"Journey to Self-Actualization”: Al-Ghazali's Lens on Women's Metamorphosis in The Forty Rules of Love Novel

• Main Author: Sahar, Rafidah
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Kulliyah of Languages and Management Press 2023
• Subjects: PE English; PR English literature
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/109295/1/ICLET2023-E-Proceedings.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/109295/; https://conference.iium.edu.my/iclet2023/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ICLET2023-E-Proceedings_v5_16112023_compressed.pdf

This paper explores the subject of love in literature and its transformative effects on female characters, particularly in Middle Eastern literature. A qualitative study was conducted on the work of renowned feminist author Elif Shafak, who addresses the issue of love and transformation in her novel "The Forty Rules of Love." Shafak’s works have successfully revitalized Middle Eastern literature by challenging stereotypes about women in the region. Instead of depicting them as subalterns or overshadowed by male-dominated tropes, Shafak empowers female protagonists, highlighting their voices and experiences. Hence, drawing on Al-Ghazali's concept of Tazkiyah al-Nafs or Purification of The Soul, a thematic analysis was conducted to explore the experiences of three female protagonists and identify how the concept of love serves a purpose in amplifying their voices and celebrating their spiritual growth. Findings suggest that divine love, tasawwuf, and Sufi teachings play a significant role in enhancing both the spiritual and physical well-being of Shafak’s female protagonists. This paper concludes that contemporary novels such as Shafak’s are breaking away from traditional male-centric narratives and increasingly portraying heroic women as empowered and proactive figures. This shift in the literary representation of women highlights the importance of diverse and empowering storytelling, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and progressive literary landscape. This study hopes to contribute to the understanding of the transformative power of love and its importance in achieving self-actualization and spiritual well-being for individuals, particularly women, in contemporary Society.