The exciting and stimulating debate on ‘Islam or Feminism: Which one truly liberates women?’ is now available to watch online. The debate features the Feminist writer, journalist and activist Julie Bindel debating myself on the topic Feminism, Islam, Western culture, the Muslim world, the question of rights and justice, and whether or not Feminism and Islam are compatible.
Zara Faris is a graduate in Arabic & Islamic Studies from SOAS University (School of Oriental and African Studies). She has lived for a year in Egypt studying the Arabic language. She is now a writer, researcher, and international speaker for the Muslim Debate Initiative.
Julie Bindel is a journalist, broadcaster, author and feminist campaigner, and is a founder of ‘Justice for Women’. She writes for the Guardian, New Statesman, Standpoint Magazine, The Spectator and the Sunday Telegraph, and has written articles on the issues of Muslim women.
Zara Faris first spoke with Julie Bindel when they debated alongside Taj Hargey on whether the Niqab should be banned in the UK (julie was against a ban, Taj was for it), which you can listen to here.
The event was filmed by IQRA TV [UK] and the first part of the debate (without the Q/A session) was broadcast on TV on 25th February 2015. We’ve obtained the footage and edited it and added the Q/A to produce the full video of the debate, which can be watched below. The Event was originally held on 28th November 2014 at the Institute of Education (University of London).
So, does Islam posit a viable way of life and solutions for women? Do women need feminism to formulate, understand, and support their position in society? Does a hybrid solution between Islam and feminism really make sense? Watch the video below to find out.
Zara Faris 
JAZAKALLAHU KHAIR Zara Ma’am for finally uploading the video after long wait of 11 months :-) You put across your views in an excellent way. I liked the way you phrased, “LIBERATED FROM & LIBERATED TO”. And it is indeed a brute fact that without knowing the purpose nobody can liberate anyone. I really appreciate you that you pointed out that the problems prevailing and existing in Muslim countries and Muslim societies is mainly due to secular politics,capitalism,consumerism and democracy. It is mainly the rich and powerful ones are oppressing the weak and poor people. And also injustice happens due to political power. I became very happy when you shut the mouth of the lady who posed herself as a Muslim and questioned you first in QA Session regarding Sexual freedom and Hijab and Man marrying 4 wives.You exposed her flawed assumptions and self-refuting question. Julie Bindel was emotional throughout her talks. I didn’t find anything rational and logical.All she said is what she thinks and what she wants. Nothing Objective in her piece. Overall it was nice listening to the debate except few rubbish from Mrs.Julie.
I pray for your long life Zara Ma’am. People like you should live as you are serving Islam and hence serving Mankind. May Allah Bless you!!
SHAAZ MOMIN (from India)
Author of Blogging Interfaith
Posted by Shaaz | October 27, 2015, 7:54 am