February's Theology on Tap event: Feminism in Islam
Every month, the religious studies and theology department hosts Theology on Tap, a lecture series presented in the San Damiano Chapel. This month, the Viterbo community was given the opportunity to hear from Shaheera Saleem to learn about feminist aspects in Islam.
Saleem is a member of the local Muslim community. She began her presentation with a brief outline of the Islamic faith: The Five Pillars, dietary restrictions, and dress codes. The Five Pillars are the duties that every Muslim must perform. They are: shahadah, salat, sakat, sawm, and hajj.
The shahadah is the Muslim profession of faith. Saleem explained that the shahadah must be recited at least once in every Muslim’s life and is often the first words whispered into the ears of newborns in the faith. Salat is prayer that is performed at specific times, five times every day: dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and evening. While men are required to stop what they are doing and head to prayers in a mosque, women can stay at home and say their prayers. Next comes zakat, which is giving alms to the poor. Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan. Lastly, a hajj is the major pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are financially and physically capable at least once in their lives.
Occasionally during her presentation, Saleem explained how certain aspects of the Islamic faith have a feminist outlook, even though it has been practiced for centuries. The first major point is that Muslim women have been allowed to own land and have control over their own money. It is also stated that a man must use his income to provide for the family, but the woman need not.
Another point that Saleem made was that the modesty laws that Muslims must follow are not only for women, but they are also for men. By using depictions of the Virgin Mary as an example, she explained that coving one’s self is about modesty and purity rather than oppression.
The presentations lasted one hour, and it was announced that questions could be asked. Afterward, root beer and ice cream were served.
Theology on Tap allows Viterbo students to gain insight into cultures or religions not only in the world but also in the La Crosse community. The next presentation will be on Faithful Citizenship on March 25, at 7 p.m. in San Damiano Chapel.