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Bent rib: A journey through women's issues in Islam
Divorce, polygamy, violence, female circumcision and just some of the issues discussed in this popular book.
127 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
14 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Huda Khattab
21 books23 followersHuda Khattab is a British-born Muslim writer who holds a BA (Hons.) degree in Arabic from the School of Oriental and African Studies (London University). She converted to Islam while studying Arabic at university. She is the author of several books and has also translated books from Arabic into English, such as the IIPH books You Can Be the Happiest Woman in the World, Neighbour’s Rights According to the Sunnah and the Example of the Salaf, and Backbiting and Its Adverse Effects. Huda Khattab is married, and lives with her husband and children in Toronto, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 3, 2013
Nicely written by Huda Khattab. She covers most of the important issues regarding Muslim women. This book tells about the woman's right, the right concept about woman, also the misleading concept held by society.
It is very sad to read the story of some abused wive, they are totally marginalized by the wrong concept of Islamic lesson. Most probably, the main cause is illiteracy.
It's reported that most (as written in the book) that most of women are illiterate. In the case of circumcision, excision and infibulation, many of them are not aware of the hukum and very unfortunately, they regarded it as a genuine Islamic teaching.
Plus, some topics regarding the role of women in society, thier role in education, industry, and so and so forth.
Writer also explains the role of women in adultery, by questioning the short and closed minded people that totally put the blame on women's desire.
Many convert Muslims are facing the wrong concept of Islam. This problem spices up the prejudice existed inside most western people.
The conclusion is easy, we need to educate people, men and women. That's so called tarbiyah. It's proven that country with illiteracy is uncommon, is having better society.
It is very sad to read the story of some abused wive, they are totally marginalized by the wrong concept of Islamic lesson. Most probably, the main cause is illiteracy.
It's reported that most (as written in the book) that most of women are illiterate. In the case of circumcision, excision and infibulation, many of them are not aware of the hukum and very unfortunately, they regarded it as a genuine Islamic teaching.
Plus, some topics regarding the role of women in society, thier role in education, industry, and so and so forth.
Writer also explains the role of women in adultery, by questioning the short and closed minded people that totally put the blame on women's desire.
Many convert Muslims are facing the wrong concept of Islam. This problem spices up the prejudice existed inside most western people.
The conclusion is easy, we need to educate people, men and women. That's so called tarbiyah. It's proven that country with illiteracy is uncommon, is having better society.
July 30, 2022
The book was an okay read. It’s quite an old book so it was good for it’s time but it doesn’t quite hold up today.
The issues discussed in the book are still relevant but I felt that the book barely touched the surface on how complicated and nuanced the discussions need to be.
There was always a neat solution to the issues discussed and often romanticised especially when it came to polygamy and whether we should marry young.
I think this book is decent starting point for someone who may be just starting to look into these issues but will definitely need to be supplemented by further reading and discussions.
The issues discussed in the book are still relevant but I felt that the book barely touched the surface on how complicated and nuanced the discussions need to be.
There was always a neat solution to the issues discussed and often romanticised especially when it came to polygamy and whether we should marry young.
I think this book is decent starting point for someone who may be just starting to look into these issues but will definitely need to be supplemented by further reading and discussions.
January 7, 2026
A STUDY OF VARIOUS CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES FOR WOMEN IN ISLAM
Huda Khattab is a British-born author and translator who became a Muslim in 1982.
She wrote in the Introduction to this 1997 book, “This book is the outcome of several years’ informal debate. Muslim women are continually discussing amongst themselves the issues addressed in this book… I had just spoken with a close friend … [about] yet another instance of wife-battering in the Muslim community… it struck me that there are several issues which are ‘favorites’ of those of our opponents who use them against us at every opportunity. Even worse, the behavior of Muslims may … only serve to reinforce the stereotypes… it is time we examined what exactly Islam says about these matters. Then we can correct ourselves, and also [be] … equipped with the information with which to dispel the stereotypes.
