Summary: Muslim Women and Salvation

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‘Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?’
In the article ‘Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?’ the author explores the US intervention against the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and its relation to the attitudes behind the notion of ‘saving’ Afghani women. The idea that Muslim women need saving is not only condescending, but it is also a part of the problem, as Abu-Lughod argues in her paper.
Most of the people from the Western world share this idea that Muslim women need ‘salvation. Abu-Lughod claims that this idea stems from a feeling and need by the west to reinforce a feeling of superiority over Muslim women, their people, and their culture. Historically, the West has attempted to force Christian beliefs on Muslims, claiming Christian ways were virtuous, civil, and the champions of justice. Furthermore, the war on terror has been framed as a war to liberate the oppressed Muslim woman. The issue of women's clothing under Islam is one such propaganda tool used to justify war on the basis of the limitation of Afghani women's freedom.
Abu-Lughod proposes alternative measures to improve the lives of these women. One such way is to shift the focus from a military war to eliminating structural violence that ...