Reconstructing Gender Justice in Islamic Education: Comparative Insights from Fatima Mernissi and Husein Muhammad

Abstract

This study examines the thoughts of Fatima Mernissi and Husein Muhammad regarding gender equality in Islamic education. The research employs a library research method with a descriptive approach, utilizing content analysis and comparative analysis to explore the perspectives of both scholars. Primary data sources include Fatima Mernissi’s Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in Modern Muslim Society and Husein Muhammad’s Islam Agama Ramah Perempuan, supported by relevant secondary literature. The findings indicate that both scholars share the view that Islam upholds equality, justice, and human dignity between men and women. Mernissi emphasizes education as a transformative instrument to empower women, eliminate illiteracy, and challenge patriarchal structures that limit women’s roles. Meanwhile, Husein Muhammad highlights educational justice through equal access, participation, learning opportunities, and character development for both genders. Their differences are influenced by distinct socio-cultural contexts, with Mernissi focusing on Moroccan women’s liberation and Husein Muhammad emphasizing Islamic educational practices in Indonesia. This study contributes to the development of gender-sensitive Islamic education discourse.