Ali-Karamali began talking about the veil by explaining what modesty is in Islam. I particularly liked how she drew parallels with Christian and world history in order to ‘real-ify’ matters. She gave examples from real life and popular culture as well as quotes from all different kinds of people to bring things alive to her readers and supplement her claims. For example:
“The definition of modesty has always been subjective. In The King and I […] the English governess stares, shocked, at the immodest trousers of the wives of the King of Siam. The wives stare, shocked in their own turn, at the wanton expanse of neck, shoulders, and bosom that the English governess’s dress reveals.”
She makes the argument that the Qur’an could not give women so many rights and require them to be “veiled completely and ostracized from society” and argues that:
“The basis for [veiling] is cultural rather than religious, although two Qur’anic verses have been manipulated to support it.”
She walks the reader through the stereotypes of veiled women, how veiling was seen historically, different interpretations of the verses thought to relate to veiling, and different reasons for veiling.
And even though she herself doesn’t believe in veiling, the fact remains that she addresses the other opinions, and makes the valid point that even if the verses do refer to veiling, they “have one inescapable features that is simple, crucial, and often ignored: the verses themselves are not sexist.” In other words, they refer to both sexes. She concludes this section by saying:
“I am not taking sides here. I do not cover my hair and I challenge the notion that Islam requires it. Nonetheless, […] the women who choose to wear one do so for a variety of reasons, none of which may be “oppression.” It is having the choice that matters.”
Next, polygamy.
The author approaches the issue of polygamy (as she does everything) in a logical, clearheaded away, beginning by taking the reader through marriage in Islam. With regards to polygamy, she explains the situation in 7th century Arabia and then the verses relating to polygamy, concluding that:
“Polygamy is allowed but not approved. […] A man can have more than one wife if he can treat them equally […] but since that is impossible, the Qur’an is actually obliquely limiting a man to one wife.”
The mainstream Muslim view of polygamy, she points out, is disapproval. She also discusses why the prophet got to marry so many women and why Lady ‘Aisha was so young. She is perfectly rational, and I found myself going “Yes! That’s exactly what I wish I could articulate!” more than once. You can so tell that she used to be a lawyer.
Next, she talks about divorce in the same levelheaded manner, followed by inheritance. In (what I think is) a stroke of brilliance, she encapsulates Islamic inheritance law using Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as an example, contrasting the world today and the world then:
“Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters would have been entitled to receive two-thirds of their father’s estate if they had lived in Islamic seventh-century Arabia instead of nineteenth-century England.”
And even though she does not go into the mainstream reasoning why women typically inherit less than men, and focuses on how “reforms [that keep] to the spirit of Qur’anic reform rather than to the letter of it” aiming to correct “injustices” (she believes women should get the exact same as men) her explanation is more than adequate.
She then quickly tackles the issues of slavery, concubines, The Three Gorgons, and addresses two common accusations: that One Women + One Woman = One Man in Islam and beating wives.
The only critique I might have of this chapter is that the author comes across as being very slightly apologetic, and keeps repeating that although now Islam’s status towards women may seem slightly strict, it was considered a revolution in 7th century Arabia and a revolution compared to women’s rights in European law as late as the 18th century. The problem with this logic that I see is that the Qur’an is supposed to be for all ages: what does it mean if she says the Qur’an was great back then?
In the end, I would definitely suggest this book to those who want a good summary of what Muslims believe and why. It tries to tackle a lot, and it’s therefore understandable than in just under 250 pages it would be impossible to delve deeply into issues surrounding Islam. However, because of Ali-Karamali’s conciseness and her style, she manages to cover almost everything of importance (though I do wonder why hadith [sayings of the prophet] make almost no appearance).
Although the very orthodox might find some things in her interpretations objectionable, many Muslims might not. The book is funny and humorous, contextualizing Islam in a context everyone can relate to (Star Trek, Shakespeare, and Aladdin all make an appearance) and yet it’s serious and scholarly.
I found myself laughing often, and nodding my head at other times. It’s a book you can read in one sitting and not feel tired, or one you can read in bits over a longer period of time. It’s a book for those who know nothing about Muslims, and for those who are Muslims. It’s a book that’s needed in our world today, where stereotypes of Muslims have instilled fear in the hearts of many. It’s a book that’ll make you think outside the box, and will stay with you long after you’re finished.
