Toward a Muslima Theology: Theological, Constructive, and Comparative Possibilities

This essay introduces and argues for a Muslima theology that is constructive, theological, and comparative. Lamptey seeks to marshal a wider array of resources for Muslim women to assert authority and agency and to thwart efforts to corral conclusions on Muslim women and gender into predetermined repertoires. To set the context for this constructive move, the essay begins by surveying prominent strategies Muslim women scholars in the United States have adopted to negotiate interpretative limits and to assert authority. This survey also explores notable critiques of these strategies. Engaging both strategies and critiques, the remainder of the essay articulates a new approach—Muslima theology—and highlights its constructive, theological, and comparative possibilities. The first two characteristics of this approach—constructive and theological—are evident in some existing discourse, and Lamptey argues for their expansion and integration. The third characteristic—comparative—is novel. It is not wholly new but it is likely invaluable.