Palace Walk Muslim Analysis

The Muslim faith has a set of strict laws that dictate the day to day lives of Islamic people. Moreover, these laws dictate the interactions between family members. Palace Walk shows the interactions between al-Sayyid and his Islam practicing family. These interactions exemplify the Islamic beliefs of each individual family member. In this paper I will analyze how al-Sayyid and his wife Amina interpret the Quran and use it’s teachings in their everyday lives. First let’s analyze al-Sayyid Ahmad. He exemplifies a chauvinistic, controlling, domineering, and hypocritical male patriarch. As such, he physically and emotionally batters his Muslim family and expects unconditional and complete respect. His views towards men and their role in society …show more content…
He uses the Quran to manipulate his children. After joining the revolution, Fahmy argues with his father about faith and struggle. Al-Sayyid dislikes his son partaking in the revolution as it brings dishonor to his family. To set his son straight, al-Sayyid quotes the Quran 9:20. It says, “The ones who have believed, emigrated and strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. And it is those who are attainers [of success]” (Quran 9:20). He wants Fahmy to quit the revolution and restore honor to his family name. As such, he tries to convince Fahmy that the revolution is not a struggle for God but for man. Overall, this part of the novel gives off the impression that al-Sayyid believes that Islamic teachings are optional. He can pick and choose the practices that fit his lifestyle and personal entertainment. He believes that his good deeds more than make up for his mistakes. Moreover, al-Sayyid believes that Allah’s love and forgiving nature will redeem al-Sayyid of all his mistakes. He can be characterized as a hypocrite. His interpretation of Islamic views on women show his hypocritical