This book explores how medieval and modern Muslim religious scholars ('ulamÄ') interpret gender roles in Qur'Änic verses on legal testimony; marriage; and human creation. Citing these verses; medieval scholars developed increasingly complex laws and interpretations upholding a male-dominated gender hierarchy; aspects of their interpretations influence religious norms and state laws in Muslim-majority countries today; yet other aspects have been discarded entirely. Karen Bauer traces the evolution of their interpretations; showing how they have been adopted; adapted; rejected; or replaced over time; by comparing the Qur'Än with a wide range of Qur'Änic commentaries and interviews with prominent religious scholars from Iran and Syria. At times; tradition is modified in unexpected ways: learned women argue against gender equality; or Grand Ayatollahs reject sayings of the Prophet; citing science instead. This innovative and engaging study highlights the effects of social and intellectual contexts on the formation of tradition; and on modern responses to it.
#1677138 in Books 2016-02-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x .83 x 7.00l; 1.40 #File Name: 099730880X366 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I have to admit that I don't know very much about the Sephardic Jews except that I am learning to love their foodBy Pamela FerrisI started reading "A Hug From Afar" by Claire Flash and as promised; it was difficult to put down. I have to admit that I don't know very much about the Sephardic Jews except that I am learning to love their food. And I know even less about their lives in Rhodes before and during WWII. This book is such a personal view into one family's life that it often left me holding my breath in wonder how any Jewish family survived Hitler. It also tells us the refugees continue to come to this country in need of a place of refuge and even though they no longer must seek safety from Hitler there are other forms of terror in other countries from which they must be protected. We too were strangers in an alien country even if the "we" were our parents; great grandparents; great; great grandparents; etc. It is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the struggles of the refugees of then and now.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great job putting all the history togetherBy CustomerA Hug From Afar is such a timely book given the current issues over immigration into America. All the people in this book; Claire; Ralph and the entire family are heroes; they sacrificed and struggled and thru sure perseverance they made it here. A Hug From Afar means a lot to me personally; as I grew up going to Ralph and Rachel's house often and knew Aunt Esther. I never knew their history; which I now understand and appreciate. Great job putting all the history together; I highly recommend this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. She loved it.By CustomerHugs from afar was a story of members of our family. I bought this book for a family member. She loved it.
