Walking the Fine Line of Continuity and Innovation in Islam

One of the most divisive debates among members of contemporary religions is the issue of balancing the two concepts of continuity and innovation. This debate has caused disagreement, conflict and even violence throughout history and has broken up most religions into sects and divisions. The dispute around the place of women in society has been one of the most critical arguments in almost all religious movements throughout time. Islamic societies have been no different in their disagreements over how much freedom and expression to grant women in a world which has seen the emergence of feminism along with the growing influence of women in society. There are vast differences throughout the Muslim world in their interpretations of Koranic passages which relate to women and more importantly the place of women in society.
When Islam was founded the teachings of the prophet Muhammad and the Koran had a beneficial effect on the rights and status of women. Before modern western notions...