'I thoroughly enjoyed each story, learning how these very different women acquired and maintained their power and authority, and what their gender brought to their challenges and opportunities … For those interested in the relationship between religion and politics, and the nature of gender and authority in the modern world, this book is a great place to start! …fascinating and timely …' Diane C. Perlov, California Science Center
Introduction. Games of succession: patriarchy, power, gender; Part I. Sacred Sources of Authority: The Quran and the Hadith: 1. Queen of Sheba and the mighty throne; 2. Aisha Bint Abu Bakr: battle of the camel, battle for succession; Part II. Medieval Queens: Dynasty and Descent: 3. Sayyida Hurra Queen Arwa of Yemen: 'the little Queen of Sheba'; 4. Razia Sultan of India: 'Queen of the world Bilqis-I Jihan'; Part III. Contemporary Queens: Institutionalization of Succession and Leadership: 5. Benazir Bhutto: a queen 'without parallel'; 6. Megawati Sukarnoputri: 'Limbuk becomes Queen'; Conclusion. Patriarchal paradox?