“Gender, Tradition, and Authority in American Islam”<\/p>\n
Debates about the roles and status of women connect and divide Muslims worldwide. Among American Muslims\u2014the most racially and ethnically diverse religious group in the United States\u2014questions of gender and authority are also questions about Americanness and identity. Widespread anti-Muslim bias, rhetoric, and violence, in which stereotypes about Muslim women often figure heavily, makes intra-Muslim debates about how to live religiously correct and ethically meaningful lives especially fraught. Gender takes center stage in contentious conversations including over who is qualified to interpret scripture, lead prayer, and speak publicly about Islam. Exploring these debates illustrates diversity within Muslim communities and broader patterns in American religious and social life.<\/p>\n