“This is also, in part, a very personal book. As a woman of western origin, a convert to Islam, I have to wrestle with many of the ‘women in Islam’ issues… It is the practices of Muslims that cause the problems… the teachings of Islam itself are full of wisdom and common sense. Hijab was one of the easier issues to deal with---for me, it was a liberation from the tyranny of western fashion. The practice of total Purdah [seclusion of women]… came as a great shock… Female circumcision was something else that was totally alien… [but] it was a popular stick with which to beat Islam and Muslims…. The issues focused on here are those which tend to attract sometimes unwelcome attention from outsiders… So this book is a reflection of my own journey through the troubled waters of ‘woman in Islam.’”
In the first chapter, she observes,”Men are traditionally viewed as being generally more suited to leadership, which is why the position of Imam, Khalifah, etc., are viewed as being open only to males, but identifying the husband as the head of the household does not entitle the husband to be a ‘little Hitler’… the wife should have a say in any major decisions.” (Pg. 3-4)
She explains, “the rulings surrounding the menstruating woman are very straightforward… During her period, a woman is not allowed to pray (i.e., Salat), fast or read from the Mushaf (as an act of worship) or to have marital relations. However, according to some schools of thought, she may enter the mosque … to read Qur’an for the purpose of studying or teaching.” (Pg.11-12)
On arranged marriages, she comments, “the Islamic way is to arrange a match between compatible partners. Muslims are not allowed to date or engage in pre-marital intimacy (including holding hands and kissing)… Ideally, young people have the security of knowing that their parents or guardians have their best interests at heart and will find the right person for them…. Arranged, however, does not mean forced. The prospective partners, especially the girl, have the right to say no.” (Pg. 15)
Later, she adds, “Sadly… Muslim communities have attached a huge stigma to divorce, and especially to the divorced woman. No one wants to marry a divorced woman, especially if she has children. Divorced men, however, do not have quite such a hard time.”” (Pg. 22)
She explains, “Some couples may wish to ‘space’ their children… Other families may decide they do not want to have any more children, because of the mother’s health. In such cases, most scholars indicate that contraception may be allowed, but… most of the modern ‘methods’ give rise to concerns, so Muslims need to … make an informed decision. The universally acceptable method according to Islam is … coitus interruptus...” (Pg. 35)
She acknowledges, “The domestic violence issue is further complicated by interpretations and translations of the Qur’an which indicate that ‘wife-beating’ is sanctioned in al-Nisa 4:34. This, of course, is a reference which is pounced upon by those feminists, Orientalists, journalists and anyone else who wants to portray Islam in the worst possible light. Unfortunately, the behavior of many Muslims does nothing to dispel such dismal stereotypes… [in] Yusuf Ali’s translation… the Arabic word ‘adribuhanna’ is rendered as ‘beat them (lightly).’ Marmaduke Pickthall, on the other hand, translates the same word as ‘scourge,’ an altogether stronger word… western feminists … seize upon this emotive word as proof that Islam oppresses women…” (Pg. 53)
She asks, “So: to whom can … women turn when they are caught up in domestic violence? Born-Muslim women may be able to turn to their families for help, and their fathers or brothers may be able to intervene… However, not all born-Muslim women are so fortunate… Some women try to turn to the local mosque of Islamic centre for help, but sadly no help may be forthcoming. Too many mosques are notoriously male-only bastions where women’s presence is barely tolerated.” (Pg. 56-57)
She explains, “we can understand from the words of the Prophet… that using physical force is unlikely to achieve the desired results; repeated beatings and abuse can do nothing but arouse hatred and a desire for revenge---feelings which are antithetical to the Islamic ideal of marriage. The Prophet said: ‘A woman is like a rib which will break if you try to straighten it. You can benefit from it even if it remains bent as it was made.’ [Muslim, Kitab al-Nikah.] Describing a woman as being like a rib is not derogatory, as some feminists would have us believe; this Hadith is an example of the wisdom and understanding displayed by the Prophet, who … taught his followers to respect and cherish them.” (Pg. 63)
