JEWISH AND ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS FEMINIST EXEGESIS OF THE SACRED BOOKS: ADAM, WOMAN AND GENDER

Abstract

This paper examines Jewish and Islamic feminist exegesis of sacred texts, with particular focus on the narratives of Adam, woman, and gender. It analyzes how patriarchal interpretations of the creation story in the Hebrew Bible and the Qur’an have historically shaped gender hierarchies, relegating women to subordinate roles. Through comparative analysis, the study highlights how feminist theologians challenge these narratives by reinterpreting figures such as Eve (Hawwa) not as passive or secondary but as co-creators and active participants in divine purpose. In Judaism, feminist reinterpretations critically reassess rabbinic traditions that reinforced male authority, while also reclaiming alternative figures such as Lilith as symbols of female strength and independence. In Islam, feminist readings emphasize women’s agency, referencing the Qur’anic account of al-Mujadilah (“she who disputes”), which legitimizes female voices in theological discourse. Moreover, ecofeminist approaches underscore the interconnectedness of gender justice and ecological responsibility, suggesting that patriarchal domination extends to both women and the environment. By integrating textual, theological, and socio-cultural analysis, the paper demonstrates that feminist exegesis provides transformative frameworks for rethinking gender equality across Jewish and Islamic traditions. This contributes to a broader interfaith dialogue aimed at recovering women’s voices, reshaping religious authority, and fostering inclusive spiritual interpretations.