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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Historical Perspective, Current Literature and an Opinion Survey among Muslim Women in Contemporary South Africa: A Case Study |
Author: | Dangor, Suleman |
Year: | 2001 |
Periodical: | Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs |
Volume: | 21 |
Issue: | 1 |
Period: | April |
Pages: | 109-129 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | South Africa |
Subjects: | world view ulema women History and Exploration Women's Issues Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Religion and Witchcraft Historical/Biographical Cultural Roles gender |
External link: | https://doi.org/10.1080/13602000120050578 |
Abstract: | This paper examines the divergence in views prevailing among Muslim scholars and Muslim women participants in an opinion survey conducted among 50 women in two major cities in South Africa - Durban and Johannesburg. Scholars' and women's views on a variety of issues pertaining to the status of women in society are presented, such as gender equality; women's evidence and female witnesses; inheritance; marriage and polygamy; divorce; maintenance; child custody; employment; public life, veiling and seclusion; political leadership; education; and women's participation in the 'jihad'. The major sources for the research were current literature and fieldwork, including data from historical, anthropological and sociological studies as well as the works of traditionalist, reformist and modernist scholars. The study reveals a wide gap between tradition and modernity. Muslim women are currently experiencing change in their attitude, behaviour and approach towards marriage, family responsibilities and public life. However, though the grip of traditionalism has grown weaker, in other respects tradition and custom are highly valued by South African Muslim women. Ref. |