>allah appears a little more gender-neutral, but you wouldn't
>know it from the dynamics of most of the islamic communities
>i've been privy to.


Conceptually, Allah is beyond gender. but since arabic is a gendered language Allah is often referred to using the male pronouns in the Quran....but there are instances of Allah being referred to in the feminine as well. and while using gendered pronouns is common, actually assigning gender to Allah would/should be semi-blasphemous....

the atrributes of masculine and feminine stem and flow from the Divine, but they cannot be ascribed to the Divine. the Divine is beyond gender. its very similar to taoist conceptualisation....and some work is being done making this connection.....

but yes, sadly, most muslim communities reflect and inject their own patriarchical beliefs into their understanding of Islam, or also intentionally twist it to suit their agendas....