Women of the Islamic State A manifesto on women by the Al-Khanssaa Brigade
Throughout, the author(s) attempt to convince their audience that it is a fundamental necessity for women to have a sedentary lifestyle. Indeed, this is her “divinely appointed right”. Each of the three sections seeks to present supporting evidence for this conception – historical, political and theological.
.. The blurring of lines between the roles of each sex has caused people to forget how to worship God properly – it is a distraction that is rending society apart. In their attempt to identify the root cause of it all, the author(s) pin the blame on the emasculation of men. Because, it is argued, “women are not presented with a true picture of man”, they have become confused and complacent, unable to fulfil their appointed responsibilities, most of which revolve around motherhood and maintenance of the household. The implication is obvious – the men of IS are deemed to be real men.
.. the central argument that the manifesto is seeking to convey, that the role of women is inherently “sedentary”, and that her responsibilities lie first and foremost in the house, except in a handful of narrowly defined circumstances. This role begins at the point of marriage which, it is declared, can be as young as nine years old.
.. Because men are serving women like themselves, men cannot distinguish themselves from them according to the two features referred to by God: “Men are in charge of women by [right of] what God has given over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth” (Quran 4:34).
.. Rather, women have this Heavenly secret in sedentariness, stillness and stability, and men its opposite, movement and flux, that which is the nature of man, created in him. If roles are mixed and positions overlap, humanity is thrown into a state of flux and instability. The base of society is shaken, its foundations crumble and its walls collapse.