Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women

Brooks ties her observations and experiences across Islamic societies to a broader discourse on the intersection of culture, religion, and human rights while discussing The Impact of Politics and Society on Women’s Rights. Through personal anecdotes, she weaves a narrative that not only reflects on her journey but also confronts the complex realities faced by women in these societies. Brooks’s narrative transitions from personal reflection to a broader commentary on cultural relativism and universal human rights. The mention of her adjustment to the rhythms of Muslim prayers in Cairo and the Angelus bell in London embodies her immersion in diverse cultural settings. The lunch with Salman Rushdie and the ensuing discussion about the fatwa’s effect on writers dealing with Islamic themes highlight the tension between freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. This tension is emblematic of the broader conflict between progressive ideals and conservative religious interpretations, a theme that resonates throughout the book.

Brooks’s recounting of the “honor killing” trial in London brings the theoretical discourse on cultural relativism and human rights into a real-world context. The trial serves as a case study in the challenges of reconciling cultural practices with universal human rights standards. Brooks critiques the Western legal system’s inability to fully grasp the cultural context of the act, pointing to a broader issue of understanding and addressing harmful practices within the framework of cultural sensitivity and human rights.

The conclusion then shifts focus to efforts by progressive Muslims to reinterpret Islamic teachings in a manner that supports women’s rights and empowerment. Brooks acknowledges these efforts but notes their limited impact, suggesting a gap between progressive ideals and their practical implementation. However, she finds hope in the actions of devout Iranian women who, within the boundaries of their religious adherence, advocate for change and women’s rights.

Brooks’s narrative is not just an exposition of the challenges faced by women in Islamic societies but also a critique of the Western perspective on these issues. She questions the commitment of the global community to defending the rights of the oppressed and challenges the notion of cultural relativism when it serves to justify oppressive practices. Brooks is not merely an observer but actively engages with the discourse, advocating for the universality of human rights. She positions herself against the backdrop of a broader debate that pits the Western notion of universal human rights against cultural relativism, which posits that the conception of rights and freedoms is culturally dependent.

The crux of the argument presented by Brooks is the tension between respecting cultural differences and upholding a universal standard for human rights. She is critical of the stance taken by certain countries at the Geneva conference on the International Declaration of Human Rights in 1993, interpreting their advocacy for cultural specificity in human rights as a guise for justifying oppressive practices. Brooks’s use of the term “fashionable dress such as cultural relativism” (224) indicates her skepticism towards arguments that use cultural differences to shield practices that violate fundamental human rights.

Brooks’s stance in this argument is clear: She firmly aligns with the notion of universal human rights. She views the argument of cultural relativism as potentially dangerous when it is used to defend practices that are inherently oppressive, such as genital mutilation or enforced seclusion. The rhetorical question she raises about reversing the gender to highlight the gravity of genital mutilation is a tool she uses to emphasize the urgency and the need for a universal stance against such practices, regardless of cultural norms. She is advocating for a critical examination of cultural practices that infringe on individual freedoms and dignity, especially when these practices are defended under the banner of cultural or religious norms.

In tying together the themes of the conclusion with the rest of the book, Brooks underscores the importance of understanding and respecting cultural nuances while advocating for fundamental human rights. She positions herself as an advocate for change, driven by a belief in universal human rights but informed by an understanding of the cultural and religious contexts within which these rights must be realized. The conclusion of Nine Parts of Desire is a call to action to engage in the global discourse on culture, religion, and human rights.