Le Coran au féminin

Book Description

In this thought-provoking examination, Colette Juilliard offers a distinctive Western woman's perspective on sacred Islamic texts, inviting readers into a careful analysis of the Quran, Hadiths, and Sharia law. Through her scholarly yet accessible approach, she explores how these foundational texts consistently center around themes of desire as embodied by women.

Juilliard's investigation reveals how fear of desire has fundamentally shaped the composition of these sacred writings, creating a dynamic that she argues has deprived humanity of essential balance. Her analysis suggests that this framework has placed men in the contradictory position of serving as both judge and participant in matters concerning women's roles and status.

Drawing from her unique vantage point as a Western female scholar, the author presents what she describes as a "cold reading" of these texts, stripping away layers of interpretation to examine their core messages about gender and desire. Her work challenges readers to consider whether these sacred writings, which have historically maintained women in positions of inferiority, might benefit from careful reexamination.

This 130-page essay speaks to those seeking to understand the intersection of gender, spirituality, and religious authority. Juilliard acknowledges that such revision would be painful yet argues it represents a necessary step toward greater spiritual and social balance. Her work offers valuable insights for anyone interested in feminist theology and the evolution of religious understanding.