# XXXVII explained — Veiled Women

> Chapter companion for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Barakah returns to the harem after her flight, grieving the loss of her son and struggling with her faith and identity. She is comforted by the women, particularly Murjânah, who urges her to surrender her will to God. Barakah contemplates seeking help from the English to return to Christianity and suggests Yûsuf take another wife.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Conversion

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

### Motherhood and Legacy

Barakah's identity and sense of value are shattered by the death of her son; she feels her life is senseless without him.

### Female Friendship and Solidarity

The harem women, including Murjânah, Fitnah, Leylah, and Umm ed-Dahak, rally to comfort Barakah despite her attempted flight.

## Character check-ins

### Barakah

Grieves her son, feels trapped in harem life, longs for Christianity, and suggests Yûsuf marry another wife.

### Yûsuf Bey

Shows kindness to Barakah, considers taking office under the English, and is relieved by her suggestion of another wife.

### Murjânah Khânum

Comforts Barakah, advises resignation to God's will, and hosts her in her rooms.

### Ghandûr

Escorts Barakah back, recounts the family's anxiety during her flight, and offers religious consolation.

### Fitnah Khânum

Doses Barakah with medicine as part of her care.

### Umm ed-Dahak

Crouches by Barakah's bed and croons to her like an infant.

## Key lines

> I am feeble and afraid.

Barakah admits her weakness and fear to Murjânah.

_Barakah confesses her emotional state after losing her son._

> Give up thy will. That is to islam truly. May Allah grant thee resignation, which is strength.

Murjânah advises Barakah to surrender her will to God, equating true Islam with resignation.

_Murjânah's final advice encapsulates the theme of submission._

> I have quite outgrown my foolish prejudice. I beg thee now to wed another wife.

Barakah tells Yûsuf she no longer objects to polygamy and encourages him to marry again.

_Barakah's suggestion reflects her despair and desire to secure Yûsuf's happiness._

## Links

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