About the book
In this study of devotional hagiographical texts and contemporary ritual performances of the Shi'a of Hyderabad, India, Karen Ruffle demonstrates how traditions of sainthood and localized cultural values shape gender roles. Ruffle focuses on the annual mourning assemblies held on 7 Muharram to commemorate the battlefield wedding of Fatimah Kubra and her warrior-bridegroom Qasem, who was martyred in 680 C.E. at the battle of Karbala, Iraq, before their marriage was consummated.
Ruffle argues that hagiography, an important textual tradition in Islam, plays a dynamic role in constructing the memory, piety, and social sensibilities of a Shi'i community. Through the Hyderabadi rituals that idealize and venerate Qasem, Fatimah Kubra, and the other heroes of Karbala, a distinct form of sainthood is produced. These saints, Ruffle explains, serve as socioethical role models and religious paragons whom Shi'i Muslims aim to imitate in their everyday lives, improving their personal religious practice and social selves. On a broader community level, Ruffle observes, such practices help generate and reinforce group identity, shared ethics, and gendered sensibilities. By putting gender and everyday practice at the center of her study, Ruffle challenges Shi'i patriarchal narratives that present only men as saints and brings to light typically overlooked women’s religious practices.
Editions of Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807834756
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469613710
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807877975
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469602981
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893134407
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890885685
Read an Excerpt
In this study of devotional hagiographical texts and contemporary ritual performances of the Shi'a of Hyderabad, India, Karen Ruffle demonstrates how traditions of sainthood and localized cultural values shape gender roles. Ruffle focuses on the annual mourning assemblies held on 7 Muharram to commemorate the battlefield wedding of Fatimah Kubra and her warrior-bridegroom Qasem, who was martyred in 680 C.E. at the battle of Karbala, Iraq, before their marriage was consummated.
Ruffle argues that hagiography, an important textual tradition in Islam, plays a dynamic role in constructing the memory, piety, and social sensibilities of a Shi'i community. Through the Hyderabadi rituals that idealize and venerate Qasem, Fatimah Kubra, and the other heroes of Karbala, a distinct form of sainthood is produced. These saints, Ruffle explains, serve as socioethical role models and religious paragons whom Shi'i Muslims aim to imitate in their everyday lives, improving their personal religious practice and social selves. On a broader community level, Ruffle observes, such practices help generate and reinforce group identity, shared ethics, and gendered sensibilities. By putting gender and everyday practice at the center of her study, Ruffle challenges Shi'i patriarchal narratives that present only men as saints and brings to light typically overlooked women’s religious practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism about?
In this study of devotional hagiographical texts and contemporary ritual performances of the Shi'a of Hyderabad, India, Karen Ruffle demonstrates how traditions of sainthood and localized cultural values shape gender roles. Ruffle focuses on the annual mourning assemblies held on 7 Muharram to commemorate the battlefield wedding of Fatimah Kubra and her warrior-bridegroom Qasem, who was martyred in 680 C.E. at the battle of Karbala, Iraq, before their marriage was consummated.
Ruffle argues that hagiography, an important textual tradition in Islam, plays a dynamic role in constructing the memory, piety, and social sensibilities of a Shi'i community. Through the Hyderabadi rituals that idealize and venerate Qasem, Fatimah Kubra, and the other heroes of Karbala, a distinct form of sainthood is produced. These saints, Ruffle explains, serve as socioethical role models and religious paragons whom Shi'i Muslims aim to imitate in their everyday lives, improving their personal religious practice and social selves. On a broader community level, Ruffle observes, such practices help generate and reinforce group identity, shared ethics, and gendered sensibilities. By putting gender and everyday practice at the center of her study, Ruffle challenges Shi'i patriarchal narratives that present only men as saints and brings to light typically overlooked women’s religious practices.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Islam > Islam: branches and groups > Islamic groups: Shi’ah, Shi’ite
Where can I read a sample of Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807834756
How long is Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism and how many pages does it have?
Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism has 240 page(s)
Is Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism?
Karen G. Ruffle
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807834756) and paperback(ISBN 9781469613710) and ebook(ISBN 9780807877975) and ebook(ISBN 9781469602981) and ebook(ISBN 9798893134407) and pdf(ISBN 9798890885685)
Where can I buy Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism from below
Where can I buy Gender, Sainthood, and Everyday Practice in South Asian Shi’ism?