She notes, “Many Muslims believe that as Islam allows Muslim men to marry women from the People of the Book, they may use this permission as an excuse to have relationships with them. Islam does indeed hold the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) in special regard and allows Muslim men to marry Jewish or Christian women, but this permission is not unconditional… The specification that, if a Muslim bride is not chosen, only CHASTE Jewish or Christian women are acceptable partners for Muslim men excludes any possibility of boyfriend-girlfriend relationships being permitted.” (Pg. 67-68)
On dress, she states, “it is clear that women should dress modestly, covering everything except the face and hands whenever they go out or are in the presence of non-Mayrem men. This is the minimum extent of hijab; some writers and scholars suggest that women must wear an outer garment … when they go outside, and/or that they should cover their faces and hands as well… ‘Local’ forms of hijab are beginning to emerge among Muslims in the West, just as regional styles have evolved throughout the Muslim world.” (Pg. 73-74)
Perhaps surprisingly to some, she explains about Jihad, “Far from having to remain in their houses until the end of their lives, the first Muslim women were able to take part in Jihad. There were… practical matters concerned with their safety… in most cases their role was one of support---to cook, carry water, tend the wounded, etc.---and their services were to be confined to their own family members wherever possible… Although women were not required or expected to bear arms or fight in the front line, they did so when they had to, and were commended by the Prophet for doing so.” (Pg. 84-85)
Then she asks, “what is female circumcision, or---as it is also and increasingly known--- ‘female genital mutilation’?… It is important to make a clear distinction between the ‘Sunnah’ procedure and the more extreme operations: for the purposes of this discussion, I will use the word ‘Sunnah’ … to refer to the minimal operation which---according to one Hadith---was allowed, but not enjoined or encouraged, by the Prophet… In fact, ‘female circumcision’ is practiced by peoples of all religions---Christians and animists, as well as Muslims---in the regions where it is common, so it cannot be described as a uniquely ‘Islamic’ phenomenon… although, regrettably, many Muslims believe [it] to be Islamically sanctioned.”(Pg. 88-89)
This book will be of keen interest to anyone studying such ‘women’s’ issues in Islam.
Huda Khattab is a British-born author and translator who became a Muslim in 1982.
She wrote in the Introduction to this 1997 book, “This book is the outcome of several years’ informal debate. Muslim women are continually discussing amongst themselves the issues addressed in this book… I had just spoken with a close friend … [about] yet another instance of wife-battering in the Muslim community… it struck me that there are several issues which are ‘favorites’ of those of our opponents who use them against us at every opportunity. Even worse, the behavior of Muslims may … only serve to reinforce the stereotypes… it is time we examined what exactly Islam says about these matters. Then we can correct ourselves, and also [be] … equipped with the information with which to dispel the stereotypes.
“This is also, in part, a very personal book. As a woman of western origin, a convert to Islam, I have to wrestle with many of the ‘women in Islam’ issues… It is the practices of Muslims that cause the problems… the teachings of Islam itself are full of wisdom and common sense. Hijab was one of the easier issues to deal with---for me, it was a liberation from the tyranny of western fashion. The practice of total Purdah [seclusion of women]… came as a great shock… Female circumcision was something else that was totally alien… [but] it was a popular stick with which to beat Islam and Muslims…. The issues focused on here are those which tend to attract sometimes unwelcome attention from outsiders… So this book is a reflection of my own journey through the troubled waters of ‘woman in Islam.’”
