In episode 112 of The Knitting Pilgrim Talks, I talk with Samira Kanji about women and Islam. At the top of the Islamic tapestry is section featuring a feminine eye, partially obscured by mesh, evoking the Western impression that Islam is inherently patriarchal. But is that really the case? Samira takes me through the Qu’ran’s metaphysical equality of male and female, and the impact colonization has had on the patriarchy of Muslim societies.
Samira Kanji is longtime President & CEO of Noor Cultural Centre, an Islamic religious, educational and cultural institution in Toronto dedicated to learning about Islam and Muslims.

“Isn’t the problem, either way, when you dictate to women how they should be dressed, you are oppressing them?” – Samira Kanji