7. Discuss the theme of fate vs. personal determination that runs through the novel

[Jen]

Often, the characters will refer to the "work of God" or view their fortunes as being "in God's hands." Discuss the theme of fate vs. personal determination that runs throughout the novel. How do religious beliefs protect and hinder characters in the novel? What is the role of Islam in this novel?

[Judith]

Certainly characters make decisions in this novel, but there is an overriding theme of fatalism as well. Most of the characters do believe their lives are in God's hands, but only some of them strive for more than what they were merely "born to be." If they fail in these efforts however, the overall religious fatalism and belief in a better afterlife assuages them.

I believe this sort of religious fatalism stunts the characters' ambitions and endeavors. Most believe it is better to accept their fate and be thankful for nothing worse because only God can understand His plan as, for example, why one person is rich and another poor.

Of course, Hamida, who has no religious beliefs and plenty of ambition, is an exception in this case.

[Pip]

The Islamic religion pervades the novel and affects all the characters one way or another. Radwan Hussainy is a devout Muslim, known for his piety, despite losing all his children. Being religious does not stop him from beating his wife, however, as an outlet for his frustrations. Sheikh Darwish likes to quote the Koran as well as secular poetry and is fond of giving advice. Reciting the Koran gives comfort to Umm Hamida, and guides her in her role as matchmaker, especially for her own circumstances. Mrs. Saniya Afify is a self-sufficient woman who only wants a husband for companionship, but she realises she will have to compromise her independence if she does marry. So each character practises Islam, but balances religious obedience with individual needs. To say, that is God's will seems , in this novel, to be a reminder of the omnipotence of God, while underneath each character strives for individual autonomy.

[Eadie]

Examples of fate:
Salim Alwan become ill even though he was seen as the healthiest, richest man in the alley.
Hussain Kirsha left the alley without the hope of ever returning, but once he left he returned.
Her turning of her back on Abbas did not come out of the blue, as her mother thought. True, she'd once believed that her destiny and his were linked forever.

Examples of personal determination:
Hamida decision to leave Midaq Alley
Hussain Kirsha decision to leave Midaq Alley
Abbas decision to leave Midaq Alley

Examples of Islam in the novel:
holy book is called the "Qur'an"
second largest religion in the world
believe there is only one God (Allah), but many prophets (Jesus, Muhammad)
Five Basic Pillars of Islam
Shahadah: reciting the Muslim profession of faith
Salat: praying five times each day
Zakat: giving to charity
Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan
Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

[[deleted user]]

agree with you all

[Kristel]

I actually appreciate the "faith" and acknowledgement of God in a person's life. I also agree that characters were also unable or unwilling to accept their own responsibility for their situations.

[Gina]

I agree with Eadie. The ones who stand out are Salim Alwan, whose riches and overall health still coldn't stop his heart attack. Abbas tried to improve himself so he could marry Hamida, only to come back and find out she has been missing for two months, then loses his life when he finds her. Hussein Kirsha was the one who told Abbas about the military jobs, but he ends up being laid off first and having to come back to the one place he never wanted to live in again.

[Wolf]

What I was struck by is the love of all God's creation that repeatedly shines all through the novel. I hadn't really seen this as an integral part of Islam before. I really like that. Well, I would like it even more, if there was not also the concept of seduction by the devil that they chose to apply to unbelievers and homosexuality and Hamida's "sinful" behaviour. Maybe that, more than God's will, is an obstacle to assuming responsibility for your own actions?