Shame, Modesty, and Honor in Islam

“Shame, Modesty and Honor in Islam provides important clarifications and correctives regarding three concepts that are often seriously misunderstood when considered in Islamic contexts. This volume offers a range of perspectives, paying attention to the historical development and contemporary interpretations of shame, modesty and honor. The illustrative case studies cover majority Muslim countries as well as the challenges faced by Muslim living in minority situations.” ―Carool Kersten, Research Professor Islamic Studies, KU Leuven, Belgium

“This valuable volume focuses on the world of Islam and considers concepts of shame, modesty, and honor with a rigor long absent in cultural studies. The book focuses particularly on specific local conceptualizations. What are the best equivalents in Islamicate languages? To whom do the terms apply? How important is Islamic religion to the application of these terms? These and other enlightening questions are asked of concepts assumed to be central to Islamic and Islamicate culture.” ―A. Kevin Reinhart, Associate Professor of Religion, Dartmouth College, USA

“Diving deep into the anthropological exploration of concepts related to shame, modesty, and honor in Muslim societies, this book is an invitation to better understand Islam-oriented normativities in action and context.” ―Baudouin Dupret, Research Director, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France