Gender Representation in Arabian Sirahs¹: An Analysis of the Narrations of “<i>Sīrat al-Amīrah Dhāt al-Himmah²</i>” in Egypt

Abstract

Arabian Sirah s provide vivid depictions of medieval Arab customs and events. Nevertheless, within gender-oriented research, relatively few studies examine Arabian Sirah s, which can be regarded as cultural phenomena. “Sīrat al-Amīrah Dhāt al-Himmah (hereinafter ‘Sīrat Delhemma’)” is the longest of all Arabian Sirah , and its main hero is a woman. The present study addresses this research gap by examining the Status of Arabian Sirah in Egypt and the position of women in these epics. Additionally, this study appraises the prevailing gender relations of medieval Arab society with a focus on “Sīrat Delhemma”, along with historical and social background which made it possible for women to take the role of leaders. Significantly, this study finds that Arabian Sirah s portray women as having an active social role. However, this role has faded in the modern narrative. Lastly, this study found that despite the transition from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society, the influence of Islam played a major role in empowering women. This study has found that the Gender discrimination in Arab societies has deeper and more complex causes than those stated in the current global discourse on feminism, which uses the concept of patriarchy to criticise the overall structure of discrimination against women by men.