Since the September 11 attacks perpetrated by Islamic extremists against the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, Islamic culture has been closely scrutinized by Americans more than at any other time in the world. history of ancient religion. An area often criticized by the American mainstream media is the role of women in Islamic culture; It is now common knowledge that Islam enslaves women to a degree not seen since the Middle Ages and is behind the times in all aspects of gender relations. Like many stereotypes, this one is exaggerated, exaggerated and often completely incorrect. Women have been a fundamental part of Islamic culture since the founding of the Muslim faith. Women have had considerable influence in all areas of Islamic culture, including education, politics, economic concerns, and religious interpretation; By examining each of these four areas, it becomes clear that women have enormous opportunities within mainstream Islam. Of course, some radical regimes, like the one currently in power in Iran, will always oppress women, as well as homosexuals and other minorities. It is important not to focus on the few areas where Islamic culture is practiced and women are subjugated, but to consider the broader Islamic culture in which women are an essential component. After being propelled into the American consciousness by the September 11 attacks, Islamic culture and Afghanistan became synonymous in the minds of most American citizens. Active attempts to prevent women from receiving an education in this country were all too real and very tragic. However, in many other Islamic cultures, women exert a significant and positive influence on the education system, today as in the past. The realization...... middle of document ...... According to one of the most popular religions, Catholicism, still does not allow women to serve as priests. Some issues will take centuries to change and, just like in Catholicism, this Islamic barrier will take time to break down. In conclusion, the body of evidence suggests that fears about the limitations placed on women by Islamic culture are exaggerated in most areas. Women have risen to the highest political positions, the most influential jobs in business, and obtained teaching positions at prestigious universities in almost every country with a significant Islamic culture. Some of the more tolerant cultures have even begun allowing female imams to lead prayer and teach other Muslims. Even if Islamic culture still has a lot to do regarding the status of women, it must be recognized that much of the criticism is unjustified...