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sounds like a great book actually…although from your description she makes arguments that i have heard before and have not found to be solidly backed up by the text (which is generally quite clear to a reader of Arabic, unlike the convoluted translations out there). you make two excellent points regarding the eternal nature of the Quran and the exclusion of hadith – major oversights in every way. anyway i will read it, if i can find it in this literary wasteland.
ah sa7ee7 you’re here…did you buy the book in egypt?
Great book review! I will have to look into that book. I think a lot of non-Muslim people forget how much sexism there was (and still is) in our history both in culture and religion. I remember that as a young teenager I thought that the veil was not something worn by choice. Ignorance can cause a lot of misinterpretations.
There should be some sort of education for all children on the differences between the many people in our society. If we teach understanding from a young age we do much to help the future of children of all backgrounds.
I’m going to buy the book! Again, I LOVE this blog (Media Watch).
Great review! This does sound like a very interesting book, and kind of reminds me of Asma Gul Hasan’s book “Why I am a Muslim.” I know a lot of people have issues with her politics (myself included), but when a roommate brought her book home, I read it, and I was impressed by the honesty in how she described her faith. THen again, this was years ago, and I didn’t have my MMW hat on!
Great review! I’m reading the book right now and am loving the personalization in the book. Having grown up in rural-ish Canada I find myself relating to so much of what she says. Can’t wait to continue reading it. Thanks!
Salams,
@ Forsoothsayer: I wish! No, I bought it from Amazon…I think I’m their best customer, no joke. I use Aramex’s shop and ship service, which cuts down the money I pay on shipping and customs. Alternatively, you can order it from Diwan, though it’ll take six weeks to get here.
(By the way, loved your Ramadan post and the al-Khan cartoon!)
@ Fatemah: I was thinking the exact same thing when I was reading the book. Though the difference is, of course, that this book is much more researched than Hasan’s, which falls more into the “this is why I’m a proud American Muslim” category I was talking about.
@ Sobia: I know, it really makes it ‘come alive,’ right?
Eid Mubarak everyone!
Question, I haven’t read the book, so does she mention the fact that there are other interpretations concerning the ayah that “condones” striking your wife lightly. Like the fact that the word can also mean “leaving” or something close to that?
Honestly, I don’t think this book (judging from the review) brings anything new to the table for me. Perhaps to others it will. But I do dislike that she didn’t give a reasoning as to why women would inherit less and why it makes sense in the context but may not nowadays.
Still, kudos to the author.
I’m half way into this book and I really Love it so far! Her views on the Qur’an and how it’s gender neutral is something ALL Muslims and non-Muslims should be aware of. It’s PERFECT for dialogue too. I’m going to distribute this book to all my non-Muslim friends, especially since that awful “Obsession” DVD is looming around.
If people can watch “Obsession,” they should read “The Muslim Next Door”!
I hate to be the wet blanket here but I sat with this book in Borders and was unimpressed. At the risk of sounding prejudiced, I have to say that I am growing tired of the same ole books penned by immigrant and second-generation immigrant Muslims (particularly Arabs and Pakistanis). I think it would be nice to hear the perspectives of other Muslims- for instance American convert women (no matter the ethnicity), other immigrant groups like West Africans, Asians (not from the South Asia), West Indian/Caribbean people etc.
@Jamerican:
Then why not write one?
Thanks for this great review. I’m adding this book to my Amazon wish list.
Sobia, I’m working on it. I’m thinking about a memoir. I also have another idea…
@Jamerican:
Very cool! I say if you see a gap, then why not try to fill it? Looking forward to your work!
“The only critique I might have of this chapter is that the author comes across as being very slightly apologetic, and keeps repeating that although now Islam’s status towards women may seem slightly strict, it was considered a revolution in 7th century Arabia and a revolution compared to women’s rights in European law as late as the 18th century. ”
This might not be an apologetic idea.. but rather a point that Islam was a revolutionary religion then.. but not anymore.. which to me indicates that we are drifting away from the true essence of islam… if the ‘essence’ of islam is revolutionary which allows it to fit for all time.. so reforms are always needed for the religion to by continue to be revolutionary…
@ ForSure: Yes, she mentions all the interpretations of the word daraba, talks about its roots, what scholars have said, and how people interpret it. I just didn’t want to go into details.
