|
 "What kind of woman would want to be
Muslim... they're oppressed!" This unfortunate comment was
heard by Lisa Killinger upon her conversion to Islam in 1979
and this lecture, in essence, is her response. She begins by
debunking the myth of oppression by outlining the status of women
in pre-Islamic Arabia and how Islam liberated and dignified them
by giving them rights which are still practiced today. She then
discusses the Muslim woman's right to vote, to an inheritance,
to a divorce, to the use of birth control, to marriage to whomever
is desired, and to an education. Dr. Killinger
also looks at the example of Aslamia, a companion of the Prophet
(P) who is known as the first female physician in Islam. This
Iowa State University presentation, great for educating no n-Muslims, also looks at the concept
of modesty and head-covering in other religions, the example
of Khadijah, how to explain polygamy, Islamic prohibitions that
benefit women, non-Muslim attitudes about hijab, and the role
of Muslim women in a non-Muslim society. It concludes with the
results of a post 9/11 survey that provides insight into non-Muslim
perceptions of Muslim women. Other topics discussed: distinguishing
cultural practice from religious teaching, the responsibility
to smile, and the role of Muslim men. (Duration: 40 min)
|