Zaynab Ghazali
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: زينب الغزالي (Zaynab al-Ghazali)
- Turkish: Zeyneb Gazali
Overview
Zaynab Ghazali (b. 1917 – d. 2005) was a prominent Egyptian writer, teacher associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, and the founder of the Muslim Women’s Association as an Islamic counterpart to the Egyptian Feminist Union. Ghazali played a crucial role in the religious and social life of Egypt while advocating for an Islamic framework that allowed women’s participation in public life under specific religious guidelines.
Education and Career
Ghazali was well-educated and received certifications in hadith (prophetic traditions), Quranic exegesis (tafseer), and preaching. She gained recognition for her significant contributions to Islamic scholarship and her ability to engage large audiences. Ghazali lectured weekly to crowds of up to five thousand women at the revered Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo, demonstrating her influence as a religious teacher.
Role in the Muslim Brotherhood
During the 1960s, Ghazali was instrumental in regrouping the Muslim Brotherhood, an influential socio-political and religious organization in Egypt. As part of her activities, she faced severe hardships, including imprisonment from 1965 to 1971, during which she was subjected to torture.
Views on Women in Islam
Contrary to some contemporary feminist narratives, Ghazali firmly believed that Islam permits women to be active participants in various aspects of public life as long as these activities do not hinder their responsibilities as wives and mothers. Her work often emphasized that women’s empowerment within an Islamic context contributes to the broader Islamic moral and social fabric.
Surviving Adversity
Her resilience in the face of adversity made her a symbolic figure among many Muslims, particularly women. Despite condemnation and imprisonment, Ghazali outspokenly rejected tactics such as murder, torture, and terrorism, advocating for a peaceful and ethical approach to activism.
Literary Contributions and Advocacy
Aside from her speaking engagements, Ghazali was actively involved in writing and editing magazines for women and children. She sought to create content that aligned with Islamic values yet encouraged comprehensive education and self-awareness for women.
Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into Zaynab Ghazali’s life and contributions, the following books are suggested:
- “Days from My Life” (Ayyām min Ḥayātī) - Zaynab Ghazali’s autobiography.
- “Serving the Old City: The writings of Zaynab Ghazali” by Leila Ahmed.
- “Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate” by Leila Ahmed.
Takeaways
- Prominent Female Figure in Islam: Zaynab Ghazali was a distinguished scholar and social activist who left an indelible mark on Islamic feminism and the Egyptian socio-political landscape.
- Advocate for Women’s Participation: Ghazali presented a framework within Islam that supported women’s active involvement in public life, provided it aligned with religious obligations.
- Resilient in Adversity: Her life exemplifies resilience and dedication to peaceful religious activism despite facing severe personal challenges.
Conclusion
Zaynab Ghazali stands out as a key figure in modern Islamic history for her advocacy, resilience, and contributions to the theological and social understanding of women’s roles in Islam. Her life and works continue to inspire and be debated by scholars and activists within the Muslim world and beyond.
