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Turning to the question which was posed in the introduction
about a possible way for Muslim women between total suppression
and western excess. it is concluded that modern Islamic societies
are at variance with the original because subsequently different
interpretations and cultural backgrounds have intervened. some
societies have therefore literally put women behind closed doors
while"others have imported foreign customs as a means of liberation.
Neither of these corresponds to the original conception of Islam as
discussed above.
ItJs clear from the examples studied that within the framework
of Islam exists the opportunity for women to penetrate every field
in society in a fully particip story role, provided that it is
not incompatible with her physiology and with preservation of her
dignity. Therefor the breadth of opportunities to her in an
Islamic society which is founded upon the original values, and not
the later restrictive interpretations, does not stand in need
of the influence of foreign ideas of freedom, but offers in its
own right a life of equality and fulfilment to every woman.
In the turbulent sea of-ideologies, both Muslims and non-Muslims
I would benefit from a knowledge of the values of the first Islamic
society, particularly concerning the vital question of the status
of women, It is hoped that the present study has made a modest
contribution to this field.
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