Doing Islam, Being Muslim

Muslim women in New Zealand form an ethnic and religious minority. Research related to the physical activity levels of these women and their health status is sparse, particularly in the New Zealand context. International literature shows Muslim women are at risk of various diseases related to inactivity. Islam is perceived by many Muslims as a way of life that influences almost all aspects of their lives. Particular understandings of Islam and women's roles within Islam influence the norms and expectations about health beliefs and physical activity. This book explores the role religion plays in shaping the physical activity of Muslim women in New Zealand. Using a post-positive narrative approach, this study explores some New Zealand Muslim women's narratives regarding engagement in physical activity and how their identification as Muslim women influences their engagement.

Autorentext

Nargis is passionate about health and exercise. She was a long-distance runner and has been practising Shotokan karate for several years with her son and two daughters. She advocates Islamic feminism as a means of political, economic, social and physical emancipation for women and challenges popular stereotypes of the role of women in Islam.