Rasheed (ATSS 2)

Mariam has just gone to live with Rasheed, the shoemaker, in Kabul. Fortunately for Jalil, Kabul is 250 km from Heart, so he won’t have to be reminded the shame of his illegitimate daughter. After the first viewing of Rasheed’s “sly cheeriness” and his “watery, bloodshot eyes” (49), Mariam rightfully doubts any positive outcomes of this marriage. Rasheed is a controlling, and a religious man.
Rasheed is always in control of his possessions, especially his women. Rasheed explains to Mariam, “Where I come from, a woman’s face is her husband’s business only. I want you to remember that (63).” He rarely lets Mariam leave the house alone. Rasheed also forces Mariam to obey him in the house. Rasheed orders Mariam to cook when he is hungry, and when he is unhappy with his rice he forces Mariam to eat rocks.
Not only is Rasheed controlling, but he is religious as well. Rasheed is a Muslim who abides by its laws. When Mariam first arrive at Rasheed’s home, he explains his disdain for men who are more lenient with their wives, “They think nothing of strangers touching their wives bare feet!... They don’t see that they’re spoiling their own nang and namoos, their honor and pride (63).” The idea that women should lives should be spent in the household with their husbands often reoccurs in the Qu’ran. To help hide his wife from society, Rasheed forces Mariam to wear a burqa outside their home. Also Rasheed strong religious devotion is shown in the way he prays to Allah five times a day. Although Rasheed’s controlling ways may not make him seem like the ideal husband, he does provide Mariam with shelter and food which is all some women wanted during this time of raging war.