Additionally, the legal code restricted women’s individual agency in exchange for protection and certain freedoms. For example, women could engage in trade and would be protected from public seizure of their goods. According to “Etiquette for Women” by Ibn Habin, an Andalusian legal expert of the ninth century, to be a good Muslim women during this time meant to be submissive and obedient to the legal hierarchy (Coope, 2013). This hierarchy was the same one that prohibited women from freely exercising their faith and diminished their role in the spiritual sphere. Women were not permitted to participate in public worship on Friday’s and were excused from completing the hajj. However, Muslim women were not totally discouraged to worship and by
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However, records show that muslim women did have some rights during this time. Mudejar Muslim women were allowed to interact in Christian courts both as plaintiffs and defendants (O’Connor, 2007). Also, Muslim women developed friendly relationships with other women, however this relationship was guided and limited by both religions as women remained loyal to their faith regardless of their interactions with women of different faith. Sometimes these women would share food with Christian and Jewish women, as long as the was food was prepared did not contradict their faith-based diets (Fuente, 2009). Although Muslim women were able to participate in the public sphere, they could always be distinguished by their veil and their skin color, thus integration may have never been “complete”. During a time in which Muslim and Christian forces engaged in daily battle over territory, women were crucial in defending their cultural identity and many times they did so proudly (O’Connor, 2007). Furthermore, Muslim women were in charge of educating the younger generations to uphold their traditions and to continue their …show more content…
Interesting enough, others argue that the rights of women in Muslim countries as well as in the rest of the world have been improving throughout the modern era. I would like to note the fact that the end of Muslim rule in Spain can be credited to Queen Isabel of Castile who is said to be a devote Christian and a strong, aggressive and powerful woman. However most historical accounts glorify her husband, Ferdinand of Aragon as being the ultimate reason behind the Spanish Reconquista or “reconquest” of the Iberian Peninsula while leaving Isabel out of the picture. Yet again, Queen Isabel is an example of women influence in politics and is also an example of the fact that historically, woman have been omitted from the official narrative. From what has been left behind, we can gather that muslim women in Al-Andalus had more freedom and power that previously thought. Women during this era owned property, had political influence and protected their faith and cultural traditions. Women had to sacrifice their individual identity for the sake of the “greater good of their community. Although women’s rights are still limited today, they have been somewhat expanded. Nonetheless, the fight for equality continues. Maybe someday Muslim women (and all women) will have the choice in deciding their individual faith, identity, and give voice to their own
However, records show that muslim women did have some rights during this time. Mudejar Muslim women were allowed to interact in Christian courts both as plaintiffs and defendants (O’Connor, 2007). Also, Muslim women developed friendly relationships with other women, however this relationship was guided and limited by both religions as women remained loyal to their faith regardless of their interactions with women of different faith. Sometimes these women would share food with Christian and Jewish women, as long as the was food was prepared did not contradict their faith-based diets (Fuente, 2009). Although Muslim women were able to participate in the public sphere, they could always be distinguished by their veil and their skin color, thus integration may have never been “complete”. During a time in which Muslim and Christian forces engaged in daily battle over territory, women were crucial in defending their cultural identity and many times they did so proudly (O’Connor, 2007). Furthermore, Muslim women were in charge of educating the younger generations to uphold their traditions and to continue their …show more content…
Interesting enough, others argue that the rights of women in Muslim countries as well as in the rest of the world have been improving throughout the modern era. I would like to note the fact that the end of Muslim rule in Spain can be credited to Queen Isabel of Castile who is said to be a devote Christian and a strong, aggressive and powerful woman. However most historical accounts glorify her husband, Ferdinand of Aragon as being the ultimate reason behind the Spanish Reconquista or “reconquest” of the Iberian Peninsula while leaving Isabel out of the picture. Yet again, Queen Isabel is an example of women influence in politics and is also an example of the fact that historically, woman have been omitted from the official narrative. From what has been left behind, we can gather that muslim women in Al-Andalus had more freedom and power that previously thought. Women during this era owned property, had political influence and protected their faith and cultural traditions. Women had to sacrifice their individual identity for the sake of the “greater good of their community. Although women’s rights are still limited today, they have been somewhat expanded. Nonetheless, the fight for equality continues. Maybe someday Muslim women (and all women) will have the choice in deciding their individual faith, identity, and give voice to their own