In the first chapter, she observes,”Men are traditionally viewed as being generally more suited to leadership, which is why the position of Imam, Khalifah, etc., are viewed as being open only to males, but identifying the husband as the head of the household does not entitle the husband to be a ‘little Hitler’… the wife should have a say in any major decisions.” (Pg. 3-4)
She explains, “the rulings surrounding the menstruating woman are very straightforward… During her period, a woman is not allowed to pray (i.e., Salat), fast or read from the Mushaf (as an act of worship) or to have marital relations. However, according to some schools of thought, she may enter the mosque … to read Qur’an for the purpose of studying or teaching.” (Pg.11-12)
On arranged marriages, she comments, “the Islamic way is to arrange a match between compatible partners. Muslims are not allowed to date or engage in pre-marital intimacy (including holding hands and kissing)… Ideally, young people have the security of knowing that their parents or guardians have their best interests at heart and will find the right person for them…. Arranged, however, does not mean forced. The prospective partners, especially the girl, have the right to say no.” (Pg. 15)
Later, she adds, “Sadly… Muslim communities have attached a huge stigma to divorce, and especially to the divorced woman. No one wants to marry a divorced woman, especially if she has children. Divorced men, however, do not have quite such a hard time.”” (Pg. 22)
She explains, “Some couples may wish to ‘space’ their children… Other families may decide they do not want to have any more children, because of the mother’s health. In such cases, most scholars indicate that contraception may be allowed, but… most of the modern ‘methods’ give rise to concerns, so Muslims need to … make an informed decision. The universally acceptable method according to Islam is … coitus interruptus...” (Pg. 35)
She acknowledges, “The domestic violence issue is further complicated by interpretations and translations of the Qur’an which indicate that ‘wife-beating’ is sanctioned in al-Nisa 4:34. This, of course, is a reference which is pounced upon by those feminists, Orientalists, journalists and anyone else who wants to portray Islam in the worst possible light. Unfortunately, the behavior of many Muslims does nothing to dispel such dismal stereotypes… [in] Yusuf Ali’s translation… the Arabic word ‘adribuhanna’ is rendered as ‘beat them (lightly).’ Marmaduke Pickthall, on the other hand, translates the same word as ‘scourge,’ an altogether stronger word… western feminists … seize upon this emotive word as proof that Islam oppresses women…” (Pg. 53)
She asks, “So: to whom can … women turn when they are caught up in domestic violence? Born-Muslim women may be able to turn to their families for help, and their fathers or brothers may be able to intervene… However, not all born-Muslim women are so fortunate… Some women try to turn to the local mosque of Islamic centre for help, but sadly no help may be forthcoming. Too many mosques are notoriously male-only bastions where women’s presence is barely tolerated.” (Pg. 56-57)
She explains, “we can understand from the words of the Prophet… that using physical force is unlikely to achieve the desired results; repeated beatings and abuse can do nothing but arouse hatred and a desire for revenge---feelings which are antithetical to the Islamic ideal of marriage. The Prophet said: ‘A woman is like a rib which will break if you try to straighten it. You can benefit from it even if it remains bent as it was made.’ [Muslim, Kitab al-Nikah.] Describing a woman as being like a rib is not derogatory, as some feminists would have us believe; this Hadith is an example of the wisdom and understanding displayed by the Prophet, who … taught his followers to respect and cherish them.” (Pg. 63)
She notes, “Many Muslims believe that as Islam allows Muslim men to marry women from the People of the Book, they may use this permission as an excuse to have relationships with them. Islam does indeed hold the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) in special regard and allows Muslim men to marry Jewish or Christian women, but this permission is not unconditional… The specification that, if a Muslim bride is not chosen, only CHASTE Jewish or Christian women are acceptable partners for Muslim men excludes any possibility of boyfriend-girlfriend relationships being permitted.” (Pg. 67-68)
On dress, she states, “it is clear that women should dress modestly, covering everything except the face and hands whenever they go out or are in the presence of non-Mayrem men. This is the minimum extent of hijab; some writers and scholars suggest that women must wear an outer garment … when they go outside, and/or that they should cover their faces and hands as well… ‘Local’ forms of hijab are beginning to emerge among Muslims in the West, just as regional styles have evolved throughout the Muslim world.” (Pg. 73-74)
Perhaps surprisingly to some, she explains about Jihad, “Far from having to remain in their houses until the end of their lives, the first Muslim women were able to take part in Jihad. There were… practical matters concerned with their safety… in most cases their role was one of support---to cook, carry water, tend the wounded, etc.---and their services were to be confined to their own family members wherever possible… Although women were not required or expected to bear arms or fight in the front line, they did so when they had to, and were commended by the Prophet for doing so.” (Pg. 84-85)
Then she asks, “what is female circumcision, or---as it is also and increasingly known--- ‘female genital mutilation’?… It is important to make a clear distinction between the ‘Sunnah’ procedure and the more extreme operations: for the purposes of this discussion, I will use the word ‘Sunnah’ … to refer to the minimal operation which---according to one Hadith---was allowed, but not enjoined or encouraged, by the Prophet… In fact, ‘female circumcision’ is practiced by peoples of all religions---Christians and animists, as well as Muslims---in the regions where it is common, so it cannot be described as a uniquely ‘Islamic’ phenomenon… although, regrettably, many Muslims believe [it] to be Islamically sanctioned.”(Pg. 88-89)
This book will be of keen interest to anyone studying such ‘women’s’ issues in Islam.
