The World of Muslim
WomenThe
controversy over the veil is symbolic of the issues facing Muslim
women today. This piece of cloth embodies the debate over
liberation or subjugation. While Muslim fundamentalists are
becoming more vocal and aggressive, a minority voice is courageously
being raised in protest against Islamic rites and rituals. It
is the Muslim women who are in the eye of the storm, and
unfortunately, they seldom get the opportunity to set a direction.
Secluded from the
eyes of anyone but family members, Muslim women live under a system
of tradition, rites, and rituals that favor men above women.
"A man loves first his son, then his camel, and then his wife," says
an Arab proverb.
Phil & Julie
Parshall understand the issues, heartaches, and dangers facing
Muslim women today, having lived among them for more than four
decades. They bring a sensitive perspective to this
thoughtful, yet sobering book that examines the controversy of
female circumcision and proof of virginity, the heartache of
arranged marriages, divorce, polygamy, and the status of women
living in a male dominated world.
This book will not
provide you with easy answers but will prompt you to begin praying
for these "daughters of Ishmael" and give you sensitive awareness to
life behind the veil.
About the Author:
Phil Parshall is
one of the leading authorities on ministry to Muslims. He and
his wife, Julie, have lived among them since 1962, first with
International Christian Fellowship (now SIM) in Bangladesh and
presently in the Philippines. He holds a doctorate from Fuller
Seminary and has had Fellowships with Harvard and Yale Universities.
He is published in a number of Christian magazines, and has authored
nine books. Julie serves as Phil's administrative assistant in
addition to having engaged in various ministries among Muslim women.
