Sheika & Rafah did have courage, only they threw it all into religion. I think that was simpler for them than fighting for their rights as human beings. Piety gave them the illusion they had power. I think they believed that if they were very strictly religious, then the men, like the other women, would respect that, and it seemed to work. I’m sure their fierce piety was a matter of personal conviction, but it was also a necessary tactic for them, I think. When you live as a complete dependent, you have to learn how to influence your master: there may be no other way you can survive.

Taken from The Veiled Kingdom by Carmen Bin Ladin