July 29, 2022
Bent Rib is nicely summarised insight in to some of the more sensitive women's issues in islam. I enjoyed reading it due to its simplicity. I don't think it would be a difficult read for non academic readers. I think it's a perfect dawah source for non-muslims, new Muslims, Muslims without much knowledge on these particularly issues as well as just as a general resource/addition to your library of women related issues in islam.
Although, in my opinion, many of the issues mentioned in the book do require further research into scholarly differences of opinions on some of the topics, as this book is not a replacement for a more academic or scholarly source, however, it definitely serves its purpose in educating those in doubt on Islam's stance on particular issues, separating culture from the actual islam stance and fiqh.
I particularly liked the chapter on FGM and got a better understanding as to why some Muslims think that FGMs has roots and topic on 'purdah' and how modern Muslim men often require more from Muslim women than the sahabiyaat offered (the sahabiyaat and even the prophets were not known to be at home 100% as some people misinterpret and definitely left to tend their needs and their is a plethora of evidence to support this in the seerah and ahadith).
I don't feel the author did the topic of contraception justice and did have some clear medical misunderstandings on how some types contraception work and often conflated her personal opinion with Islam's stance. Some topics felt very brushed over but I guess this book was published prior to 1999 so I can imagine a book like this would have served as a huge stear in the right direction by comparison to work & conversations that were being had on women's issues at that time.
Nevertheless, i think it deserves 4.5 at the very least because I truly enjoyed reading it despite my reservations on some things.
Although, in my opinion, many of the issues mentioned in the book do require further research into scholarly differences of opinions on some of the topics, as this book is not a replacement for a more academic or scholarly source, however, it definitely serves its purpose in educating those in doubt on Islam's stance on particular issues, separating culture from the actual islam stance and fiqh.
I particularly liked the chapter on FGM and got a better understanding as to why some Muslims think that FGMs has roots and topic on 'purdah' and how modern Muslim men often require more from Muslim women than the sahabiyaat offered (the sahabiyaat and even the prophets were not known to be at home 100% as some people misinterpret and definitely left to tend their needs and their is a plethora of evidence to support this in the seerah and ahadith).
I don't feel the author did the topic of contraception justice and did have some clear medical misunderstandings on how some types contraception work and often conflated her personal opinion with Islam's stance. Some topics felt very brushed over but I guess this book was published prior to 1999 so I can imagine a book like this would have served as a huge stear in the right direction by comparison to work & conversations that were being had on women's issues at that time.
Nevertheless, i think it deserves 4.5 at the very least because I truly enjoyed reading it despite my reservations on some things.
April 18, 2017
A good read, on what is expected of a Muslim lady, also on her rights to certain issues.
Honestly, to me, it is the community that is always threatening a woman from her rights, by falsify the hadith or misintepret (purposely or non-purposely) but most times, adding ad- libs to certain Quranic verses.
Most times, women are tricked of their rights, when the community would purposely make suggestions from "cultural ptactices" to sound like they are expected from the religion! With limited knowledge, these women might think that was their "karma" or what they are expected to abide to their deen.
This book will definitely be passed down to my only daughter when she's older! Hope this book somehow will equipt her well when she enters womanhood, and before she commits herself to be a wife.
Honestly, to me, it is the community that is always threatening a woman from her rights, by falsify the hadith or misintepret (purposely or non-purposely) but most times, adding ad- libs to certain Quranic verses.
Most times, women are tricked of their rights, when the community would purposely make suggestions from "cultural ptactices" to sound like they are expected from the religion! With limited knowledge, these women might think that was their "karma" or what they are expected to abide to their deen.
This book will definitely be passed down to my only daughter when she's older! Hope this book somehow will equipt her well when she enters womanhood, and before she commits herself to be a wife.
