Welcome to the recap of an enlightening episode of the Women of the Middle East Podcast, where we embarked on a scholarly exploration of Muslim marriages. In our latest discussion, we explored the thought-provoking book titled “Justice and Beauty in Muslim Marriage: Towards Egalitarian Ethics and Laws,” published in December 2022. As the host, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging in a captivating conversation with two esteemed co-authors of the book, Dr. Sara Ababneh, PhD and Dr. Shadaab Rahemtulla. Together, we unveiled the significance of Prophet Muhammad and Khadija’s marriage, challenged prevailing gender norms, and envisioned a future of equitable and just #Muslim unions.
The conversation began by delving into the intricacies of the book’s second section, titled “Reclaiming Khadija and Mohammed’s Marriages as an Islamic Paradigm: Towards a New History of the Muslim Present.” This chapter serves as a cornerstone, urging us to reevaluate traditional Islamic models of marriage that perpetuate inequality and hierarchical structures.
Dr. Sara Ababneh and Dr. Shadaab Rahemtulla eloquently emphasized the need for a paradigm shift rooted in justice and equality, drawing upon their personal experiences and extensive scholarship. They challenged the prevailing narrative of male dominance and female subordination, shedding light on the historical context of early Islam, where multiple marriages and divorces were common among the Sahaba (SA) (الصحابة رضي الله عنهم). Through this exploration, they dispelled misconceptions surrounding remarriage and divorce in #Islamic history, highlighting that many societal taboos are cultural rather than rooted in Islamic principles.
One noteworthy aspect of our conversation was the authors’ methodological approach in engaging with #Hadith. They acknowledged the critiques surrounding certain Hadiths due to their late compilation and potential contradictions with the Quran. However, they stressed the importance of critically analyzing and studying Hadiths that align with Quranic principles, offering alternative interpretations that challenge patriarchal norms within Muslim marriages.
Our discussion further unveiled two significant snapshots from Prophet Muhammad and Khadija’s marriage. The first snapshot centered on Khadija’s remarkable proposal to the Prophet, overturning the conventional expectation that men should initiate marriage. This act showcased a reimagining of gender roles and power dynamics within the institution of marriage. The second snapshot depicted the Prophet’s vulnerability and reliance on Khadija’s unwavering support during the early revelations of the Quran. This was apparent when the Prophet came back frightened from his first encounter with Gebriel and seeked Khadija’s comfort by saying: “ يا خديجة دثريني، يا خديجة زمليني” “Khadija cover me up, cover me up”. These snapshots became powerful examples of reconceptualizing Islamic marriage as a partnership built on care, support, and mutual respect, rather than hierarchy and subjugation.
Additionally, Dr. Sara and Dr. Shadaab underscored the interconnectedness between their chapter and subsequent chapters in the book. They emphasized the urgent need for alternative paradigms that challenge dominant narratives, which often prioritize certain masculinities while disregarding others. By engaging with various textual traditions, including Seirah (prophetic biography), Hadith, Islamic law, and Fiqh, the authors presented a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of Muslim marriages, anchored in justice and equality.
In conclusion, our riveting conversation with the guests illuminated the path towards reimagining Muslim marriages. Through the reclamation of Prophet Muhammad and Khadija’s marriage as an Islamic paradigm, we confronted prevailing gender norms, offering a fresh perspective rooted in justice and equality. As we progress through Season 5 of the Women of the Middle East Podcast, our commitment to fostering dialogue and inspiring transformative change within Islamic societies remains steadfast. By critically engaging with Islamic textual traditions and amplifying diverse voices, we endeavor to pave the way for a future that upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals in Muslim marriages.
