Women In Islam: Dr. Fatma Reda

The program presenter, Dr. Fatma Reda, is a medical physician in the Twin Cities. She recently earned her PhD in Comparative Religious Studies from the University of Canterbury, Kent, England.

In her introductory remarks Dr. Reda explained her decision to earn a degree in Religious Studies and to speak about her faith came about when members of her family experienced discrimination and hurt from people in the community. Her hope is to build bridges so that people in the United States will be more hospitable to all.

There were many interesting points in her far ranging presentation:

• There are 5 Sources of Authority in Islam:
  1. Quran-God's words to Mohammed. They were revealed to Mohammed; he did not author them. Mohammed was illiterate, so had a group of writers take down what he was told. Among the writers was a Christian monk. The words cannot be changed.
  2. Sunna-The authentic sayings of Mohammed. These sayings and suggested acts are a source of conflict and continuous challenge and question.
  3. Qiyas-the use of analogy
  4. Ipmaa-consensus
  5. Raiy-individual opinion; an individual makes her own decisions
  The first 2 sources are the only ones deemed legitimate by the fundamentalists.
• Dr. Reda spoke of the Quran and the Torah as "holy" for the words were revealed by God. She described the Bible as "inspired" by God and written by man in his words.
• The Quran supports the equality of men and women. The Creation Story in the Quran illustrates this point and differs greatly from the Biblical story. Adam and Eve were created equal; they did not differ as male and female until they left the Garden. In the story there is no mention of one seducing the other. They both sinned (Satan tricked them), they both repented, prayed together and were forgiven. They came to earth not as a punishment but because they now knew more and God told them to take their new knowledge somewhere and see what they could do with it.
• There was a time when women were more powerful and influential in the public sector as poets, ruling scholars, military advisors and trainers. Dr. Reda listed some of the female role models in Islam: Maryam-only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, Khadija-Mohammed's first wife and mother of his children. She was also his advisor, and Aisha-second wife who along with Sapphuja collected writings of the Quran.
• Personally, Dr. Reda looks forward to the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

Susan Sell has served many roles at SJA including reader, host and a member of the Pastoral Council. Susan is also a member of SJA's Sister Parish Committee, St. Joan's Isaiah Core Team, SJA's liason person to SWING as well as Chairperson of WomenSpirit. Susan can be reached at susanmsell@hot.mail.com.