Attending Quote by Ibn Battuta
“Their women are of surpassing beauty, and are shown more respect than the men. These people are Muslims, punctilious in observing the hours of prayer, studying the books of law, and memorizing the Koran. Yet their women show no bashfulness before men and do not veil themselves, though they are assiduous in attending prayers. Any man who wishes to marry one of them may do so, but they do not travel with their husbands, and, even if one desired to do so, her family would not allow her to go. The women have their 'friends' and 'companions' amongst the men outside their own families.”
About This Quote
Source Travelogue: “Rihla” by Ibn Battuta, 14th century
Muslim societies sometimes grant women freedoms contrary to common stereotypes, yet still impose social constraints.
In simple terms: Women can be both respected and restricted.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural nuance.
Themes
gender roles
religion
social norms
Mood
inquisitive
thoughtful
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- modern cultural comparison
Key Concepts
cultural anthropology
gender studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these observations compare to today’s societies?
- What factors shape women’s freedoms in different cultures?
A Different Perspective
Risk of overgeneralization.
![“I read the lifestyles of our Rasul (pbuh) and the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet) a lot. I read the lifestyles of people who have done a lot for the people - of Muslims and non-Muslims [working] together.” quote by Junaid Jamshed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2d7/junaid-jamshed-22987_companion_i-read-the-lifestyles-of-our-rasul-pbuh_1302276.jpg)
