Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures

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Motherhood: Arab States
(1,158 words)

Mother ( umm ) and motherhood ( umūma ) are highly celebrated in Arab proverbs, poetry, folk-songs, fairy tales, and religious texts. These highlight the central role of the mother in raising children, managing the household, and producing and reproducing families, communities, and nations. They also highlight how mothers are to be loved, honored, and respected by their children. While rarely explored in any explicit way, various studies indicate some interesting variations based on age, gender, and soc…

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Ghannam, Farha, “Motherhood: Arab States”, in: Encyclopedia of Women & Islamic Cultures, General Editor Suad Joseph. Consulted online on 27 September 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1872-5309_ewic_EWICCOM_0119a>
First published online: 2009



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