November 10, 2014
This is one of my favorite books, it taught me a lot of things about the deen and what's required of me as a muslim lady.
also it encompasses every facet of a married muslim woman, her relations with her husband, her family, her children, the society etc.
it was definitely worth my time. x
also it encompasses every facet of a married muslim woman, her relations with her husband, her family, her children, the society etc.
it was definitely worth my time. x
April 7, 2008
Great book for muslim women to learn about all aspects of their faith and what is expected from them by their creator.
February 11, 2014
Very interesting!
January 17, 2025
Bent Rib by Huda Khattab (International Islamic Publishing House, 2010) is an excellent write-up about current Islamic issues. She explores many of the explosive issues related to marriage, and on the social issues, she digs deeper. Her writing seeks to present Islam in a good light but sometimes minimizes the gravity of the Islamic legal issues with a general summary. She places Surah 4:19, which talks about "a degree over" as relating only to divorce (27), and the idea of "striking" found in Surah 4:34-35 as "a symbolic gesture." (28). On the latter, though, she attempts to counter domestic violence with this verse more thoroughly by promoting that the text does not "imply force or violence" (80). However, later in her writing, harsher discipline is granted as a "last resort" (81).
Main critique
My main critique of her writing is that the title alludes to a Hadith who calls women a bent rib. Despite quoting one of these hadith, she only states one sentence on the matter: "Describing a woman as being like a rib is not derogatory, as some feminists might have us believe; this hadith is an example of the wisdom and understanding by the Prophet, who understood the nature of women and taught his followers to respect and cherish them." (90). Her opinion is noble, but this ignores the use and meaning of the term bent rib in other places. For instance, "This crookedness means that there is a deficiency in her by creation, because the woman is usually very emotional; her temper changes, she gets angry, her condition worsens, and her mind is weakened for the slightest reason."((https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/355.... accessed Dec. 1, 2022.)) Much like the well-accepted and authentic collector of Hadith, Bukhari said, “A woman is like a rib, if you attempt to straighten it, you will break it; and if you benefit from her, you will do so while crookedness remains in her."((https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:273)) and “I have not left after me a tribulation more harmful to men than women.”((Reported by Usamah bin Zayd. Recorded by al-Bukhari, and Muslim. Found in al-Jibaly, Closer than a Garment, 4.)) Despite these issues, her write-up greatly benefits the reader.
Main critique
My main critique of her writing is that the title alludes to a Hadith who calls women a bent rib. Despite quoting one of these hadith, she only states one sentence on the matter: "Describing a woman as being like a rib is not derogatory, as some feminists might have us believe; this hadith is an example of the wisdom and understanding by the Prophet, who understood the nature of women and taught his followers to respect and cherish them." (90). Her opinion is noble, but this ignores the use and meaning of the term bent rib in other places. For instance, "This crookedness means that there is a deficiency in her by creation, because the woman is usually very emotional; her temper changes, she gets angry, her condition worsens, and her mind is weakened for the slightest reason."((https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/355.... accessed Dec. 1, 2022.)) Much like the well-accepted and authentic collector of Hadith, Bukhari said, “A woman is like a rib, if you attempt to straighten it, you will break it; and if you benefit from her, you will do so while crookedness remains in her."((https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:273)) and “I have not left after me a tribulation more harmful to men than women.”((Reported by Usamah bin Zayd. Recorded by al-Bukhari, and Muslim. Found in al-Jibaly, Closer than a Garment, 4.)) Despite these issues, her write-up greatly benefits the reader.
January 21, 2023
Wholeheartedly agree with the other reviews. This book is a good introductory reading material for a variety of issues affecting women– issues that are usually filled with misconceptions as to the correct Islamic stance on and sometimes misconceptions where people confuse Islamic rulings with cultural practices.
But further reading would certainly be necessary to understand each issue better. I started reading this because I was looking for references on FGM and the Islamic rulings for female khitan. I found the answers to my questions and have found in this book other references for me to study that deeper.
I appreciate the other chapters as well, especially on polygyny, domestic violence, and education. There's also a list of questions to ask a potential partner at the back of the book.
