The Other Side of the Coin: A Look at Islamic Law as Compared to Anglo-American Law — Do Muslim Women Really Have Fewer Rights than American Women?

New York International Law Review, Vol. 16, p. 65, 2003

Roger Williams Univ. Legal Studies Paper No. 76

83 Pages Posted: 23 Aug 2009 Last revised: 24 Sep 2015

Date Written: 2003

Abstract

It often seems as though American women possess superior rights to that of Muslim women; however, the answer is not so simple. The reality is that Islamic law traditionally provides Muslim women with a plethora of rights, but cultural extremism has clouded this truth. Extreme cultural practices deceive many into believing that Islam is at fault. In fact, the extreme regimes, such as the Taliban, do not coincide with the beliefs proffered by the Holy Qur’an. For example, Afghani women were prohibited from receiving an education, a practice which is in direct contradiction with the Holy Qur’an. Moreover, while the rights of Muslim women are often understated, the rights of American women are often overstated. American women do not possess rights equal to those of American men, and they do not receive equal pay for equal work. However, Moroccan women, living in a third-world country, are receiving equal pay for equal work. Although American women are citizens of the most advanced country in the world, it is incorrect to assume that their rights are more advanced than those of Muslim women under a traditional Islamic regime.

Suggested Citation

Miller, Kathleen, The Other Side of the Coin: A Look at Islamic Law as Compared to Anglo-American Law — Do Muslim Women Really Have Fewer Rights than American Women? (2003). New York International Law Review, Vol. 16, p. 65, 2003, Roger Williams Univ. Legal Studies Paper No. 76, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1459040

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