45 pages • 1-hour read
Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women
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Chapters 9-11Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 9 Summary: “Risky Business”
Brooks discusses the experiences of Saudi women in the workplace and the challenges they face due to the strict societal and religious norms in Saudi Arabia. Faiza Ambah is introduced, a daring female reporter in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who challenges societal norms by working in an unsegregated office. Faiza faces daily risks because Saudi law prohibits women from driving, so she relies on her Yemeni chauffeur. She is proud of her achievements and those of her female friends who work in various professions.
Brooks highlights historical examples of strong and accomplished women in Islamic history, such as Khadija, Sawda, and Fatima, to demonstrate that women’s current struggles are a departure from their historical roles. She describes the role of the religious police, or mutawain, in enforcing strict gender segregation and religious codes. Women’s actions are often scrutinized and policed by these authorities, leading to their infantilization within the Saudi system. Women need permission from male relatives to travel, even within their own country, and this can lead to difficulties.
There has traditionally been low representation of women in the Saudi workforce, partly due to the lack of available jobs and the segregation of women from many workplaces. Even in fields where women could work, there were obstacles, and husbands sometimes had mixed feelings about their wives working. Saudi women, like Adela, often find themselves with empty hours due to limited recreational options. Adela eventually takes a clerical job in a girls’ school to fill her time, even though it’s below her qualifications.
Women in Saudi Arabia face challenges in finding suitable employment and pursuing their careers while navigating the constraints of a highly segregated and traditional society. There are contradictions and difficulties that arise from enforcing strict gender segregation in various aspects of life. Additionally, Brooks touches on the Iranian revolution and how it affected women’s roles in Iran, including their participation in the workforce and society.
Chapter 10 Summary: “Politics, With and Without a Vote”
In Iraqi Kurdistan, for the first time, women are voting for their representatives, a contrast to their previous experiences of political oppression under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Brooks explores the broader landscape of women’s political participation in Muslim societies, highlighting the varying degrees of involvement and influence they have in different countries.
In some Muslim countries, women have risen to prominent political positions, such as heads of state, yet their influence often does not significantly improve the status of women at the grassroots level. Female leaders in Muslim countries face challenges, including the risk of backlash and the necessity of navigating a male-dominated political landscape. There are legal and societal obstacles that hinder women’s political participation and rights, such as unequal inheritance laws and the practice of polygamy.
Brooks considers the concept of an ideal Islamic state and the role of women within this framework. In such a state, Muslims may vote for their representatives, but the system diverges from a typical democracy in that it does not tolerate competing ideologies against the divine laws of the Quran. For example, the Algerian government halted elections anticipated to bring an Islamic government to power in 1992, fearing that once in power, Islamicists would dismantle democratic institutions.
The role of women in this ideal Islamic state is a subject of debate. While women are not permitted to hold positions such as caliph or qadi, historical precedents, such as in the community at Medina, show women participating in significant decisions and being involved in policy discussions. This historical context provides an insight into how women’s roles in political and decision-making processes could be envisioned in an ideal Islamic state, despite certain restrictions on their positions of authority. The narrative provides examples of women who have overcome these challenges, such as Marziyeh Dabbagh, an Iranian politician and former revolutionary, and Toujan Faisal, the first elected woman representative in Jordan’s Parliament.
Chapter 11 Summary: “Muslim Women’s Games”
The inaugural Islamic Women’s Games are portrayed, an event that symbolizes both the opportunities and challenges faced by Muslim women in the realm of sports. The games, set against the backdrop of a complex interplay of religious norms, cultural expectations, and personal aspirations, provide a unique lens through which to view the evolving role of women in Islamic societies.
Brooks describes a scene of overwhelming pride and enthusiasm as Padideh Bolourizadeh, an Iranian track star, enters the arena donning the first track suit-hijab, allowing her father to witness her compete for the first time. This moment encapsulates the central focus of the chapter––the balance between adhering to religious and cultural norms and pursuing personal aspirations and talents. The games bring together female athletes from across the Muslim world, each navigating the challenges of competing in a space shaped by Islamic principles and societal expectations.
Brooks highlights the transformative power of sports as a platform for empowerment and expression for Muslim women. The games underscore the athletes’ capabilities and determination, challenging traditional gender roles and societal perceptions. The narrative also delves into the logistical and ideological complexities of organizing such an event, balancing the need for modesty with the desire for robust competition.
However, the chapter does not shy away from portraying the limitations and constraints still faced by the athletes. The story of Padideh, in particular, serves as a reminder of the gap between potential and opportunity, as she competes in an environment that is still finding its footing in supporting women’s sports.
Through the lens of the Islamic Women’s Games, Brooks presents a narrative that celebrates the strides made by Muslim women in the field of sports while acknowledging the ongoing struggles and the need for continued progress. The games emerge not only as a sporting event but also as a symbol of the dynamic and evolving landscape of women’s roles and rights in Islamic societies.
Chapters 9-11 Analysis
One of the key ideas in the book is the concept of agency within constraints. Brooks suggests how women in various contexts—be it in politics, sports, or daily life—navigate the boundaries set by cultural and religious norms, reflecting The Impact of Politics and Society on Women’s Rights. The stories of women participating in the first Islamic Women’s Games, engaging in political activism, or challenging societal norms through personal actions underscore the dynamic nature of empowerment and the multiplicity of strategies women employ to assert their roles and rights.
Furthermore, the book delves into the tension between traditional norms and the pursuit of individual aspirations and societal change. This tension is evident in the challenges faced by women in political roles, the intricacies of participating in sports while adhering to religious standards, and the broader struggle for legal and social reforms. Brooks’s narrative portrays these challenges as part of a larger discourse on gender, culture, and societal transformation, illustrating the complex interplay between individual aspirations, communal norms, and the slow pace of change.
Western assumptions are still at play here, however. In traditional Islamic thought, the concept of change and progress is woven into the fabric of religious, social, and ethical life, representing a journey towards balance and holistic well-being rather than a departure from tradition or religious standards. Change, within this framework, is not perceived as a force that conflicts with religious standards but as an evolutionary process that unfolds within the ethical and spiritual parameters established by Islamic teachings.
The adherence to religious standards, far from being a tether or constriction, is seen as a means to navigate life’s complexities, ensuring that personal growth and societal advancement are aligned with principles of justice, compassion, and community welfare. This perspective views religious guidance not as a constraint but as a compass, offering direction and purpose in a world marked by constant change. In traditional Islamic societies, progress is often conceptualized as a collective endeavor, rooted in the community and enriched by a sense of shared responsibility. It involves a continuous dialogue between past wisdom and present circumstances, where the timeless values of the faith inform responses to contemporary challenges. This dialogue is not a monologue of rigid adherence but a dynamic conversation, marked by ijtihad (independent reasoning) and shura (consultation), enabling the community to adapt while staying true to the core tenets of the faith.
Brooks’s portrayal, with its focus on the struggles and agency of women within the constraints imposed by cultural and religious norms, might inadvertently echo Western notions of freedom, progress, and individualism. These notions sometimes contrast with the traditional Islamic worldview where progress is intrinsically linked to spiritual, ethical, and communal harmony. From a traditional Islamic standpoint, the empowerment of women and societal advancement are not pursued in isolation from spiritual and ethical considerations but are part of a comprehensive approach to life that harmonizes personal aspirations with communal well-being and divine guidance. This approach underscores the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in navigating the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and the diverse aspirations of women in Islamic societies.
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