a gendered perspective of Shia Muslim faith D'Souza, Diane 1960- creator text bibliography Electronic books. scu 2014 monographic eng 1 online resource. How do pious Shia Muslim women nurture and sustain their religious lives? How do their experiences and beliefs differ from or overlap with those of men? What do gender-based religious roles and interactions reveal about the Shia Muslim faith? In Partners of Zaynab, Diane D'Souza presents a rich ethnography of urban Shia women in India, exploring women's devotional lives through the lens of religious narrative, sacred space, ritual performance, leadership, and iconic symbols. Religious scholars have tended to devalue women's religious expressions, confining them to the periphery of a male-centered ritual world. This viewpoint often assumes that women's ritual behaviors are the unsophisticated product of limited education and experience and even a less developed female nature. By illuminating vibrant female narratives within Shia religious teachings, the fascinating history of a shrine led by women, the contemporary lives of dynamic female preachers, and women's popular prayers and rituals of petition, Partners of Zaynab demonstrates that the religious lives of women are not a flawed approximation of male-defined norms and behaviors, but a vigorous, authentic affirmation of faith within the religious mainstream. D'Souza questions the distinction between normative and popular religious behavior, arguing that such a categorization not only isolates and devalues female ritual expressions, but also weakens our understanding of religion as a whole. Partners of Zaynab offers a compelling glimpse of Muslim faith and practice and a more complete understanding of the interplay of gender within Shia Islam. Foundations of Shia faith -- A sacred community space -- Remembrance gatherings -- The female face of religious leadership -- The alamʻa symbol of presence -- Rituals of intercession and blessing. Diane D¿Souza. Includes bibliographical references and index. Shīʻah Customs and practices Shīʻah Doctrines Women in Islam Women Religious aspects Islam RELIGION Islam General Shīʻah Customs and practices Shīʻah Doctrines Women in Islam Women Religious aspects Islam RELIGION / Islam / Shi'a BP194.2 .D76 2013eb 297.8/2082 D'Souza, Diane, 1960- (DLC) 2014007289 (OCoLC)878502402 9781611173789 1611173787 2014007289 22573/ctv6vr5s7 JSTOR http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=750179 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&AN=750179 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=750179 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&AN=750179 N$T 140903 20200709060112.0 ocn889883203 eng