The first interpretation of the Quran by a woman has been published, which many view as a sign of equality among men and women in the Islamic religion. Kariman Hamzah is the author of Quranic interpretation and a former television host on an Islamic television show in Egypt.

The Islamic Research Academy is the highest authority at the Al Azhar University, and approved the printing and distribution of Hamzah's book. Hamzah's interpretation was examined letter-by-letter and word by word to be approved by all scholars in the filed of Quranic studies and interpretation.

Hamzah indicated she relied on a number of reliable sources to complete her Quranic interpretation and that the book is written for all ages, but she hopes many young people will read her text.

27 January 2009