We affirm that:
Assaults on women and young girls, especially domestic violence, acid attacks, honor killings, FGM and forced marriage that have become a growing problem in some Muslim countries, are barbaric, inhumane, and completely contrary to Islamic teachings.
Islam never condones humiliation, beatings, mutilation, or outright murder, especially not as a means to exert one’s own authority, or to enforce one’s own opinions upon other people. Rather Islam teaches us to approach differences in opinion with tolerance and forbearance, saying even to the clear disbeliever, “To you your way, and to me mine” (109:6) and “There shall be no compulsion in religion” (2:256).
Only when women and girls can live with dignity, in safety, not fearing bodily harm from family members, and with freedom of conscience as the Qur’an demands, can a country rightfully call itself “Islamic.”
Over the last decade, an increasing number of Muslim women have taken it upon themselves to step into the field of Muslim religious leadership by publicly assuming the role of imam, a function long-time considered in the imaginaries of Muslims and non-Muslims alike as being exclusively reserved to men. In 2024, a group of European Lady Imams convened in Brussels for the first Conference of Lady Imams to address the key challenges that Lady Imams face and to outline possible solutions to these persisting challenges.
Dr Saleem Ahmad's incisive paper on the evolution of the veil in Muslim society.
For the first time, the opinions of nine progressive Muslims are compiled into a documentary.
These Muslims express their belief in tolerance, the separation of church and state, freedom of expression, human rights, social justice for LGBT citizens and total gender equality.
Imam Yahya Hendi on women's rights and gender equality.
Islamic Supreme Council of Canada issues a comprehensive fatwa against child marriage.
Sauti Yetu - A multi-issue US community-based organization that works with African immigrant women and families on issues such as female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), early and forced marriages, education and gender.
Unchained - The only nonprofit in the US dedicated to helping women leave or avoid arranged/forced marriages and rebuild their lives
Global Campaign for Family Law is the only campaign fully dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of reforming discriminatory family law as a fundamental women’s and human right issues.
FACE promotes focuses on cultural change among Muslims that leads to transparent survivor-centered community safety and leader accountability for those who abuse their positions of trust and authority.
Faith to Action Network is delighted to welcome and share this resource on Women’s Rights in Islam. This resource is the result of collaboration between Faith to Action Network and two of its founding members, namely, Al-Azhar University in Egypt and Muhammadiyah in Indonesia. The publication covers topics on Gender Equality, Women’s Participation in Private and Public Life, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Property Rights, Child Custody, and Bodily Integrity. The six topics address some of the most critical aspects of rights as interpreted from within Islamic perspectives.
MPV’s Founder and President, Ani Zonneveld, contributed to the recent publication’s first section, “Advancing Gender Equality: Practice" writing a piece entitled “Social Engaging #ImamsForShe Champions to Catalyze Sustainable Social and Cultural Change towards Fully Achieving Women’s and Girls’ Rights in Muslim Communities.”
