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Prisoners of Traditions: The infiltration of cultural traditions in Islam and the oppressive effects of it on Muslim women from South Asia
In Prisoners of Traditions, Sadia Azma confronts the harsh reality many Muslim women caught between cultural traditions and the true teachings of Islam. Despite Islam's progressive stance on women's rights, outdated pre-Islamic customs, local cultural traditions - especially prevalent in South Asia- continue to oppress women, stripping them of the freedoms and dignity that Islam genuinely upholds.
Sadia sheds light on how these practices, often mistaken for religious obligations, have permeated Muslim communities and led to widespread inequality. This oppression impacts women in all aspects of life-from their education and financial independence to their emotional well-being and social status. As these customs spread across borders, Muslim women globally endure similar struggles, all under the false pretense of faith.
Through a rich mix of personal stories, thought-provoking insights, and religious analysis, Sadia uncovers the stark differences between these cultural practices and Islam's true principles. She makes a compelling case for reclaiming the real values of Islam to empower women and create lasting change.
Prisoners of Traditions is a must-read for anyone exploring the intersection of religion, culture, and women's rights. It calls for a re-examination of outdated traditions and a future where women's rights are fully recognized.
Sadia sheds light on how these practices, often mistaken for religious obligations, have permeated Muslim communities and led to widespread inequality. This oppression impacts women in all aspects of life-from their education and financial independence to their emotional well-being and social status. As these customs spread across borders, Muslim women globally endure similar struggles, all under the false pretense of faith.
Through a rich mix of personal stories, thought-provoking insights, and religious analysis, Sadia uncovers the stark differences between these cultural practices and Islam's true principles. She makes a compelling case for reclaiming the real values of Islam to empower women and create lasting change.
Prisoners of Traditions is a must-read for anyone exploring the intersection of religion, culture, and women's rights. It calls for a re-examination of outdated traditions and a future where women's rights are fully recognized.
284 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2025
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August 23, 2025
Prisoners of Tradition is a powerful book that makes you think about how traditions shape our lives. Some traditions give us strength and identity, but others can hold people back and cause a lot of suffering, especially for women. This book clearly shows how certain practices continue just because “it has always been done,” even when they no longer make sense or bring any good.
What I really liked is that the writing is simple and honest. The stories are very real, and they stay in your mind. It also made me reflect on how often people confuse culture with religion, and how important it is to question harmful customs instead of blindly following them.
Even though the subject is serious, the book also gives hope. It encourages us to think about change and to create a future where traditions are chosen with wisdom, not just inherited without thought.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand society better, or who has ever wondered about the difference between faith and culture. It’s a thought-provoking and inspiring read.
What I really liked is that the writing is simple and honest. The stories are very real, and they stay in your mind. It also made me reflect on how often people confuse culture with religion, and how important it is to question harmful customs instead of blindly following them.
Even though the subject is serious, the book also gives hope. It encourages us to think about change and to create a future where traditions are chosen with wisdom, not just inherited without thought.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand society better, or who has ever wondered about the difference between faith and culture. It’s a thought-provoking and inspiring read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review