Reviews

It's Not About the Burqa by Mariam Khan

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xheneta's review

challenging emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

Loved this. Could not put it down. My favourite essays were: Raifa rafiq, aina khan OBE, saima mir, Nadine Aisha jassat 🙌🏻

melodys_library's review

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5.0

“It’s not about the Burqa” is a powerful and insightful collection of essays that introduces us to 17 present-day Muslim female voices that we need to hear right now.

The contributors of the essays emphasize that their stories by no means represent all Muslim women, but highlight their own experiences, allowing them to rewrite and reclaim their own identities. Their stories range from personal to political, exuding each individual’s strength, pride, wit and intelligence.

Each writer navigates Islam and modernity together and offers her personal experience and perspectives on race, sexuality, faith, feminism, love and divorce. They unapologetically speak out about the portrayal of Muslim culture and women by Western media, exploring controversial topics such as Islamaphobia and the public’s misconceptions about the Islamic faith and Muslim culture. In their own words, these women discuss the perpetuation of a patriarchal society and Western ideologies.

This collection is eye opening and educational. It is a call for change, for the activation of diverse voices and active listeners. What does it mean to be a Muslim woman in the West today? Let’s turn to the women who live it and let their voices be heard.

Note: This book was originally released in the UK. Special thanks to my public library for purchasing the book per my request in the USA.