Missions Resources - Bibliography
Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims: A Christian woman in a Muslim land
Authors: Christine A. Mallouhi
ISBN: 0825460514
Publisher: Monarch Books
Number of pages: 192
Type of cover: Soft Cover
Summary:
“Whoever enters the woods sings the songs of the birds.” This Arab version of “when in Rome” is the basis of Christine A. Mallouhi’s book Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims: A Christian woman in a Muslim land.
As the Australian wife of an Arab Christian, Mallouhi offers instruction on the Muslim culture from the perspectives of a Westerner, a Christian, and a missionary learning to fit in. Using her own humbling stories of learning experience, Mallouhi offers insightful lessons on key codes of the culture found in categories ranging from hospitality to women’s dress.
Sexual appeal, Mallouhi offers, is something many Westerners fail to consider as varying from culture to culture. In Muslim culture, even a woman’s bare wrist can be considered a turn-on. This explains the full veiling system that the Muslim women use.
Mallouhi does not just list the dos and don’ts of Muslim culture, however. She also offers an insider’s look at the reasoning behind such practices. In the example of women’s dress, the author explains that followers of Islam respect their women and choose to honor them by dressing them in clothing that will protect them from being objectified. In fact, the stricter, male chauvinistic view of the Taliban is something most Muslims are against. Mallouhi verifies this with a history of respectable women leaders in Muslim cultures.
Contrary to popular Western thought, many of the Muslim customs are not practices to be pitied, but rather honorable actions to be admired and, when in the culture, adopted. From a Muslim’s point of view, outward appearance is a statement of faith. This rule extends to the home as well, where the floors are washed twice a day, and fancy furniture and chandeliers have priority over a functioning plumbing system.
Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims changes our attitude toward Muslims and their practices. While the author does not ignore the seemingly barbaric and domineering practices like putting unfaithful family members to death, she explains that such practices are also based on highly valued honor. She also points out the morals of Christianity and Islam that are more integrated than many are led to believe. The history of veiling, she reveals, is actually rooted in Christianity, as it was originally considered a form of modest dress for Christian women in the first century.
Mallouhi’s book is a healthy challenge to its readers to measure faith like the Muslims by even the smallest actions: “We make a statement of our spiritual aspirations, or lack of them, by simply walking down the street.” That statement for Christians in the Middle East, Mallouhi clarifies, should be an obvious difference from the Western stereotype of immorality that Arab cultures are fed.
This easy and enlightening read serves as a practical reminder for missionaries to first become students before they attempt to disciple in a new culture. Mallouhi proves that in order for Muslims to be reached, we must first learn their system of honor and abide by it out of respect; it is only within the culture’s respective boundaries that we can effectively share the gospel.
by Shannon Whiting
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