Feminist Theology and Social Justice in Islam: A Study on the Sermon of Fatima

This book explores the intersection of theology and women’s studies, centering around the influential figure of Fatima within Shiʿi theology. By examining Fatima’s sacred role and her impact on empowering women and political minorities, the manuscript offers a textual analysis of her sermon.

Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed, is best known for her protest sermon, an important document from the early Islamic era. Mahjabeen Dhala here offers an in-depth analysis of this captivating narrative, which lies at the intersection of theology and women’s studies. A fresh and deep study of Fatima’s sermon from feminist and social justice perspectives, she reclaims the voice of a seventh-century Muslim woman theologian and female inheritance rights activist from patriarchal, sectarian, and secular biases. Dhala unveils a rich tapestry of empowerment for women and political minorities within the Islamic tradition. She also uncovers the early origins of female agency and empowerment in Islam, shattering prevailing Western misconceptions and challenging the notion that Muslim women are passive bystanders. Additionally, Dhala’s book contributes to our understanding of the role of women in Islamic theology and ethics, revealing their active engagement in promoting social justice and fostering transformative change.

This book explores the intersection of theology and women’s studies, centering around the influential figure of Fatima within Shiʿi theology. By examining Fatima’s sacred role and her impact on empowering women and political minorities, the manuscript offers a textual analysis of her sermon. It unveils the early roots of female empowerment and agency in Islam, effectively challenging prevailing Western beliefs. Contrary to common assumptions, it demonstrates that God-centric Muslim women possess the capacity, willingness, and authority to actively engage in promoting social justice and advocating for transformative change. Through this transformative praxis, the book aims to empower the female condition within Muslim cultures and societies. By embracing a nuanced perspective, it redefines the dynamic role of women, emphasizing the critical connection between faith, gender, and inclusivity. This exploration promises to reshape academic discourse around Islamic feminist theology and inspirational premodern Muslim women as initiators of social change within cultural contexts.

About the Author

Mahjabeen Dhala is Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies and Chair of the Women’s Studies in Religion program at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.

Bibliographic Information

Title: Feminist Theology and Social Justice in Islam: A Study on the Sermon of Fatima

Author: Mahjabeen Dhala

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

 Language: English

Length: 223 pages

ISBN:  ‎ 978-1009423083

Pub. Date: February 1, 2024

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