A thematic study on Bint al-Huda’s in Search of Truth Through a New Historicist Lens

Abstract

     Using thematic framing and New Historicism theory, this paper studies Bint al-Huda's novel " In Search of Truth" and its intersection with religious and political struggles in Iraq in the 1970s. It uses Islamic reformist discourse to critique Baathist secularism and portrays resistance as a spiritual necessity while embracing sectarian and ethnic diversity. The novel revolves around a Muslim young man who falls in love with a Christian young woman who reciprocates his feelings. After their decision to marry, Sara chooses to convert to Islam, and they are to consult a clergyman who insists on explaining the teachings of Islam to her, believing that not providing her with this information before her conversion would be a betrayal of trust. The novel celebrates the concept of piety between genders, with women as moral arbiters, while confining their authority to the religious sphere. Stylistically, the novel employs religious elements and relies on didactic symbolism and Quranic intertextuality. Bint al-Huda recognizes the harmful conditions in Iraqi society and dedicated her life to opposing the corrupt environment around her, emphasizing the importance of authentic values, human concerns, and religion, highlighting its great principles and teachings. Bint al-Huda has left an eternal legacy in history and inspired many Muslim women even if they were not aware of the power of her influence. " In Search of Truth" is characterized as a foundational and interesting work that is considered resistance literature that has had a lasting impact on religion, authoritarianism, and women.