'This work takes a serious look into the status of the 'Ulama in contemporary Egypt through examining their relationship with the State and their influential role within Egyptian society as it affects the status of Egyptian women which Elgousi investigates from the early beginnings of the Egyptian Feminist Movement to the emergence of Islamic feminism. The book tactfully examines the Egyptian Constitution and its relation to the Egyptian family law along with analyzing the role played by the Azhar 'Ulama in shaping them. This analysis is consolidated with data collected from Cairo and Qena Governorates which centers on the relationship between Muslim women's rights in Egypt and the influential role played by the Azhar 'Ulama.' - Zahia Smail Salhi, Professor of Modern Arabic Studies, University of Manchester; 'This book provides a thorough multidisciplinary introduction to the various religious, cultural, historical, political, economic and social factors that affect the status and implementation of women's rights in authoritarian contexts such as Egypt and the broader Middle East. This book would be ideal for undergraduate courses in various disciplines that introduce students to issues of gender and women's rights in the Middle East.' - Helen Rizzo, Associate Professor of Sociology, The American University in Cairo