Veiling Esther, Unveiling Her Story
Book Description
This scholarly exploration reveals how the biblical story of Esther traveled across religious and cultural boundaries, finding new life and meaning within Islamic traditions spanning centuries. Adam J. Silverstein traces the fascinating journey of this ancient narrative as it was interpreted, retold, and reimagined by Muslim writers, historians, and thinkers from diverse periods and regions.
Through carefully selected case studies, the book examines how the Esther story appears in sources ranging from the Qur'an to medieval chronicles, from literary works to modern encyclopedias. Readers discover how a nineteenth-century Shia feminist approached the tale, and how various Muslim authors brought their own cultural perspectives to bear on this timeless narrative of courage and survival.
What emerges is a rich tapestry of interpretation that illuminates both the enduring power of the Esther story and the diverse cultures that embraced it. Silverstein demonstrates how Muslim sources preserved ancient materials about Esther that disappeared elsewhere, offering fresh insights into longstanding mysteries within the narrative. The book reveals how Persian Muslims and Jews navigated the complex terrain between their religious beliefs and cultural heritage when encountering this story.
For readers interested in how sacred narratives transcend boundaries and evolve across traditions, this work offers a unique window into the dynamic relationship between text, culture, and meaning. It shows how stories of faith and resilience speak across centuries and civilizations.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 224 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., o. t. historical books
- ✓ Explore Bible
- ✓ Explore Midrash rabbah
- ✓ Explore Art appreciation
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Islamic interpretations
- ✓ Explore Esther, queen of persia
