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This article examines the relationship between Islam, Christianity, Wahhabism, and other fundamental religions and women's roles. The first step in the process is the control of women's bodies. Then, the religion begins policing a strict gender binary, valuing patriarchal forms and imposition of a heterosexual "normalcy."

Islam

While Islam and other fundamental religions restrict women's rights, some modern women reject these limitations. For example, the Quran's passage in Surah 33:35, for instance, suggests that women and men are equal before Allah but are not socially and economically equivalent. In response, patriarchal Christians have used the adage "equal in value but different in role," while modern Americans have adopted the notion of "separate but equal." But these traditions have strayed from their original egalitarian teachings. Understanding the difference between scripture and culture is essential to understanding the veiling prohibition in Islam.

Judaism

While orthodox Judaism has some progressive elements, the conservative Rabbi Judith Hauptman calls it a "benevolent patriarchy" that has lagged behind feminism. In many ways, Judaism and other fundamental religions restrict women in ways that go beyond what most modern Jews would consider acceptable. For example, religious divorce limits a woman's ability to remarry. To keep the two laws in line, some secularists have called on Judaism and other fundamental religions to allow women to remarry, but the debate is still on.

Christianity

Women are held to very different standards of sexuality in Christianity and other fundamental religions. While many Christians believe women and men are spiritually equal, others are rooted in the patriarchal traditions of the ancient world. Patriarchal Christianity restricts women, limiting their role in the family and church and making wives submissive to their husbands. This societal norm is not only destructive to women but to men as well.

Wahhabism

Islam and Wahhabism are fundamental religions with a long history of restrictions on women. Wahhabism is a conservative, Sunni sect of Islam that first emerged around 250 years ago. Its founder, Muhammad Ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab, allied himself with the Saudi ruler Muhammad bin Saud and began to spread the religion throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Islam in Tunisia

Despite the increasing visibility of gender equality in recent years, Islam in Tunisia is still a largely male-dominated society. Although the government has been addressing these issues, the niqab remains banned and strictly prohibited in public institutions. The government's rationale for banning the niqab was to increase public safety and ensure the implementation of optimal safety and security requirements. Nevertheless, media reports indicate that women are still harassed in Tunisia for wearing the niqab. While the government has denied the possibility of restricting women's religious freedom, officials have emphasized that reforming Islam is the main entry point to improving the security of the country.

Christianity in India

Many women in India wonder why Christianity is considered a fundamental religion. In the Indian constitution, the right to propagate religion is recognized. The debate about Christian conversions and proselytizing led to a clause referring to the right to 'bear religion. It is not entirely clear how this phrase came about, but the original intent was to refer to the practices of Christian converts, such as proselytizing. Non-Christian Assembly members viewed the clause as a concession to the Christian minority.

Islam in Pakistan

Although there are laws protecting women in Pakistan, the law's implementation has criticized conservative clerics and religious leaders. The Jamaat-e-Islami party called a conference to condemn the law, saying it is un-Islamic and contrary to the teachings of the Koran. However, many believe the laws are necessary for ensuring that women can lead peaceful lives.