Gender Equality in Novel Cinta Suci Zahrana and Bidadari Bermata Bening By Habiburrahman El Shirazy

The Qur'an recognizes anatomical differences between men and women. The Qur'an also recognizes that each gender function by reflecting on the differences that have been formulated well and maintained by the culture, both from women and men. Women have limited role in the domestic sphere, while men are more dominant in playing roles in the public sphere. Patriarchal society sees women as weak, emotional, subtle, and shy while men are strong, rational, abusive and brave. Novel of Cinta Suci Zahrana and Bidadari Bermata Bening by Habiburrahman El Shirazy presents the main character of beautiful and intelligent women who are religious. The problem in this research is how gender equality in the novel of Cinta Suci Zahrana and Bidadari Bermata Bening. The method used is qualitative with intrinsic approach (character and setting), and extrinsic (sociology of literature and feminism). Zahrana and Ayna are portrayed as independent female characters who can play a role in the public sphere. Their intelligence in education is able to make them equalize with men.