Overview
Religion plays a pivotal role in the way women are treated around the world, socially and legally. This book discusses three Islamic human rights approaches: secular, non-compatible, reconciliatory (compatible), and proposes a contextual interpretive approach. It is argued that the current gender discriminatory statutory Islamic laws in Islamic jurisdictions, based on the decontextualised interpretation of the Koran, can be reformed through Ijtihad: independent individual reasoning. It is claimed that the original intention of the Koran was to protect the rights of women and raise their status in society, not to relegate them to subordination. This Koranic intention and spirit may be recaptured through the proposed contextual interpretation which in fact means using an Islamic (or insider) strategy to achieve gender equality in Muslim states and greater compatibility with international human rights law. It discusses the negative impact of the so-called statutory Islamic laws of Pakistan on the enjoyment of women’s human rights and robustly challenges their Koranic foundation. While supporting the international human rights regime, this book highlights the challenges to its universality: feminism and cultural relativism. To achieve universal application, genuine voices from different cultures and groups must be accommodated. It is argued that the women’s human rights regime does not cover all issues of concern to women and has a weak implementation mechanism. The book argues for effective implementation procedures to turn women’s human rights into reality.
Full Product Details
Author: Niaz A. Shah
Publisher: Brill
Imprint: Martinus Nijhoff
Volume: 4
Dimensions:
Width: 15.50cm
, Height: 2.30cm
, Length: 23.50cm
Weight: 0.625kg
ISBN: 9789004152373
ISBN 10: 9004152377
Pages: 276
Publication Date: 12 September 2006
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Out of stock
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Reviews
""Shah's work is original, well written and easy to follow. The interpretive approach seems practical and may contribute what Shah wishes, that is greater compatability between Islamic and International Human Rights, norms and values."" - Khurshid Iqbal, in: Religion and Human Rights 2 (2007) 189–193 ""Niaz A. Shah’s book is a work of exceptional merit for its thoroughly researched analyses, its balanced views, broad outlook and intellectual integrity. It is a must read for those who wish to have a sound perspective on women’s rights issue in Pakistan."" - Mushir Anwar, in: Dawn, Pakistan, 2007
Shah's work is original, well written and easy to follow. The interpretive approach seems practical and may contribute what Shah wishes, that is greater compatability between Islamic and International Human Rights, norms and values .Khurshid Iqbal, Religion and Human Rights 2 (2007) 189-193. 'Niaz A. Shah's book is a work of exceptional merit for its thoroughly researched analyses, its balanced views, broad outlook and intellectual integrity. It is a must read for those who wish to have a sound perspective on women's rights issue in Pakistan.' Mushir Anwar, Dawn, Pakistan, 2007
Author Information
Niaz A. Shah is a Visiting Fellow at the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International, Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge.
