Problems and Possibilities in Reconciling Islam and Gender Equality Policies in Pakistan

Abstract

The research focuses on the compatibility issues between the notion of ‘gender equality’ and the ‘religion Islam.’ This article investigates, if any, gender policy (s) build around the conciliation developed in the contemporary social scenario of Pakistan. This paper is qualitative in nature and involves textual analysis of policy documents and written teachings of religious scholars. In-depth interviews were conducted by using interview guide from five religious scholars. These scholars belonged to Hanafi, Ahl-Hadith and Brelvi schools of thought. For this purpose, UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) were translated into Urdu language for clear understanding about the background and context of the state policies. All the interviews were scripted. Interview data was coded into different inductive themes. Complete draft of the study was shared with the scholars interviewed during the study to maintain ethical standards. Analysis of the interviews conducted revealed that gender equality policies in the Republic of Pakistan are intrinsically incompatible to the teachings and spirit of Islam, hence, few epistemic and practical possibilities exist to reconcile them. Suggestions of religious scholars are corroborated by the long traditions of Islamic history, but such suggestions are condemned and challenged by feminist groups in public offices. In the same vein, feminist ideals have no authenticity among religious scholars.

Keywords

• gender equality
• Hanafi
• Brelvi
• Ahl-e-Hadith
• feminists