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For Ourselves imposed.qxd 11/18/2004 08:01 Page ii

Introduction to the Reprint

Since the first printing of Women Living Under Muslim Laws, 'For Ourselves:

Women Reading the Qur'an' in 1997, there has been a growing demand for this

publication from women working within Muslim contexts as well as from those

beyond. This reflects the determined survival of alternative and plural voices

against global and national trends of rapidly shrinking spaces for dissent and

discussion. We are delighted that this publication evidently contributes to

strengthening women's struggle to preserve such spaces.

At the same time, we hope readers of the reprinted version will continue to see

this publication and the diverse opinions it contains simply as a reflection of the

many voices of women who interpret the Qur'an and engage with it in the context

of their lived realities. As such it does not offer an alternative blueprint for a

brighter future for women in Muslim countries and communities, but simply forms

part of the many challenges to monolithic, often male-dominated interpretations

of the Qur'an and Muslim laws.

Women Living Under Muslim Laws

2004

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