Freedom as Bondage

            I was very interested in the contrast between Salma, Muhammad’s cousin and first wife, and Warda, Muhammad’s slave girl and mistress.  Salma, the eventual mother of Hasan, was Arabic and Muslim and a free woman, whereas Warda was Christian and bought for the family.  One would assume that as a free woman, Salma would have the better life, both in the household and in Granada in general.  However, as Sarah says, “freedom is a deceitful state of bondage, and slavery a subtle form of freedom.” (6)  Salma, as a Muslim, is forced to cover herself with a veil when she goes outside; Warda can walk free.  When Salma has to hold herself to a certain standard while in public, always being scrutinized, Warda can be flirtatious, sing, even drink wine.  It was an odd relationship; the free women were protected and restricted while the slaves could do as they pleased. 

It might be worth it for Salma if Warda would always be the slave, or if the fact that Salma had given birth to the first son had meant a little more.  However, the law of the times stated that once Warda gave birth, she would become free as well, and she would still get to live her life with the same whimsy as she had always been allowed.  It almost seems that, given the choice, Salma would rather be the Christian mistress.  Also, the reader is given the impression that Muhammad never really viewed Salma in a romantic light.  They clearly were physical, as Salma became pregnant.  At the same time, though, he referred to her as “cousin” or “Arab,” which really are not all that romantic.  It seems that although Salma does her best to please Muhammad, there is something exotic about Warda that he cannot stay away from.