Muslims often provide a feeble apologetic regarding the treatment of women in Islam. The argument is that mistreatment of women by Muslims is simply an example of Islam not being put into practice properly. In reality, the name of Islam is still readily used to justify the sexist and oppressive presentation and treatment of Muslim women.

One of the most damaging attitudes is the belief that women are the moral markers of Muslim communities and society. Muslims who perpetuate this viewpoint almost invariably project an image of women as sexually alluring and consequently as culpable for male predatory sexual attitudes, as well as a multitude of other Muslim sins.

Muslim women also face numerous practical obstructions to living fulfilled, meaningful and dignified lives. These include:

* The misuse of marriage laws in order to justify treating women like children, whereby women are required to seek permission to work;
* Violence against women, wrapped up in claims that the Holy Qur'an legitimates the use of physical force against Muslim women;
* Denying Muslim women their rights of property ownership and inheritance as granted to them in the Holy Qur'an;
* Excluding Muslim women from religious activities, including attendance at mosque, which has clearly been established as a basic right;
* A failure by men to share household and child-rearing responsibilities, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (aws).

Those who seek to deride Islam often use the treatment of Muslim women as evidence of Muslim backwardness. Consequently, Muslim women who complain about their treatment are sometimes accused by Muslim men (and some women) as aiding the enemies of Islam. The perverse logic of this claim rests on the assumption that Muslim morality is somehow utterly separate from the concerns of the rest of humanity.

Amongst the voices who cry ‘traitor’ are those who support an arrogant, insular, puritanical and reactionary version of Islam which fuels the flames of Islamophobia, as well as deriding women at every turn. In truth, the fight against global poverty, prejudice, and opposition to the politicized and debased theologies that give credence to the subjection of Muslim women, are all equally laudable and inseparable expressions of justice ('adl).

Fortunately, there is hope. Today, doctorate-trained progressive Muslim women scholars are reviewing Islamic history from an egalitarian perspective, recalling contributions of Muslim women over the centuries, as well as exploring current practices and laws and criticize them from a progressive perspective. The Tasneem Project prays for their success, and may their enlightened words guide all Muslims in their search for justice.