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Women's Histories in Islamic Societies: Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East

Angelo Ward

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Published in Beyond The Exotic: Women S Histories In Islamic Societies (Gender Culture And Politics In The Middle East)

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This book explores the rich and diverse history of women in Islamic societies, examining the ways in which gender, culture, and politics have shaped their experiences. From the early days of Islam to the present day, women have played a vital role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the Middle East. This book brings together a wealth of scholarship to provide a comprehensive overview of women's histories in Islamic societies, offering new insights into the ways in which women have shaped and been shaped by their societies.

Beyond the Exotic: Women's Histories in Islamic Societies (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East)

by Amira El-Azhary Sonbol

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	560 pages

The Early History of Women in Islam

The early history of women in Islam is marked by both progress and setbacks. On the one hand, Islam granted women a number of rights and privileges that were not available to them in pre-Islamic Arabia. For example, women were given the right to own property, to inherit wealth, and to divorce their husbands. They were also given the right to education and to participate in public life.

On the other hand, women were also subject to a number of restrictions under Islamic law. For example, women were required to wear the hijab, or headscarf, in public. They were also prohibited from marrying non-Muslims. These restrictions were often justified by religious texts that portrayed women as inferior to men.

Women in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, women's lives in Islamic societies were shaped by a complex interplay of religious, social, and cultural factors. In some ways, women's status improved during this period. For example, women were increasingly able to participate in education and public life. They also played a more active role in the economy, both as producers and consumers.

However, women also faced a number of challenges during this period. For example, the practice of polygamy became more widespread, and women were increasingly confined to the home. They were also subject to increased violence, both from their husbands and from the state.

Women in the Modern Era

The modern era has brought about a number of changes in the lives of women in Islamic societies. On the one hand, women have made significant progress in terms of education, employment, and political participation. In some countries, women have even achieved legal equality with men.

On the other hand, women still face a number of challenges in Islamic societies. For example, they are still subject to discrimination in many areas of life, including employment, education, and the family. They are also more likely to be victims of violence, both from their husbands and from the state.

The history of women in Islamic societies is a complex and multifaceted one. Women have made significant progress in some areas, but they still face a number of challenges. This book provides a comprehensive overview of women's histories in Islamic societies, offering new insights into the ways in which women have shaped and been shaped by their societies.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of women, the Middle East, or Islamic studies.

References

Ahmed, Leila. Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate. Yale University Press, 1992.
Baron, Beth. The Women's Awakening in Egypt: Culture, Society, and the Press. Yale University Press, 2005.
Haeri, Shahla. Law of Desire: Temporary Marriage in Shi'i Iran. Syracuse University Press, 1989.
Keddie, Nikki R. Women in the Middle East: Past and Present. Princeton University Press, 1991.
Mir-Hosseini, Ziba. Islam and Gender: The Religious Debate in Contemporary Iran. Princeton University Press, 1999.

Beyond the Exotic: Women's Histories in Islamic Societies (Gender, Culture, and Politics in the Middle East)

by Amira El-Azhary Sonbol

5 out of 5