INDIA: In a landmark study of social systems within Islam, Palgrave MacMillan has unveiled “Women Centric Islam: Matrilineal, Matriarchal, and Matrifocal Islam.” Co-edited by Dr. Abbas Panakkal, a distinguished historian from the University of St Andrews, and Dr. Nasr Nasr Arif from the University of Cairo, this comprehensive work illuminates the rich tapestry of women-centric Islamic communities across the globe.
The book ventures into the unique social structures deeply embedded in matrilineal, matrifocal, and matriarchal practices within these communities. Departing from conventional patrilineal norms, the authors examine how individuals in matrilineal descent systems are affiliated with their mother’s ancestral lineage. This distinctive aspect, prevalent in various Muslim communities worldwide, has often been marginalized in mainstream discourse.
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Dr. Panakkal and Dr. Arif’s collaboration sheds light on the cultural traditions, social frameworks, and legal systems embraced by matrilineal Muslims. The research underscores significant populations in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Mozambique, Ghana, Spain, Japan, China, Korea, and the USA, each demonstrating its unique manifestation of a women-centered social order.
Women-Centric Islam
The book’s chapters delve not only into the intricacies of property ownership and inheritance along maternal lines but also into the dynamic roles women assume in public affairs and family leadership. The economic and social stability within these communities grants women greater autonomy in financial and personal decisions, fostering a sense of empowerment and comfort within their ancestral homes.
Dr. Abbas Panakkal remarked, “We believe that this book fills a critical void in understanding Islamic communities by exploring the less-discussed matrilineal, matrifocal, and matriarchal elements present across diverse cultures. It offers valuable insights into how these communities harmonize local practices with fundamental Islamic values, providing a nuanced perspective on the varied tapestry of Muslim societies worldwide.”
“Women Centric Islam” is poised to be a seminal work in the field, offering readers a fresh and comprehensive outlook on the intricate interplay between cultural practices, social structures, and religious values within matrilineal Muslim communities. The co-editors aspire that this publication will contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of Islam, showcasing the diversity within the global Muslim community.
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