Brian Griffith's Blog - Posts Tagged "islam"

Although Islam is more famous than Zoroastrianism for dividing all creation into good and evil sides, the Quran sometimes seems to eliminate any distinction between good and evil animals, and even any moral chasm between humanity and the beasts: “There is not an animal on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but that forms communities like you” (Quran 6:38). According to Anas, Muhammad said “All creatures are like a family of God.” A prostitute was reportedly forgiven by Allah because she brought water in her shoe for a thirsty dog. Another woman went to hell because she caged a cat till it died. Abu Dawud claims the Prophet warned, “Fear God in your treatment of animals!” War and Peace with the Beasts: A History of Our Relationships with Animals

Mother Persia engages the reader with a plethora of well researched subjects covering women from the pre-Islamic era to modern times. Fascinatingly written, the authors look at gender equality, sexuality, spirituality, politics and the roles Iranian women have played challenging and establishing their places in Persian civilization. Peppered with personal stories of women, using their poetry, literature and arts, the writers describe the intelligence, courage, and tenacity of these women. Mother Persia is an intriguing read that will be enjoyed by multiple audiences from book clubs to university classes.” – Bridget Blomfield, author of "The Language of Tears: My Journey into the World of Shi’i Muslim Women."

"The period of male monopoly on leading and defining Islam is ending."Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

As she began teaching and attracting disciples, we hear of a group of religious men coming to challenge her. They accused her of presumption, explaining, “All the virtues have been scattered on the heads of men. The crown of prophethood has been placed on men’s heads. The belt of nobility has been fastened around men’s waists. No woman has ever been a prophet.” Rabi’a answered, “All of that is true, but egoism and self-worship and ‘I am your Lord’ have never sprung from a woman’s breast. ... All these things have been the specialty of men.”Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

As she began teaching and attracting disciples, we hear of a group of religious men coming to challenge her. They accused her of presumption, explaining, “All the virtues have been scattered on the heads of men. The crown of prophethood has been placed on men’s heads. The belt of nobility has been fastened around men’s waists. No woman has ever been a prophet.” Rabi’a answered, “All of that is true, but egoism and self-worship and ‘I am your Lord’ have never sprung from a woman’s breast. ... All these things have been the specialty of men.” -- from "Mother Persia," by Zhinia Noorian and Brian Griffith

A strong streak of mother worship appears repeatedly in clerical proclamations, such as the following announcement, made in 1946 by mullah Abd al-Karim Faqihi Shirazi:
"The effect of women upon society is greater than that of men, and they are more beneficial to its orderly formation than men because their womanly nature and motherly love can endure any hardship … So that the Arabs would see the value and worth of their girls, the Prophet … would say … 'What I esteem in this world—love and affection—is from the world of women.'” Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

“Dramatic and fascinating. Written by a seamless collaboration, Mother Persia inspires as well as educates. It’s also a huge pleasure to read, making it a must for any reader’s library.” – Tod Davies, Editorial Director, Exterminating Angel Press, and author of The History of Arcadia visionary fiction series.

A vast study by Mohammad Akram Nadwi collected references to female scholars in medieval Islam. He reported, “I thought I’d find maybe twenty or thirty women.” He ended up finding close to 8,000.Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

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