Research Article: Muhr and Mawhibah

Muhr and Mawhibah: A Multicultural Perspective on Women's Gifts

AUTHOR:	Fatma Anwer Al-Lawati; Scott L. Hunsaker
TITLE:	Muhr and Mawhibah: A Multicultural Perspective on Women's Gifts
SOURCE:	Roeper Review 25 no1 22-6 Fall 2002

ABSTRACT
The development of a person's gifts is influenced by multiple factors--including culture. In this paper, we explore implications for the development of gifts of women from a nonmainstream culture in the United States by sharing the personal experiences of gifted Islamic women. Based on five women's personal experiences, five key aspects for the development of gifts were revealed; (a) a sense of social motivation, (b) a sense of spiritual motivation, (c) a focus for change, (d) a role for study and learning, and (e) barriers to change. The first three categories were clearly articulated by each participant. The remaining two categories were suggested from the data of a majority of the participants, but not by all. In negotiating the five aspects listed, these women identified needs within their communities and used their gifts to address the needs--exercising their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities as Muslim women.