Recommended for those trying to understand issues relating to women in Islam (ones that are usually considered controversial/about which people get confused).
But further reading would certainly be necessary to understand each issue better. I started reading this because I was looking for references on FGM and the Islamic rulings for female khitan. I found the answers to my questions and have found in this book other references for me to study that deeper.
I appreciate the other chapters as well, especially on polygyny, domestic violence, and education. There's also a list of questions to ask a potential partner at the back of the book.
Recommended for those trying to understand issues relating to women in Islam (ones that are usually considered controversial/about which people get confused).
December 18, 2022
I wasn’t expecting to find this book as valuable as I have. I did expect a book full of prohibitions for women (not reflective of the Islam I know) but it was far from it.
Khattab held a discussion about various issues existing for Muslim women which largely can be lead back to culture, migration, economic restrictions and pure human nature.
She is honest and open and reminds women of their rights given by Islam and not western feminism.
She highlighted the practical needs of the Muslim modern woman whilst recognizing the differences which exist between East and West. This is all without compromising deen.
I did learn some new things which again, I wasn’t expecting so I have been pleasantly surprised by this book which I have had on a shelf for about 8 years unread!
Khattab held a discussion about various issues existing for Muslim women which largely can be lead back to culture, migration, economic restrictions and pure human nature.
She is honest and open and reminds women of their rights given by Islam and not western feminism.
She highlighted the practical needs of the Muslim modern woman whilst recognizing the differences which exist between East and West. This is all without compromising deen.
I did learn some new things which again, I wasn’t expecting so I have been pleasantly surprised by this book which I have had on a shelf for about 8 years unread!
Read
July 14, 2021Huda Khattab's "Bent Rib: A Journey Through Women's Issues in Islam" is a brief look at some of the most contentious topics related to women in Islam - everything from qiwaamah to domestic violence to poly to FGM, and more.
While not a deep and detailed scholarly work on each of these subjects, Khattab does a good job of providing a brief explanation on them. She makes a point of emphasizing the difference between Islamic texts and teachings vs the abuses perpetrated by many Muslims.
This book makes a good da'wah resource, both for questioning nonMuslims as well as Muslims who may wonder about Islam's stance on these issues.
While not a deep and detailed scholarly work on each of these subjects, Khattab does a good job of providing a brief explanation on them. She makes a point of emphasizing the difference between Islamic texts and teachings vs the abuses perpetrated by many Muslims.
This book makes a good da'wah resource, both for questioning nonMuslims as well as Muslims who may wonder about Islam's stance on these issues.
July 25, 2022
This book was a really good introduction to rulings and matters relating to women in Islam. It is a quick and easy read, with sources clearly stated. I think it’s a wonderful clarification on these issues, and is written in a very easy to understand fashion. I only wish that it were longer and more expensive as to the specifics on these issues. It’s a great primer and I highly recommend this book for someone who wants extreme clarity on the practical matters involving women.
May 28, 2022
This book attempts to explore the misalignment between cultural practices and the authentic Islamic teachings but is limited by the author’s subjectivity.
The topics explored are varied and it certainly gave me something it think about. Also the book is potently referenced
The topics explored are varied and it certainly gave me something it think about. Also the book is potently referenced
June 4, 2017
This was pretty good for what it is. It's designed to be a light introduction into common issues Muslim women face and I really appreciate that.
January 20, 2026
i feel like this book only scratched the surface when it comes to controversial issues of women in Islamic law, and some of the arguments presented (which i've heard way too many times when i first started reading on women and islam) feel pretty outdated/essentialist/stereotypical, but given that this was published in the early 90s i can't fault it too much. im hoping this book helped at least some women during that time period though !
April 15, 2015
This book examines several controversial topics such as domestic violence, female genital mutilation, polygyny and the failure to educate women and girls, and points out the divergence between Islamic teaching and actual culturally-influenced practice. It promises an interesting reads for our sisters and sure make a good gift.
November 4, 2019
I can’t help but feel that the author wrote this in under a week. A poorly edited hodgepodge of uninformed opinion, anecdotes, and extremely superficial analysis of religious texts. Don't waste your time or money on this.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews