# XXII explained — Veiled Women

> Chapter companion for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Barakah joins the women of the household on a pilgrimage to the cemeteries during the Bairam and Ragab observances. In the mausoleum, she encounters Umm ed-Dahak, the old woman who once lured her from Muhammad Pasha's house. Umm ed-Dahak offers her patronage and companionship, and Barakah feels a new sense of relief and sympathy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Superstition and Tradition

The cemetery visit, the hiring of mourners, and the distribution of alms illustrate deep-rooted traditions and superstitious practices surrounding death.

### Female Friendship and Solidarity

Barakah finds comfort in Umm ed-Dahak's humor and understanding, highlighting a bond that transcends cultural barriers.

### Cultural Clash and Identity

Barakah, as an Englishwoman, experiences the foreign customs of mourning and is both unsettled and drawn to the old woman's familiarity.

## Character check-ins

### Barakah

Participates in the cemetery visit, feels a new connection with Umm ed-Dahak.

### Umm ed-Dahak

Reappears after the earlier incident, offers her services and companionship to Barakah.

### Fitnah Khânum

Hosts the women at the mausoleum and later recommends Umm ed-Dahak to Barakah.

### Murjânah Khânum

Mourns her children in the cemetery, performs devotions.

### Na’imah

Explains the gravedigger's family to Barakah and praises Umm ed-Dahak.

### Leylah Khânum

Accompanies the group and rebukes Na’imah for loud conversation in the tomb.

## Key lines

> The spectacle of graves should rather cheer the living. Give praise to God that thou art still alive; enjoy existence!

Seeing graves ought to make the living happy. Thank God you are still alive; enjoy life!

_Umm ed-Dahak tries to lift Barakah's spirits with a philosophical view on death._

> It is thus we subtle ones beguile the world—the great strong simpleton!—never opposing, lest he knock us down.

This is how we clever women deceive the world—the big strong fool—by never resisting, so he doesn't hurt us.

_Umm ed-Dahak shares a cynical strategy for managing men in a patriarchal society._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters