Open AccessA Muslim Reading of the Haustafeln of Ephesians 5:21-33 in Dialogue with Quran 4:34
Author(s) -
Lien Iffah Naf’atu Fina
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
indonesian journal of theology (e-journal)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2339-0751
DOI - 10.46567/ijt.v5i2.26
Subject(s) - reading (process) , relation (database) , ideal (ethics) , muslim world , sociology , transformation (genetics) , social transformation , gender studies , epistemology , islam , linguistics , social change , theology , philosophy , law , political science , computer science , biochemistry , chemistry , gene , database
The essay questions whether Ephesians 5:21-33 supports a hierarchical relation between husbands and wives as an ideal and universal principle. To answer the question, as a Muslim, I share my reading of this passage in dialogue with a similar Qur’anic passage, Q. 4:34. I learn that the two texts have undergone similar history since its emergence until today. Through a contextual reading, I view that even though Ephesians 5:21-33, as well as Q. 4:34, adopted the household concept accepted in the area, which was patriarchal, the author instilled a new higher equal relationship between husbands and wives. In short, this text proposes “an intended transformation” or an “imaginative vision.” Offering a new reading of gender-related texts is a shared struggle in both traditions. It is an important endeavor to make the scriptures speak for today’s world as a powerful basis for social transformation.