A Sojourn into the Afghani Customs and Beliefs through the Lens of Religiosity in Nadiya Hashimi’s ‘The Pearl That Broke its Shell’

Abstract

Afghanistan, an Islamic country, has always been counted as the most barbaric abode for women. As per the news that has been taking round, the life of these women is filled with battles, restrictions and social discriminations. They are compelled to accept everything in the name of religion and are even denied from receiving the fundamental rights. The Afghan society is overpowered by men who call themselves religious and yet refuse to follow the guidelines mentioned in the holy text. Religion is a way of life which chalks down certain norms and demarcations for men as well as women, to abide by those, in order to have a tangle free peaceful society for every individual to thrive in. The holy Quran clearly mentions equality for women. The Lord says: “I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you are equal to one another.” (Qur’an, 3: 195). The Government of the state has imposed certain laws which brutally restrict its women from enjoying certain liberties. Demolition of their fundamental rights has not only made them weak, marginalized and subjugated but also left them bereft of their basic right to live like a human being. Under decades of war, the Taliban regime has been yielding the most oppressive lives for Afghan women. The very common Purdah custom, escorting of men, forced polygamy and gender segregation has become the staunch and hardcore rules for these women. The present study brings to the fore the many times pictured tumultuous predicament of women in Afghan society and puts it to examine how despite the age old ragged customs and rigid norms that has wreaked havoc on their status; these iron willed women have put up a brave face to fight against the injustices and restrictions piled on them by the radicalized men and striven to rise out of the debris. Nadiya Hashimi’s ‘The Pearl That Broke Its Shell’ not only defines a woman's place in the face of violence but also highlights the resolution of this subjugated sect to liberate them from the tightened fist.