Abstract

I have argued in my dissertation, "Gender and Self in Islam: A Philosophical Interpretation," that Muslim interpretations on gender issues have produced the authoritative legitimacies that often contain contradictory claims. The hierarchical perspective, on the one hand, argues that the natural differences between men and women entail different moral, ethical, social, familial, financial, and political responsibilities. This accepted hierarchical claim of gender co-exists with the patriarchal culture that generates and nurtures the patriarchal system of Muslim culture. On the other hand, the egalitarian perspective that acknowledges the equality of men and women is not adequately addressed. The unjustified prioritization of the anti-egalitarian and hierarchical concept of gender over an egalitarian principle of gender has resulted in the exclusion of the female self from her potential to be a full person and from humanity that is inclusive and conducive to her flourishing. ;There have been multiple elaborations of the systematic and structured interpretations that have generated and perpetuated gender hierarchy. In this respect, this dissertation has attempted to discuss the contradictory claims of gender hierarchy and egalitarian ism by examining the roots of the existing discourse of the hierarchical principle of gender using a philosophical analysis; the extent to which the process of human reproduction, especially the role of women in conception, contributes to anti-egalitarian theory of gender; the theological, cultural, and political apparatus of the masculine conception of femininity, which is internalized into women's bodies; the alienation of the self from a woman's sense of individuality, agency, and autonomy; and the possibility of providing an alternative reading of gender that is egalitarian and friendly to women. These analyses call for the recognition of a woman as a full person, who is an irreducible subject and is endowed with rights and responsibilities to her own self, other women, family, society, and the world. The inclusion of women as individuals and members of society is, therefore, a necessary pre-condition to allow all members of humanity to equally and fully participate in everyday activities in both private and public realms.