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This thesis explores the different methods of gender segregation in both the home and public realm in Kuwait. The main forms of segregation exists both physically, in the form of a wall barrier, and mentally, in the way people are raised in Middle Eastern traditional and cultural norms. The goal of this thesis is to analyze the living patterns in terms of age, clan, and gender and to create a new design method for a home where it incorporates old traditional Middle Eastern home architectural styles. The new design method enhances the living environment, increases access to outdoor spaces, and improves living conditions of the servants living and working in the home.

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No description available.

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No description available.

This thesis investigates the relationship between third/ninth century Muslim rhetorical exegesis of the Qur'an and the emergence of a stylistically based demonstration of the Qur'an's miraculous inimitability (i'jaz al-qur'an) in the fourth/tenth century. After first introducing the problem to be discussed, it examines relevant aspects of four interrelated disciplines: tafsir, i'jaz al-qur'an, Arabic literary theory and criticism, as well as Arabic grammar. Then the thesis explores the specific understanding of brevity according to the third/ninth century literary critic and exegete, Ibn Qutayba (d. 276/889), as found in the chapter of ellipsis and abbreviation (bab al-hadhf wa'l-'ikhtisar) in his Ta'wil mushkil al-qur'an (The Interpretation of the Difficulties of the Qur'an) as a representative example of this relationship. Through this examination of brevity, the thesis argues that the evaluative process involved in the stylistic demonstration of the Qur'an's inimitability, like the formal discipline of Arabic literary theory and criticism, possesses its technical origins within the philological Quranic studies of formative Muslim exegesis.

This study examines the unique pre-and post hajj traditions of the Cape Muslims in the 19th and 20th centuries. It explores the origin and historical development of these traditions and describes the changes in the mode of transport used to travel to Arabia for the performance of hajj and in the financial aspect of hajj since the 19th century. The study identifies the difficulties that hajjis experienced in the 19th and 20th centuries and explains the special status accorded to hajjis at the Cape, including its use as a status symbol. Much attention is given to the management of the hajj enterprise, including the role of hajj agents and operators. The study analyses the difference between the earlier and current system of managing the hajj, and provides an overview of the regulating body appointed by the South African government to oversee the hajj industry. Finally, it investigates the problems that the pilgrims have been experiencing over the many years. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2001.