Female Power and Religious Change in the Medieval Near East

Female Power and Religious Change in the Medieval Near East explores the intersection of Islamization and women's roles in pre-modern Near Eastern societies, highlighting the significant impact of women on religious changes. It argues that women, regardless of their religious affiliation, possessed the power to influence religious practices and communal affiliations through their kinship ties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Female Power and Religious Change in the Medieval Near East delves into two interconnected scholarly discussions that are often treated separately in modern scholarship: the Islamization of the Near East and the role of women in pre-modern Near Eastern societies. It aims to bridge these two lines of inquiry and explore how they can be read in an integrative manner. By focusing on the relatively overlooked yet profoundly significant role of women during this period, the book offers a fresh perspective on the history of Islam.

The book argues that regardless of their religious affiliation, women possessed significant means to influence or hinder religious changes. These changes extended beyond religious conversion and included the adoption of practices and the delineation of communal boundaries. The book's central focus lies in examining the role and significance of female power in moments of religious change within family households. It departs from traditional approaches that seek signs of female autonomy or authority in political, intellectual, religious, or economic spheres. Instead, it emphasizes the capacity of women to affect religious communal affiliations through their kinship ties.

Throughout the book, various historical themes are addressed and reimagined through the lens of female power. These themes include conversion to Islam, Islamization, religious violence, and the regulation of Muslim-non-Muslim relations. By attending to the role of women, the book offers a nuanced understanding of these complex historical processes. It sheds light on the ways in which women negotiated and contested religious norms, influenced religious practices, and contributed to the formation of religious communities.

One of the key insights of the book is that women's power was not limited to their immediate family or community. Rather, it extended beyond these boundaries and had a broader impact on the religious landscape of the medieval Near East. Women's kinship networks played a crucial role in facilitating religious conversions, as they provided social and emotional support to individuals seeking to embrace Islam. Additionally, women's participation in religious rituals and ceremonies helped to solidify and reinforce religious beliefs and practices.

Furthermore, women's power was not solely exerted through their influence on individual religious practices. They also played a role in shaping communal identities and boundaries. Women's participation in religious leadership roles, such as imams or qadis, contributed to the legitimacy and authority of religious institutions. Additionally, their involvement in interfaith relations and diplomacy helped to establish and maintain peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims.

In conclusion, Female Power and Religious Change in the Medieval Near East is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the history of Islam. By highlighting the role and significance of female power, the book challenges traditional narratives and sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which women influenced religious change and contributed to the formation of pre-modern Near Eastern societies. This book is essential for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the history and dynamics of religion in the medieval Near East.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871251