Religion and Conversion

Where it surfaces

• I

  The English governess's conversion to Islam ("islamed") is a central plot point, sparking reactions of amazement and skepticism among the women.

• II

  The governess's conversion to Islam is a central plot point, causing tension between the Pasha and the Consul.

• IV

  Barakah's willingness to convert to Islam and her rejection of English pietism underscore the theme of religious change and its social implications.

• XI

  Barakah studies Islam under Yûsuf, learning prayers and rules, and is fascinated by the faith's tolerance of human failings.

• XXVI

  Murjânah explicitly links Barakah's parenting failures to her lack of genuine faith, suggesting she has not truly embraced Islam.

• XXIX

  The women frame political events in religious terms, viewing Arâbi as a defender of Islam and the English as infidels threatening Muslim rule.

• XXXIII

  Barakah sees her son's death as divine punishment for her sinful life and plans to enter a religious order to pray for Muslims.

• XXXV

  Barakah's prayer oscillates between Christian and Muslim forms, reflecting her tangled religious identity and desperation.

• XXXVI

  Barakah experiences a moment of spiritual unity, feeling that 'there was one God for Christian and for Muslim,' transcending religious divisions.

• XXXVII

  Barakah secretly dreads Islam and longs to return to Christianity, contemplating seeking an audience with English rulers to announce her conversion.

• XXXVIII

  Barakah's secret plan to convert to Christianity drives the chapter's plot, emphasizing the personal and societal stakes of religious change.

• XXXIX

  Barakah's struggle between Christianity and Islam culminates in her acceptance of Islam, finding peace in self-annihilation and the teachings of the Prophet.