Does the historical practice of veiling in Islam originate from divine mandate or from the political and social power dynamics of the early male elite? Fatima Mernissi, a prominent Moroccan sociologist and feminist scholar, utilizes her expertise in Islamic history and sociology to re-examine the foundational texts of the faith. She argues that the interpretation of women's roles was heavily influenced by the patriarchal interests of the Prophet Muhammad's contemporaries, rather than being an inherent or immutable aspect of the religion itself.

Scholars and readers frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of gender and Islamic history. Experts highlight the author's rigorous methodology in challenging traditional interpretations of religious scripture.