The role of women in the Islamic faith is often a complex topic. A lecture on "the Qur'an and Muslim Women" at DePaul University April 26, at 7 p.m., in the Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Special Collections, will affirm the significance of women in Islam.

     The presenter, Amina Wadud, is an associate professor of philosophy and religious studies at the Virginia Commonwealth University. She said her lecture provides an alternative to the popular western images of Muslim women that highlight only the most down trodden and oppressed gender circumstances. "The focus of my lecture is the affirmation of the significance of women as full moral agents before Allah and as equal human beings," said Wadud.

     Wadud has published extensively on topics related to Muslim women. Her most recent book is entitled, "Qur'an and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman's Perspective" (Oxford University Press, 1999). She earned a doctorate degree in Islamic studies and Arabic from the University of Michigan, and has served as chair of the Women's Coordinating Committee to the World Conference on Religion and Peace and as a member of the editorial board for the "Journal of Law and Religion."

     The lecture and exhibition are part of DePaul's "Exploring Muslim Cultures" (EMC) series that runs through July 15. The series includes courses, exhibitions, lectures and special events and is designed to promote a better understanding of Islam. All events and exhibitions are free and open to the public. For more information on EMC call 773/325-7863 or visit the Web site at www.exploringmuslimculture.com