No Sex In The City and Postfeminist Discursivity from Arab Diaspora

Abstract

The novel No Sex in the City by Randa Abdel-Fattah juxtaposes Islamic progressive and Western secular viewpoints on dating culture, relationships, sex, and marriage. The patterns of halal1dates are described in a light-hearted, yet meaningful tone. These are religio-culturally appropriate ways of approaching prospective life partners, where the agency of final decision, in most cases, is with the participants. Instead of being defensive or apologetic about Islamic traditions and values, Abdel-Fattah vocalizes them in a rational way through the lead lady, Esma. The protagonist, Esma, is an Australian Muslim with Turkish roots. Muslim diaspora in the West is in the middle of the continuum from liberalism to conservatism. Despite living in a non-Islamic culture, followers of Islamic ideology are connected through a shared culture driven by Islam. Faith-based practices are beyond any geographical bindings. So, for Muslims, wherever they may live, there are similarities in the way they conduct their lives. In fact, the blurring of boundaries between religious and cultural is minimal in diaspora Muslim communities. Abdel-Fattah has delicately balanced secular and religious in this work where freedom and right to exercise choice wins at the end. Pleasantly, these women possess sensual sensitivities and affectionate desires, but Saudi/Islamic sensibilities obligate them to tie the marriage knot before pursuing any physical pursuits. This in no way incapacitates them from loving men, but rather appropriates the meaning of love in an Islamic framework. The diversity of situations and respective choices made by these girls during the novel also allude to the socio-cultural dynamics, patterns, and matrimonial preferences of Saudi women.