Demystification of Islamic Patriarchy in Freidoune Sahebjam's The Stoning of Soraya

Abstract

This research explores how Freidoune Sahebjam's The Stoning of Soraya represents the way misogynist interpretation of Qur’ an enhances patriarchy and suppresses women through the unjust practices existing in the Islamic patriarchal culture through the characters Soraya and Zahra. Soraya, the central character depicts the extreme forms of violence against women. Mayor, in the story revels the abuse of authorityand Mullah represents the misogynist interpretation of Qur’anthatinfluencesreligion and culture and contributes to patriarchy.Ali represents the patriarchic power who misuse the religion and culture. My research shows that rules for gender are not inherent rather it is constructed religiously and culturally through the misinterpretation of Qur’an by patriarchy. This research takes the help of Islamic feminists AsmaBarlas, Hiris Ali Khan, Margot Bardan, Mirim Cooke, Asma Lambart and Heidi Hartman.The purpose of this thesis is to depict the misogynistreading contributes to patriarchy and dominate women culturally and religiously. In the Islamic culture Islamic orthodox and doctrine is in the top in hierarchy to formulate rules and norms which is under the control of men.The relation of religion and patriarchy shows that;religion is the guiding framework which is on men’s hand;they interpret and formulate norms and rules on behalf of man that contributes to enhance the concept that men are always right. This non-fiction discloses even the religious vigoris bias and support men. The outcome of the extreme form of Islamic patriarchy caused stoning to innocent Soraya for the guilt she never did. Keywords: Miss-interpretation, Islamic Feminism, Patriarchy, Misogynist, Polygamy, Adultery, Misuse, Qur’an, Religion