Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women

Islamic culture is not a singular, unchanging entity; it varies significantly across different regions, ethnicities, and communities. The principles derived from the Quran and Hadith (recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) are interpreted in myriad ways, leading to a diverse tapestry of cultural practices and beliefs. For women, this means that their experiences and roles in society are far from uniform: They are shaped by local customs, the degree of conservative or liberal interpretations of Islamic law (Sharia), and the socioeconomic status of the society in question.

Understanding gender roles within Islamic societies requires a consideration of both religious texts and the historical context. Islam, as a religion that emerged in the seventh century CE in Arabia, bestowed certain rights upon women that were revolutionary for the time, including property rights, the right to divorce, and rights of inheritance. These religious dictates gave women a legal identity and rights that were unheard of in many other societies. For example, the Quranic provision allowing women to negotiate marriage contracts and to seek divorce was a significant empowerment of women within the marital context. However, over time, cultural practices have sometimes been conflated with particular interpretations of religious doctrine, leading to patriarchal structures that can be seen to limit women’s roles and freedoms.