Sisters in Islam
Sisters in Islam (SIS) (Jawi: سيسترس اين اسلام) is an Islamic group in Malaysia that advocates for equal rights for women, human rights, and justice in Malaysia and throughout the world. One of the more prominent leaders of SIS is Zainah Anwar who was the head for two decades.
History
In 1987, a group of women lawyers, activists, academics and journalists including Zainah Anwar jointly founded a fledgling movement to look into the problems Muslim women faced in seeking legal redress through the Syariah courts. In 1990, the group took on the name Sisters in Islam, or SIS. The organization continues to advocate for legal reform and social equality for women and promotes human rights and civil liberties, both in Malaysia and worldwide.
Criticism
SIS has drawn criticism from conservative Muslim groups because of its views. Its positions, for example, on the use of the hijab,[1] have been challenged by The Malaysian Mufti (JAKIM).[2] The group has also drawn the ire of PAS.[3] Sisters in Islam's claims have been challenged by state religious bodies, some of whom have even called for bans to be imposed on them.[4]
The Malaysian Association of Mosques Youth (MAMY) has brought a lawsuit against Sisters in Islam, alleging the misuse of the word "Islam" in the organization's name. Other groups have alleged that Sisters in Islam misinterprets religious principles.[5][6]
See also
Notes
- ^ "Introduction of Hijab".
- ^ "Refuting Sisters in Islam" (PDF).
- ^ http://muslimahmediawatch.org/2009/06/16/no-country-for-muslim-women/
- ^ http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/7/nation/20090607141027&sec=nation
- ^ article in The Jakarta Post 22 March 2010
- ^ "Sisters in Islam investigation".
References
- Ong, Aihwa and Peletz, Michael G. (1995). Bewitching Women, Pious Men. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-08861-1
- A sister steps out, The Star, March 30, 2008.
- Khalid Chraibi: Reforming Islamic family law within the religious framework - Sisters in Islam's "best practices" strategy - Tabsir.net
- Khalid Chraibi: The king, the mufti & the Facebook girl - a power play. Who decides what is licit in Islam? - CyberOrient.net
- Khalid Chraibi: Sisters in Islam - Women cite Quranic rights to confront culture of oppression - SaudiDebate.com