I'm slightly perplexed that there's even such a thing as 'Muslim feminists'. The argument seems to be that there's a difference between radical feminists and just normal feminists - If something was born outside of Islam then reject it, but then again I'm an "intolerant, radicalised" Muslim like that.. The main issue I have is generally, feminists do not like faiths, have atheistic sentiments and in fact they mock faiths and accuse them of being patriarchal. These 'Muslim' feminists argue that misogyny exists (which is true) therefore as women we need to unite and tackle it. False, women themselves don't need to do anything because our religion/faith/ideology works for justice for ALL, it is not one sided (unlike the ideology of feminism). And let us not forget, the fact that it was a man that was active in women's rights (to live) and that was our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) who also made it an important part of our social conduct to be good to women.
Islam isn't about "my rights" & "my choices", it's about "my duty" & "others' rights over me". The essence of Islam is submission to The One Creator, this is the message that has been sent by all of the prophets. Because we submit to Allah, we have duties and others have rights over us.
We don't need feminists to tackle 'women's problems' and yes, misogyny does exist but Islam will tackle it as it is the prescribed solution for all of humankind. But if Islam has no place in society, then misogyny, the dehumanisation of women and worse will be on the rise. But we've left Islam in our homes and masajid, until Islam is appreciated as a holistic way of life; only then will the mistreatment of women, men, children and animals alike begin to be decrease.
Sisters, separatist mentalities is what led to the fall of our shield - the khilafah; which defended us, identified us as humans and honoured us. Don't treat your fellow brothers in Islam as your enemies and don't paint them all with the same brush. We need to unite under laa ilaaha illah Allah.
