Author Description

Confounding the expectations of many observers, Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. These roles range from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad's first wife, Khadija, to the more formal status of the 12th century Queen Arwa of Yemen. The Qur'an alludes to women of authority from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba and Asiyah bint Muzahim, wife of the Egyptian Pharaoh during the distant days of Moses. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked or deliberately ignored. Examining the lives of these women, and the attitudes shown towards them, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also able to provide a physical dimension with artefacts from a wide range of times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne. -- Publisher description.