A Comparative Study of the Approaches of Shi'a and Sunni Jurisprudence toward the Social and Cultural Activities of Muslim Women in Iran, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia
Keywords:
Women's participation, Shiite jurisprudence, Sunni jurisprudence, women's rights, Islamic civilizationAbstract
This study was conducted to examine the status of women in social and cultural activities within Islamic societies through a comparative analysis of Shi'a jurisprudence and the schools of Sunni jurisprudence. The research methodology combined jurisprudential-textual analysis, legal-comparative examination, and historical-sociological analysis. Data were collected from Qur'anic sources, Prophetic traditions, juristic texts, national legislation, and historical case studies. The findings indicate that both jurisprudential systems recognize women's participation in social and cultural activities and, in certain circumstances, consider it obligatory. However, differences exist regarding the limits of gender interaction, dress codes, and eligibility for holding public office. Shi'a jurisprudence, drawing upon dynamic ijtihād and principles such as public interest (maṣlaḥah), provides a broader framework for women's participation. In contrast, the approaches of Sunni schools vary according to specific legal traditions and cultural contexts. A comparative examination of national laws in countries such as Iran, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia demonstrates that the translation of jurisprudential principles into legal frameworks is significantly influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors. Historical evidence confirms the important contributions of women to Islamic scholarship, economic life, and cultural development across different historical periods. The sociological analysis identifies four principal factors affecting women's participation: jurisprudential foundations, legal frameworks, cultural context, and media influence. Overall, the findings emphasize the necessity of synergy among jurisprudential, legal, and cultural dimensions to achieve sustainable participation of Muslim women in civilizational development.
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