"This book is a study of the manner in which women are portrayed in the Qurʼan and in Shiʻi traditions. It is a comprehensive study of all the female characters mentionedin the Qurʼan, and is selective in the personalities of the Sunna to the three most prominent women of Ahl al-Bayt, Khadija, Fatima, and Zaynab"--

"This book investigates the manner in which the Qurʼan and sunna depict female personalities in their narrative literature. Providing a comprehensive study of all the female personalities mentioned in the Qurʼan, the book is selective in the personalities of the sunna, examining the three prominent women of Ahl al-Bayt; Khadija, Fatima, and Zaynab. Analysing the major sources of Imami Shiʻi Islam, including the exegetical compilations of the eminent Shiʻi religious authorities of the classical and modern periods, as well as the authoritative books of Shiʻi traditions, this book finds that the varieties of female personalities are portrayed as human beings on different stages of the spiritual spectrum. They display feminine qualities, which are often viewed positively and are sometimes commendable traits for men, at least as far as the spiritual domain is concerned. The theory, particularly regarding women's humanity, is then tested against the depiction of womanhood in the hadith literature, with special emphasis on Nahj al-Balagha. Contributing a fresh perspective on classical materials, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of Islamic Studies, Women's Studies and Shiʻi Studies"--