A Call for Moral Agency for Women

By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam 16 July 2024 For centuries, Islamic ethical discourse has presented a one-sided view of human existence. The "subject" - the individual seeking spiritual refinement and interacting with the world - has been portrayed as inherently masculine. This perspective even goes so far as to use the ideal wife as a symbol of male piety. Women, in this framework, are relegated to supporting roles, their own spiritual growth seemingly unimportant. However, this depiction is demonstrably false, even from a historical perspective. (File Photo) ------ "Khilafah," a concept central to Islamic philosophy and political thought, offers a powerful framework for understanding human agency. It signifies God's trusteeship on Earth, entrusted to humanity. Importantly, feminist scholars have reclaimed "Khilafah" for a new interpretation that promotes gender equality. "Tawhid," the Islamic concept of monotheism, provides another crucial foundation for a more egalitarian perspective. By engaging directly with concepts rooted in the Quran, we can avoid imposing external frameworks on Islamic understanding. Khilafah is not about masculine control, but about moral agency and responsibility before God. In this context, men and women become co-stewards, working together for the common good. The Quran itself offers evidence of women's agency in various spheres. For instance, Quran 4:32 explicitly grants women control over their own earnings, inheritance rights, and financial support within marriage. This demonstrates a clear recognition of women's economic participation. However, the lived realities of women in many Islamic societies often contradict this ideal. Traditional ethical discourse often portrays women as inherently limited in their moral and social capabilities. This confines them to the domestic sphere and diminishes their economic contributions. By reinterpreting Khilafah through the lens of Tawhid, feminist scholars argue that Khilafah extends to the economic realm. Women are not mere dependents; they are breadwinners, producers, consumers, and active participants in economic decision-making. The Quran portrays women in diverse roles, beyond limited stereotypes. We encounter single mothers, childless women, queens like Bilqis who ruled with wisdom, and even women contemplating extramarital affairs or divorce. The Quran 17:70 explicitly affirms the equal status of men and women as human beings. The goal is to recognize the full humanity and moral agency of Muslim women within the framework of the Quran. Gender equality, in this context, signifies equal opportunities and rights for men and women across all aspects of life. It means dismantling discrimination and ensuring equal participation in society. The traditional division of labour, where men are breadwinners and women are homemakers, can be seen as a manifestation of patriarchy. A more egalitarian approach is rooted in the Quranic understanding of men and women as equal moral agents before God (Q.2:30, 4:1). The Quran emphasizes moral consciousness ("Taqwa") as a core value. It is the awareness of divine accountability that inspires ethical action and compassion. Quran 49:13 makes it clear that true nobility lies in Taqwa, not gender. Quranic ethics can be reinterpreted to promote gender equality. Concepts like Khilafah and Tawhid, grounded in the Quran, offer a framework for understanding men and women as equal moral agents before God. By dismantling patriarchal interpretations and recognizing the full humanity of women, we can move towards a more just and equitable Islamic society. The concept of moral agency refers to the capacity of individuals to make moral judgments based on some notion of right and wrong and to be held accountable for these actions. In an egalitarian society, where the emphasis is on equality and fairness, the call for moral agency for women holds profound significance. Historically, women's moral agency has often been constrained by patriarchal structures and societal norms that relegated them to subservient roles. The denial of education, economic independence, and political participation were mechanisms that limited women's ability to act as full moral agents. The feminist movement, particularly in the 20th century, brought attention to these injustices and advocated for women's rights to education, employment, and political representation. This struggle for rights is inherently tied to the recognition of women's moral agency, as it seeks to dismantle barriers that prevent women from exercising their moral and ethical capacities on an equal footing with men. At the heart of moral agency is the notion of individual autonomy—the ability to make informed, un-coerced decisions about one's life. For women, achieving moral agency means having the freedom to pursue their own goals, values, and aspirations without undue restriction. An egalitarian society recognizes that women's autonomy is essential for true equality. This includes access to education, reproductive rights, and freedom from gender-based violence and discrimination. By ensuring that women can act as autonomous moral agents, society not only affirms their inherent dignity but also enriches the moral and ethical discourse with diverse perspectives. From a social justice standpoint, the call for women's moral agency is a call for rectifying historical and ongoing inequities. Egalitarianism seeks to create a society where resources, opportunities, and privileges are distributed fairly. When women are denied moral agency, it perpetuates cycles of poverty, dependency, and marginalization. Empowering women as moral agents involves creating supportive structures such as equitable educational systems, fair labour practices, and inclusive policies that acknowledge and address gender-specific challenges. This empowerment contributes to a more just and balanced society where all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to thrive. The broader implications of recognizing women's moral agency extend beyond individual and social justice concerns. In an egalitarian society, the inclusion of women's voices and experiences is crucial for holistic and inclusive decision-making processes. Women's perspectives often bring unique insights into ethical and moral discussions, particularly in areas such as family dynamics, healthcare, and community welfare. By valuing and incorporating these perspectives, society benefits from a richer, more comprehensive understanding of moral and ethical issues. Moreover, fostering moral agency in women challenges and transforms traditional gender roles, promoting a more flexible and inclusive view of gender. This transformation can lead to healthier relationships, more equitable family structures, and a reduction in gender-based violence. As women exercise their moral agency, they become role models for future generations, inspiring both girls and boys to pursue lives grounded in equality, respect, and mutual understanding. The call for moral agency for women is a fundamental aspect of achieving an egalitarian society. By recognizing and fostering women's capacity to make moral judgments and be accountable for their actions, we affirm their autonomy, address social injustices, and enrich our collective ethical discourse. An egalitarian perspective not only demands equality in rights and opportunities but also insists on the full inclusion and participation of women as moral agents. This inclusion is essential for the creation of a just, fair, and balanced society where every individual, regardless of gender, can flourish. ------- V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Islamic humanist scholar from India who regularly publishes articles and papers in Islam and contemporary affairs. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/moral-agency-women/d/132714 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism