Gender and Islam
Etin Anwar is committed to understanding the role of women in society and within Islamic philosophy and theology.
While grounded within the traditions of Islamic thought, Anwar asks tough questions about the role of feminism, the interpretation of the Qur'an and the place of hierarchical gender systems.
Her most recent book "Gender and Self in Islam," explores the methods that might succeed in bringing about an egalitarian change. These include the reform of a nation's judicial and legal system to respect individuals equally and cultural change through religious and social means. As Anwar points out, no matter how egalitarian a country's judicial system, the advancement of true equality requires a culture that embraces these forward-thinking ideals.
"Along with the Muslim community, the state must take a role in regulating equality," Anwar said. "But if this fails to reach the grassroots, you are not accomplishing much."
Anwar is also influenced by Sufism. She has studied this important spiritual tradition within the context of the diversity of the Islamic faith and is currently working on a book titled "Ibn Sina's Philosophy of Mystical Experience."
Publications:
Author of:
Gender and Self in Islam
RoutledgeCurzon, 2006
Interview opportunities and additional background information may be requested through the Office of Communications, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York. Phone: (315) 781-3540. After business hours, Communications staff members are accessible through contact information on their answering machine at that number.
Etin Anwar holds a B.A. from State University for Islamic Studies in Bandung, Indonesia, a master’s degree from McGill University and a doctorate from the Philosophy, Interpretation and Culture Program at the State University of New York at Binghamton.
She has taught a diverse series of courses, including "Medical Ethics," "Islamic thought," "Introduction to Islamic Religious Tradition" and "International Women's Movements," among others.
Anwar is the recipient of a Freeman Fellowship from Hamilton College; the Steven David Ross Dissertation Fellowship Award, a Canadian International Development Agency Scholarship and a Participatory Active Research Grant from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jakarta, as well as other distinctions for her scholarship, research and poetry.