Contemporary Feminism and the Crisis of Authority: A Reading into the Conflict Between Ideology and Revelation

Contemporary feminist movements pose a profound epistemological and methodological problem when they collide with Sharia texts; where the dilemma of authority emerges as the most fundamental point of contention. Feminism, in its essence for many, is based on making the "female" the primary and ultimate center and reference, rather than Divine Revelation.

This orientation necessarily leads to subjecting the religious text to the standards of feminist thought; if the text does not align with these ideas, recourse is taken to forced re-interpretation to match the ideology, or even the denial of authentic Hadiths—even if they are in Sahih al-Bukhari—under the pretext of their unsuitability for the modern age.

The Trial of Scholars and Jurisprudential Ijtihad

The matter does not stop at the texts but extends to include the scholarly institution; where scholars and jurists are judged based on feminist criteria. A scholar whose words agree with the whims of this thought is celebrated, while he who adheres to the Sharia constants that contradict the feminist discourse is automatically classified within the category of "patriarchy" and his opinion is rejected without considering his evidence.

The Danger of Deifying Human Ideas

The greatest danger lies when feminism turns into an absolute authority prioritized over the Will of Allah, Glory be to Him. This reminds us of the Qur'anic warning against taking followers as lords besides Allah:

{They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah}

(Surah At-Tawbah: 31). As the Prophet ﷺ interpreted this verse, their worship of them was not by prostrating to them, but by following them in permitting what Allah forbade and forbidding what Allah permitted. This is exactly what happens to those who prioritize human feminist thought over the infallible Sharia text.

Islam is a complete religion with a Divine authority, while feminism is a relative human idea. Therefore, it is impossible to merge them into a single framework; for each has its own premises and goals. A Muslim must clearly define his authority: is it Divine Revelation or imported ideas?

For further detail on this subject, we recommend reviewing the book «Woman Between Islam and Atheism», which details these misconceptions with a rigorous scientific methodology.