Feminism in Prophet Muhammad’s discourse on women: A stylistic analysis

Abstract

Muslim women are stereotypically depicted in Western culture as passive victims of patriarchal oppression. However, a close analysis of the discourse of the Prophet of Islam (Muhammad, peace be upon him) refutes this claim. Prophet Muhammad's discourse on women underlies a pro-feminist ideology. Many theological studies have tackled the representation of women in Islam, but few linguistic studies have been conducted. The present study aims at conducting a feminist stylistic analysis of Prophet Muhamad's discourse on women to show that it is pro-feminist. The study is carried out within the framework of feminist stylistics that includes pragmatic and semantic components. The speech act theory, semantic field analysis and Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar are employed as gender-inscription devices. The study shows that the predominant idea in the Prophet's teachings is that women are independent dignified entities that should be given their rights and respected. The Prophet's presentation of women is always positive. His discourse on women constructs a new brand of femininity where they are projected as precious human beings, worth of protection and gentle treatment. At the same time, they are supportive partners to their male counterparts whose existence is necessary for a good life.