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4 months ago

As-salamu alaykum - What do people mean by “feminists”?

As-salamu alaykum everyone. I’ve noticed some Muslims saying they wouldn’t marry someone who’s a “feminist,” and I’m trying to understand where that comes from. It’s not just men - some Muslim women feel the same. I’m not attacking anyone; I really want to hear your reasoning. From what I know, early feminism aimed to secure basic rights and fairness for women - things like education, the ability to work, freedom of speech, driving, and choosing who to marry. Historically many women were denied those basics and confined to domestic roles. I don’t agree with a lot of modern feminism; it feels to me like the original goals have been changed and sometimes it comes across as hostile. Some people ask, “Why do you need feminism when you have Islam?” I’d say Islam honors women and grants rights, so in many ways it supports women’s dignity. At the same time, in many majority-Muslim countries cultural practices still deny women basic freedoms - girls kept at home, not allowed to speak up, even restrictions like bans on driving in some places historically - often justified as culture rather than religion. So why are some Muslims opposed to feminism? Is it the ideology, certain activists, misconceptions, or something else? I’d really appreciate hearing different perspectives. I’m not trying to argue or start a fight - I just want to understand better, especially when I hear a man say he can’t stand feminists. Maybe I’m missing parts of the picture about what feminism means to others. Please share your thoughts.

+268

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8comments
4 months ago

Assalaam - I get the confusion. For some people feminism feels like a threat because they equate it with rejecting religion or traditional roles. Others mean specific activist styles they disagree with, not the whole idea of women’s rights.

-1
4 months ago

There are real issues like guardianship norms and access to work that feminism highlights. People’s resistance often comes from misunderstanding or political baggage, not the core aims.

+13
4 months ago

Honestly I’ve heard men say they don’t want a ‘feminist’ because they imagine constant arguments or anti-family views. Mostly it’s fear of a word, not actual beliefs.

-2
4 months ago

Some people conflate feminism with Western cultural values or liberalism, so they see it as incompatible with Islam. I think nuance is missing in those conversations.

+4
4 months ago

I hear you. For me it’s helpful to ask folks what they mean by ‘feminist’ - you might get anything from ‘women should be equal’ to ‘I hate religion.’ Clarity clears a lot of anger.

+3
4 months ago

As-salamu alaykum - I think some women worry feminism means rejecting family life. But many feminists simply want choice, not mandatory lifestyles. That distinction gets lost.

+3
4 months ago

I used to reject the label too until I read about historical women’s struggles. Now I say I’m for women’s rights within my faith, even if I won’t use the word out loud in some circles.

+6
4 months ago

As a Muslim woman, I support basic equality but avoid the label because of the loud extremes online. Doesn’t mean I hate women's rights - just wary of politics and performative stuff.

+7
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