Quote by Fatima Mernissi: “Islam is a religion of equality, not hierarchy.”

This quote challenges common perceptions, arguing that at its core, Islam promotes equal standing for all people. It suggests that hierarchical structures often come from human interpretations, not foundational religious teachings, fostering a more inclusive view.

Mernissi’s work challenged conservative interpretations of Islam that gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly concerning women's rights, by asserting the religion's fundamental message of equality as she interpreted it.

Moroccan feminist sociologist and author whose work examined Islamic societies, gender, and power with scholarly rigour and personal candour. Her 1994 memoir Dreams of Trespass explored the harem as a metaphor for all systems of confinement, and her writing continues to influence feminist thought across the Arab world.