About Alexandra Katarzyna Jerome Expertise I can answer questions on women, gender, veiling, contemporary Arabic literature, Islamic Feminism and women's movements. I can also answer questions about Islam in Iran, Afghanistan, and the United States.
Experience Currently I am a PhD Candidate in American Studies/American Islam at the College of William & Mary and serve on the Scholars Board of the American Islamic Fellowship. Prior to that, I was a lecturer in Religion and Languages at York College teaching Arabic, Islam, and World Religions. In Fall 2005, I interned for the Department of Women's Affairs and the Ambassador's Office at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C.
I have lectured to both faculty and community organizations on "Women in Islam" (including belief, practice, and textiles) and on "Islam in America."
My educational background is broadly in Islam and Gender, Literature, and American Islam.
Organizations Association for Middle Eastern Women's Studies
American Academy of Religion
Middle East Studies Association of North America
American Islamic Fellowship
International Campaign Against Honour Killings
Women Against Crimes of Honour
Publications Arabesques (Article on Assia Djebar and Algerian Literature)
Encyclopedia of Women in Islamic Cultures (Encyclopedia Article on Afghan Women's Poetry)
Journal of Middle East Women's Studies (Book Review)
Bulletin, Middle East Studies Association (Book Review)
Journal of Arab Media and Society (Book Review)
Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (Book Review)
Education/Credentials B.A. Middle Eastern Studies (specializing in Gender) and Spanish (Dickinson College)
Study Abroad: Universidad de Granada and the American University in Cairo (2001-02)
M.A. Islamic Societies and Cultures (University of London)
M.A. Gender and Identity in the Middle East (University of Exeter)
Ph.D. Candidate, American Studies/American Islam, Department of American Studies (The College of William & Mary)
Awards and Honors Master's Degree, Summa Cum Laude/Distinction (University of Exeter)
Master's Thesis with Distinction (University of Exeter)
Master's Thesis with Merit (University of London)
Service Award (Embassy of Afghanistan)
Question Asslam-o-Alaikum, i wld like to know how shd a female perform sajda in a prayer? is there a difference between sajda of men n women. cus it is said tht women shd bend with their chest touching the thighs not imitate men.
Answer Asalaam Alaikum,
Here is a list of the differences between salaah for men and women written-up by Jamiatul Ulama in South Africa. I think it will be most helpful in answering your question.
Difference Between the salâh of Males and Females
1. In the light of these citations the following differences have been noted between the salâh of a male and that of a female as outlined in authoritative sources of Islamic Jurisprudence.
2. During the Takbîr-e-Tahrima she should merely lift her hands up to the chest and not up to the ears. (Kanz)
3. The hands should thereafter be placed on the chest and not below the navel as in the case of a male. (As-Si'âyah)
4. A female should merely place her right hand upon the left hand in the above posture which is not in the case of males. (Shâmi)
5. The ruku of a female will merely entail lowering her back to the extent that she is able to place her hands on her knees without her bending (as in the case of males) so much that her back, buttocks and forehead all come in one line. This (bending so that her back, buttocks and forehead all come in one line) is not necessary for her as it will entail greater exposure of the external features of her body which is not warranted from a female. (Âlamghiri)
6. A female will keep her fingers close together while placed on the knees in ruku and not spread them out. (Âlamghiri)
7. Her elbows and forearms will also be kept close to her sides in ruku contrary to that in the case of a male. (Âlamghiri)
8. In sajdah as well a female should keep her stomach close to her thighs with her hands also clasped closely to her sides which is not the case in males. (Âlamghiri)
9. A female should also keep her lower arm including the elbows spread on the ground while in sajdah and not lifted as is in the case of males.
10. Also in sajdah a female is not compelled to keep her feet upright with her toes facing the qiblah, instead she should keep them flat on the ground and clasped together.
11. The sitting posture of a female will be such that she will extend both her feet towards the right in such a way that her buttocks will be kept on the floor.