@ brokenmystic: I definitely agree.
@ Jamerican Muslim: Waiting for your book with baited breath
I agree there should be more diversity. If we don’t like something, we should change it.
@ Hissa: Your point has merit—but that’s not what the author meant. What she does is present an issue (ex inheritance) where women have less ‘rights’ than a man, and instead of explaining why this isn’t considered biased/ unfair or need reform today, she qualifies it with “but women back then didn’t get anything at all!”
@ Broken Mystic:
I wonder if there is an organization rich enough to mail out copies of the books to people in swing states? Is there any way to raise money to do that? Or to somehow promote this book in swing states – the places the DVD was sent.
Some things in this review should have been given more analysis.
1) Since when are Moses’s mother and the Queen of Sheba Muslim???
2) The reviewer writes: “..with regards to the verse that is said to refer to a man’s right to “lightly slap” his wife under certain circumstances, she says: “I wish this verse were not part of the Qur’an. […] I do not intend to blaspheme.”
She does not mean to blaspheme??? But, she will do it anyway?? That verse, like all of the rest of the Koran, is Allah’s literal, perfect word. How can the author wish that Allah had not said it??? How about the sin of blasphemy in Islam? Shouldn’t that be discussed?
3) “Some countries oppress women by using Islam as an excuse. That is culture, not religion and largely the reason […] that Islam is perceived as sexist.”
What is it about Islam that makes it so easy to use Islam as an excuse (not only for suppression of women, but for violence, too)?
4) The reviewer says: “The problem with this logic that I see is that the Qur’an is supposed to be for all ages: what does it mean if she says the Qur’an was great back then?”
The reviewer should answer her own question. Problem, indeed!
5) The reviewer says: she manages to cover almost everything of importance (though I do wonder why hadith [sayings of the prophet] make almost no appearance).
This is obviously, another gaping hole! After all, the Hadith, together with the Koran, form the basis of Islamic sacred law. And , this, from a professor of Islamic law???
6) The reviewer says: “Although the very orthodox might find some things in her interpretations objectionable, many Muslims might not. “Many”??? What is that supposed to mean? And, doesn’t the word “orthodox” indicate those who follow the doctrines of Islam most closely?
7) Why is there no discussion in the review of the meaning and role of jihad? Does the author deal with the question? After all, violent jihad against non-Muslims is part of Shariah law and supported by all Islamic legal schools. Many Muslim terrorist organizations even have the word “Jihad” in their name. Surely, they are not talking about internal self-improvement!
From the review, it sounds like the book should be subtitled “Islam Lite”.
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Ooh, sounds very interesting.
How many Americans have read a book this year? The answer is obvious. They
do not know how to differentiate between ancient customs which have preceeded Islam and Islam itself. They do not even understand that all Christians practice their faith in a different way, embracing ancient customs and traditions which were common before Christianity. Some of you might want to rent Zorba the Greek in order to acquaint yourselves with ancient Christian traditions which are not that much different from Sharia.
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Abdul Ameer,
I guess you have never read the Bible or Talmud, which contain the objectionable frases you just mentioned
I have the book and I didn’t like it. Her rationalizations for not wearing hijab are controversial and feed western non-Muslims thoughts that the hijab is oppressive.
She also made one major boo-boo. She said we pray in the direction of Mecca because it is the Prophet’s birthplace.
I couldn’t finish the book because these things made her lose credibility with me.
@ mariam:
“Her rationalizations for not wearing hijab are controversial and feed western non-Muslims thoughts that the hijab is oppressive.”
From what I remember she actually clarifies that the hijab is not oppressive and tries to debunk this stereotype.
What she does say is that the requirement of hijab is a debated question. Which is true. She recognizes that there exist a variety of views on the hijab. How does that “feed western non-Muslims thoughts that the hijab is oppressive”?
I think she presents the issue in a respectful and inclusive manner.