The process of reproduction, the sex of angels, and the existence of goddesses in the sacred space of the pre-Islamic seventh-century Arabs are three closely linked themes that show the difficulties that Islam had to overcome as a monotheistic religion

The Glorious Koran, p. 701. Other Koranic verses on the ambiguity about the sex of angels are: 19. And they make the angels, who are the slaves of the Beneficent, females. (Surah XLIII, »Ornaments of Gold,« p. 647) 150. Or created We the angels females while they were present? (Surah XXXVII, »Those Who Set the Ranks,« p. 594)

The Perfumed Garden, pp. 158-59

Ibid., pp. 22 ff.

Ibid., p. 30

Ibid.

Ibid.

How An Old Man Can Regain His Youth, pp. 26 ff.

Ibid., p. 133

Ibid., p. 74