Partners of Zaynab

A Gendered Perspective of Shia Muslim Faith

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Middle East Religions, Islam, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Women&
Cover of the book Partners of Zaynab by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny, University of South Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny ISBN: 9781611173789
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press Publication: September 3, 2014
Imprint: University of South Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
ISBN: 9781611173789
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
Publication: September 3, 2014
Imprint: University of South Carolina Press
Language: English

How do pious Shia Muslim women nurture and sustain their religious lives? How do their experiences and beliefs differ from or overlap with those of men? What do gender-based religious roles and interactions reveal about the Shia Muslim faith? In Partners of Zaynab, Diane D’Souza presents a rich ethnography of urban Shia women in India, exploring women’s devotional lives through the lens of religious narrative, sacred space, ritual performance, leadership, and iconic symbols. Religious scholars have tended to devalue women’s religious expressions, confining them to the periphery of a male-centered ritual world. This viewpoint often assumes that women’s ritual behaviors are the unsophisticated product of limited education and experience and even a less developed female nature. By illuminating vibrant female narratives within Shia religious teachings, the fascinating history of a shrine led by women, the contemporary lives of dynamic female preachers, and women’s popular prayers and rituals of petition, Partners of Zaynab demonstrates that the religious lives of women are not a flawed approximation of male-defined norms and behaviors, but a vigorous, authentic affirmation of faith within the religious mainstream. D’Souza questions the distinction between normative and popular religious behavior, arguing that such a categorization not only isolates and devalues female ritual expressions, but also weakens our understanding of religion as a whole. Partners of Zaynab offers a compelling glimpse of Muslim faith and practice and a more complete understanding of the interplay of gender within Shia Islam.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How do pious Shia Muslim women nurture and sustain their religious lives? How do their experiences and beliefs differ from or overlap with those of men? What do gender-based religious roles and interactions reveal about the Shia Muslim faith? In Partners of Zaynab, Diane D’Souza presents a rich ethnography of urban Shia women in India, exploring women’s devotional lives through the lens of religious narrative, sacred space, ritual performance, leadership, and iconic symbols. Religious scholars have tended to devalue women’s religious expressions, confining them to the periphery of a male-centered ritual world. This viewpoint often assumes that women’s ritual behaviors are the unsophisticated product of limited education and experience and even a less developed female nature. By illuminating vibrant female narratives within Shia religious teachings, the fascinating history of a shrine led by women, the contemporary lives of dynamic female preachers, and women’s popular prayers and rituals of petition, Partners of Zaynab demonstrates that the religious lives of women are not a flawed approximation of male-defined norms and behaviors, but a vigorous, authentic affirmation of faith within the religious mainstream. D’Souza questions the distinction between normative and popular religious behavior, arguing that such a categorization not only isolates and devalues female ritual expressions, but also weakens our understanding of religion as a whole. Partners of Zaynab offers a compelling glimpse of Muslim faith and practice and a more complete understanding of the interplay of gender within Shia Islam.

More books from University of South Carolina Press

Cover of the book On the Horseshoe by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book The South Carolina Encyclopedia Guide to the American Revolution in South Carolina by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Hard Lines by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Creating and Contesting Carolina by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Pillaged by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Understanding Adrienne Rich by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book The Night the New Jesus Fell to Earth by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Speaking Hermeneutically by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Pirates and Devils by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Hold Like Owls by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book The Cage-maker by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book The Best Gun in the World by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book The Plantation by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book Understanding Edward P. Jones by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
Cover of the book South Carolina Ghosts by Diane D'Souza, Frederick M. Denny
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy