Unseen and unheard: the silent suffering of women in sacred contexts

Mohd Ali, Fauzah Rahimah (2025) Unseen and unheard: the silent suffering of women in sacred contexts. Australian Feminist Studies, 40 (126). pp. 473-484. ISSN 0816-4649 E-ISSN 1465-3303

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Abstract

This case study examines the psychological and socio-cultural dimensions of polygamous marriage through the lived experiences of Sarah,1 a professional woman who became a second wife. It explores the intersection of Malay cultural norms, religious interpretations, and narcissistic abuse within a polygamous marital structure. The case highlights how deeply ingrained gender expectations and religious justifications contribute to the normalisation of coercive control, financial manipulation, and emotional neglect. Despite the Islamic emphasis on justice and fairness in polygamy, the misapplication of these principles allowed for systemic abuse, leaving Sarah in a state of psychological distress, self-harm, and emotional exhaustion. Her experience demonstrates how polygamy, when practiced without ethical considerations, exacerbates power imbalances and emotional suffering among wives. This study underscores the urgent need for cultural and legal reforms to ensure women’s rights are protected, as well as increased awareness of psychological abuse in polygamous marriages. The findings emphasise the importance of education, community support, and policy interventions in addressing gender-based violence and mental health consequences in such relationships.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	polygamy, narcissism, psychological distress, culture, religion, gender
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP174 The Practice of Islam > BP175 Psychology of Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry Kulliyyah of Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr Fauzah Rahimah Mohd Ali
Date Deposited:	03 Dec 2025 11:27
Last Modified:	03 Dec 2025 11:27
Queue Number:	2025-11-Q325
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/124875

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