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Religion

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Remonstrance by the Parlement against the Denial of Sacraments in Orléans

In 1713, the Pope had issued a bull entitled Unigenitus, condemning as heretical 101 beliefs held by some French Catholic priests who were known as "Jansenists." To Jansenists, this bull, or "constitution," was the religious equivalent of absolutism—an order from on high that quashed all oppositi

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Islamic Empire: Official Document, Jewish Marriage Contract

Within the context of patriarchal societies, women are dependent upon their male relatives to look out for their best interests.

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Islamic Empire: Poem, Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya

In these poetic lines by Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya, one of the most important founders of the mystical element of Islam, known as Sufism, we see an essential element of Sufi thought, the creation of which is often attributed to her: the ideal of divine love.

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Islamic Empire: Miracle Story, Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya

Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya from Basra was one of the most important founders of the mystical element of Islam, known as Sufism. The stories about her life and teachings illustrate a woman free from many of the traditional constraints placed on women’s lives.

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Islamic Empire: Poem, Abbasid-era

The Abbasid period is known as a time during which women’s public roles became more restricted in the Muslim population (umma).

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Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Mosque Customs and Public Behavior

The Hadith, or ways of the Prophet Muhammad, were collected upon his death from those who were close to him in life. Known as the Companions, these people played a key role in filling in the sayings and practices of Muhammad and his behaviors, recording them for future generations.

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Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Marriage Customs

The Hadith, or ways of the Prophet Muhammad, were collected upon his death from those who were close to him in life. Known as the Companions, these people played a key role in filling in the sayings and practices of Muhammad and his behaviors, recording them for future generations.

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Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Confederation Sura

This Sura (or chapter) of the Qur’an, known as al-Ahzab, or the “Confederation,” is known for its many verses extolling modesty in women, as well as detailing aspects of ideal marriage.

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Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Women Sura

This Sura (or chapter) of the Qur’an, known as al-Nisa’, or “Women,” details a variety of legal rights and restrictions for Muslims in the realm of marriage, inheritance, and other male-female relationships.

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Bhakti Poets: Poem, Bahinabai 2

Bhakti poets—who were in some cases lower-caste Hindu women—and their audiences drew emotional sustenance from these verses, which expressed a pure devotion to Hindu deities.