Surah IV: An Nisa – The Woman

Women in Islam

Please answer only this question but use the questions below as a reading guide:

· Read the story of Amina Lawal from Nigeria and the story about the discussion about wearing a headscarf in France

· After reading this Surah and the last sections of Surah II, do you think that this Surah can be used to justify stoning of women who commit adultery? Use evidence to support your claim.

· If you want to go further, consult the following websites

o common misconceptions about Islam to see how some experts explain it.

o The Christian Science Monitor on Women in Islam

o Look up what Sharia is

Study Questions

Section 1: Verse 1

• Describe in your own words the subject of the very first verse.
• Do you see parallels to Genesis? How does this first verse differ from Genesis?
• What do you think is meant with the womb?

General Questions to Surah 4:

• What is the relationship between orphans and women?
• To whom are the verses addressed?
• Why do you think is there so much emphasis on wealth and inheritance?
• How would you describe the overall relationship between women and men the Koran advocates? In which ways does the understanding of gender relations implied in the Koran differ from the one you are more likely to be used to?