12th And 13th Century Islam Essay

Within 12th and 13th century Islam, the role of women was extremely controversial. A large majority of Muslims in the time period saw women as inferior beings when compared to men. However, new thoughts on gender equality within Islam began to emerge with the writings of Sufi scholar Muhammad b. Ali b. Muhammad Ibn al-Arabi al-Ta’i al-Hatimi. Ibn al-Arabi’s thoughts concerning Islamic women within the 12th and 13th centuries drew much attention from the Islamic community. This attention was originally seen as heresy, and many responded with hostility as well as the denouncement of Ibn al-Arabi’s faith. However, Ibn al-Arabi’s arguments are largely based on Qur’anic texts. Even in some modern day Islamic societies, women are seen as lesser beings, but by delving into the work of Ibn al-Arabi, as well as texts from the Qur’an, the role of women can be asserted as a major piece of Islamic authority and spirituality. Within ancient Islam, there were Sufi minorities that sought to equalize gender roles, and Ibn al-Arabi
As you delve deeper into Qur’anic texts, and look at Islamic interpreters, such Ibn al-Arabi, you are able to see the true role and potential of women in ancient Islamic societies. Ibn al-Arabi was seen as a heretic for his ideas on gender equality and the roles of women in spiritual matters, but his conclusions were not false in nature. Although ancient Orthodox Islamic values may try to assert males dominance, women are a core part of Islamic societies. They are the cornerstone of marriage, since a mutual agreement must be met by both parties, and they are the foundation of a holy life. Therefore, men must rely heavily on women and must respect and treat them as equals to themselves if they wish to reach spiritual bliss and reach full unity with God’s