[ms] The Understanding of Middle Class Muslim Women in the Klang Valley towards Liberal Islam

Abstract

The ideology of Liberal Islam is a way of thinking that has always hosted the principles of freedom and openness in all aspects of life so willing to pass syariah restrictions and laws that have been prescribed in Islam. Equally with the striving for the women’s issues which is the one of their thinking characteristic, the Liberal Islam’s movement broadens among the Muslims society in Malaysia for example to the Muslims’ middle class such as NGO organizations; Sisters in Islam, The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) and others. The issues of Liberal Islam have been discussed by many of them through books, lectures, conferences, workshops and so on. This study thus, aims to identify the understanding of middle class society about the Liberal Islam doctrine. This study focuses on women Muslim who works as lawyer, lecturer and teacher as respondents. It is because there are many issues presented by Liberal Islam related to the women. The Klang Valley has been preferred as the location in studying the ideas of Liberal Islam for those lawyers, lecturers and teachers. The two main research methods are applied; library research method and survey method which is involved the distribution of questionnaires and interviews. The results of the study demonstrate those respondents are appreciative towards the Liberal Islam ideology in moderate level especially among the teachers due to several factors such as lack of exposure on the issue and also the confinement period because of their responsibility to their works. Various approaches must be implemented as an effort in delivering the information regarding of Liberal Islam doctrine to the communities in Malaysia because it will effect the faith of Muslims.