The conception of woman in the thought of Ibn Ashur

This study examines the views of Muhammad Tāhir Ibn 'Āshūr, one of the leading modern Islamic scholars, regarding the concept of freedom, the creation of woman, her intellectual capacity, and her social status. The main aim of the thesis is to reveal how Ibn 'Āshūr interprets these issues within the framework of his Qur'an-centered and maqāṣid-oriented approach. First, Ibn 'Āshūr's understanding of freedom is analyzed; it is determined that he considers human freedom as one of the ultimate objectives of the Sharī'ah. According to him, freedom is not merely the liberty of individual choices, but also a fundamental principle that enables human intellectual and social development. Secondly, the issue of the creation of woman is addressed; it is shown that while Ibn 'Āshūr accepts that Eve was created from Adam, he rejects any notion of superiority based on this origin, thus denying a creation-based hierarchy between men and women. Thirdly, traditional views on women's intellectual capacity are critically examined; it is revealed that Ibn 'Āshūr attributes such views to historical and socio-cultural circumstances and emphasizes that the Qur'an does not express any negative judgment regarding women's intellectual faculties. Finally, concerning the social status of women, it is concluded that Ibn 'Āshūr departs from classical understandings and supports women's participation in the public sphere, a position he finds compatible with the objectives of the Sharī'ah. The views developed by Ibn 'Āshūr in these four areas represent a significant effort to reinterpret the classical exegetical tradition and to contribute to contemporary Islamic thought.