Submission (film)

Submission is a film, properly a short, produced by Theo Van Gogh, with the writing done by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (a female activist for women's rights in Islam). The title of the film makes reference to the common interpretation of the definition of Islam as derived from the triconsonantal root of slm, which can also be derivated into the world Salam, which means peace.

The film tells the stories of four characters created by Ali, intended to represent the worst abuses of women in the Islamic system. The four characters are played by one actor who is naked in the film, with her nudity covered somewhat by an interpretation of the Iranian Chador, full body veil. The medium of the film is the monologue, the actor reads the fictionalised accounts of these women as if it was herself, and then the verses from the Quran that supposedly support this treatment.

Motivation of Producers

Hirsi has stated her motivation as coming from the Quran itself, Sura 4:34 states: "YUSUFALI: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).

PICKTHAL: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.

SHAKIR: Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great. "

This is presented in the three most friendly and authoritative translations, so there can be no doubt as too the meaning of this verse.

Theo Van Gogh

Theo Van Gogh was eventually murdered brutally by an islamicist jihadist in public view

Theo van Gogh was shot, stabbed and mutilated in front of dozens of witnesses.

A young Muslim radical was arrested. What was described as a ritual slaughter set off alarm bells throughout Europe and the United States, where millions of devoute Muslims live as minorities in secular society.

For the Dutch who have prided themselves for centuries on a tradition of tolerance, it was a painful awakening, the prospect of a homegrown jihad in the world's most liberal state. As Morley Safer reported 18 months ago, it all began with a movie called "Submission," a 12 minute movie, which aired on Dutch television.

Verses Used in the Film

Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. 4:34

They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. 2:222

The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge ye each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment. 24:2