Women in Islamic Thought: A Vision on Cultural Patterns

2025-10-01

 *Women in Islamic Thought: A Vision on Cultural Patterns* 
The Department of Islamic Studies at Bayt Al-Hikma (House of Wisdom), in cooperation with the College of Basic Education - University of Babylon, held a scientific lecture titled: "Women in Islamic Thought: A Vision on Cultural Patterns." The event took place on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Al-Noor Hall at the College of Basic Education, with the attendance of Dr. Ra'ed Ukla Al-Zaidi, a member of  Bayt Al-Hikma Board of Trustees.
The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Rasim Ahmad Al-Jariawi, and the lecturer was Prof. Dr. Zina Ghani Abdul Hussain Al-Khafaji, with the participation of a number of researchers, academics, and religious figures.
The lecture shed light on the role of women in Islamic Thought, which has never been a mere formality, but rather an active partner in shaping values and social consciousness. This was done by referencing Qur'anic texts and the Prophet's Sunnah (tradition) that demonstrated the essential role of women in building society.
The researcher presented models from the Holy Qur'an, historical narratives, and the Prophet's sayings (Hadith), which introduced women as partners in obligation and responsibility. The lecturer asserted that the Qur'anic texts and the Sunnah established a cultural pattern that recognizes women's psychological, social, and practical competence equally.
She also stressed the necessity of re-reading the feminist experience in Islam in light of contemporary cultural patterns, to ensure justice for women and highlight their true role in building civilization. She reviewed prominent female models such as: Alsayda  Maryam, Asiya bint Muzahim (Pharaoh's wife), Bilqis (Queen of Sheba), the Mother of Moses, and Alsayda  Khadija bint Khuwaylid, among other female figures who emerged in Islam. She confirmed that these personalities embodied moral values, wisdom, purity, and inspiration. She concluded that this experience in Islam opened new horizons for understanding women's contribution to build Islamic civilization, establishing a contemporary cultural discourse that is fair to women and places them in their rightful position as partners in building society and shaping history.
A large elite group of researchers and specialists attended the lecture, enriching it with their  comments.