Israel Quote by Nawal El Saadawi
““Inciting women to rebel against the divine laws of Islam.’ This became the accusation that was leveled against me whenever I wrote or did anything to defend the rights of women against the injustices widespread in society. It followed me wherever I went, step by step, moved through the corridors of government administrations year after year, irrespective of who came to power, or of the regime that presided over the destinies of our people. It was only years later that I began to realized that the men and women who posed as the defenders of Islamic morality and values were most often the ones who were undermining the real ethics and moral principles of society.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Women at Point Zero, Nawal El Saadawi, 1975
The author describes being accused of inciting rebellion against Islamic law whenever she defended women’s rights, highlighting how those claiming moral authority often undermine true ethics.
In simple terms: Defending women’s rights led to accusations of rebellion against Islam.
Key Takeaway
Challenge false moral authority.
Themes
justice
women’s rights
religion
Mood
determined
defiant
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- activism
- legal reform
- public speaking
- education
Key Concepts
ethics
political power
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect defenders of human rights?
- What distinguishes true ethics from imposed morality?
A Different Perspective
Accusations can silence dissent and endanger activists.
![“Women are suffering because they are being excluded. The high military council excluded women from the committee to change the constitution [of Egypt]. We cannot be liberated as women in a society built on class oppression or gender oppression or religious oppression.” quote by Nawal El Saadawi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a8/nawal-el-saadawi-4167_built_women-are-suffering-because-they-are-bei_408487.jpg)
![“[Islam] Leaves no room of human legislation in an Islamic state, because herein all legislative functions vest in God and the only function left for Muslims lies in their observance of the God-made law.” quote by Abul A'la Maududi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/704/abul-a-la-maududi-51903_function_islam-leaves-no-room-of-human-legislatio_886.jpg)
