Lecturers' Perspectives on Islamic Feminism at an Islamic University in Indonesia

Abstract

The discourse on Islamic feminism continues to generate debate within Muslim societies, particularly in Islamic higher education contexts where discussions of gender equality intersect with religious interpretation and scholarly traditions. Although Islamic feminism has received increasing academic attention, empirical research has yet to examine how lecturers in Indonesian Islamic universities understand and negotiate this discourse. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to examine the perspectives of five lecturers from one Indonesian Islamic university on Islamic feminism. Data were collected through preliminary written responses and semi-structured interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify emerging themes. The findings suggest that participants viewed Islamic feminism as a contemporary discourse that seeks to reinterpret and strengthen Islamic concerns regarding women's rights rather than as an entirely separate movement from Islamic intellectual traditions. Participants also emphasised that Islamic feminism remains a sensitive topic due to differences in theological interpretation, ideological concerns, and debates regarding religious authority and gender equality. The Qur'an and Islamic scholarly traditions were identified as important foundations for discussing women's rights and gender relations. The study indicates that the interaction between religious commitments, academic responsibilities, and socio-cultural contexts shapes lecturers' perspectives. These findings provide a contextual understanding of Islamic feminism within one Indonesian Islamic university and highlight the importance of balanced academic dialogue between Islamic principles and contemporary discussions of gender justice.