In this area, motherhood is at the very center of female identity, activity, and construction. “Paradise lies at the foot of the mother,” a ḥadīth states. Motherhood brought status to females, and acceptance from parents-in-law. Newly married women were expected to have children as soon as possible. With the birth of her first child, especially if it was a son, a bride began her ascent from the lower end of family position. Her position generally continued to improve with the birth and growing up of more children. Moth…