think about it (Abou El-Fadl 2). Various religious denominations and sects like Judaism, Christianity and Islam have their independent views on the idea of nineteen (19) angels guarding the portals of hell. But, the author maintains the questioning sense of how the passage could be interpreted and understood to spur critical thinking (Abou El-Fadl 2).

Nevertheless, with due respect, current Islamic legal systems have seemingly adopted more of what the prophet of Islam provided in the Hadith than what Allah have provided in the Qur’an. Having two famous books, the Hadith and the Qur’an led many followers in the 21st century a question, which of the two is binding and which is not from the point of view of legitimacy (Abou El-Fadl 2).For example, a lot of sources revealed repression of Muslim women in many different forms took place as a result of bias in implementing guidelines because of the seeming confusion on whether to follow the Qur’an or the Hadith (Abou El-Fadl 3).

The author proposed the use of the Qur’an as a legal basis for dealing with women, because obviously, the Qur’an is more supportive of women than the Hadith. Besides, interpretations must be limited to the 21st century setting to cope with the evolution of people which is clearly according to the will of Allah. On the other hand, this would greatly bridge the divide among believers, men and women.ReferenceAbou El-Fadl. Speaking in God’s Name: Islamic Law, Authority and Women. http://islamicbookstore.com/b7334.html rets: 10-30-08.