Reviews
It's Not about the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race, by Mariam Khan
samanthabw's review against another edition
4.0
Intelligent book, with a variety of different perspectives. I listened to the audiobook and it was amazing hearing the contributors reading their pieces. I learned a lot listening to the audiobook, but I think I’d still like a physical copy to be able to reference.
Some of the topics covered may be taboo (both in and out of the Muslim community) however it’s necessary to bring these topics to light. I thought the book could have benefited from an inclusion of a queer Muslim author discussing LGBTIA+ issues and faith. However I really enjoyed the pieces included, and I’m always happy to learn more about Muslim women who are kicking ass and taking names. Thank you to the editor and contributors for making this book happen!
Some of the topics covered may be taboo (both in and out of the Muslim community) however it’s necessary to bring these topics to light. I thought the book could have benefited from an inclusion of a queer Muslim author discussing LGBTIA+ issues and faith. However I really enjoyed the pieces included, and I’m always happy to learn more about Muslim women who are kicking ass and taking names. Thank you to the editor and contributors for making this book happen!
mick's review against another edition
Really interesting and from a bunch of different perspectives. I definitely learned a number of things. I’d encourage people to check this out and see which stereotypes they hold that this book might challenge.
emmap2023's review against another edition
5.0
This compendium of essays shows the effect on women and the actions of many different types of female voices of the Muslim faith to misogyny, patriarchal control and misconceptions between their Islamic faith and Muslim culture.
It is clear that personal, cultural, religious, political and hereditary beliefs have had a large impact on there lives and these essays not only make the knowledge accessible to the minority but to all.
It is an insightful and informative set of essays only 2 felt more educational in their writing style causing them to feel more slow and harder to digest but overall this is a book that should available in libraries, mosques and schools throughout the UK.
It is clear that personal, cultural, religious, political and hereditary beliefs have had a large impact on there lives and these essays not only make the knowledge accessible to the minority but to all.
It is an insightful and informative set of essays only 2 felt more educational in their writing style causing them to feel more slow and harder to digest but overall this is a book that should available in libraries, mosques and schools throughout the UK.
zinelib's review against another edition
4.0
Editor Khan and other British or Britishish Muslim women share knowledge and experiences living while Muslim. The contributors hold a range of racial and sexuality identities and write in different styles. I prefer personal narratives, which comprise probably half (or more?) of the entries.
My savior box was ticked with these sentences from Mona Eltahawy in "Too Loud, Swears Too Much and Goes Too Far"
Coco Khan's entry "Immodesty Is the Best Policy" is funny.
My savior box was ticked with these sentences from Mona Eltahawy in "Too Loud, Swears Too Much and Goes Too Far"
When I was nineteen, I finally found, among the books and journals in the library of the university I attended in Jeddah, the word--feminism--that would give me a way to fight back. Feminism saved my mind. There was no women's or gender studies department at the university, so I imagined a renegade librarian or professor had put those books and journals there.She also writes
Revolutions "go too far": if your community is ready for you, then you are too late.We have our orders!
Coco Khan's entry "Immodesty Is the Best Policy" is funny.
I am curious what happens on these platforms [online matrimonial sites], imagining an ocean of aunties writing slightly insulting profiles of their daughters and nieces. I can see Auntie B's listing for me: "Looking for a man to bring wayward niece back to the light. She cannot cook, likes to argue and could be slimmer."And here's a fun fact from Sufiya Ahmed in "The First Feminist"
the person credited for founding the first degree-awarding educational institution in the world, the in Fes, Morocco, in the year 859, was a Muslim woman."And a funny because it's true
Islam sees women as practical in matters of divorce; we think deeply before leaving a man. Men can be hot-headed. Women, less so.
tubakhalid's review against another edition
4.0
Every story was unique and compelled me to keep going. Each of these women have shattered patriarchy in their own way. Only drawback is that it covers Muslim women in UK. I would have loved to read about more regions.
marinazala's review against another edition
4.0
** Books 65 - 2022 **
This books to accomplish Tsundoku Books Challenge 2022
4,2 of 5 stars!
I remembered saw this books in my timeline and my friends really recommends this pieces to read. when i have a chance to read this months this books really holds special part in my heart. I never see this books is really damn powerful.. these woman all the writings is makes me rethink again about what is muslim and being woman in islam is? This is really such book that every muslim woman should read is..
I reallly love this book aaakkk and will re-read for sure in the future!
This books to accomplish Tsundoku Books Challenge 2022
4,2 of 5 stars!
I remembered saw this books in my timeline and my friends really recommends this pieces to read. when i have a chance to read this months this books really holds special part in my heart. I never see this books is really damn powerful.. these woman all the writings is makes me rethink again about what is muslim and being woman in islam is? This is really such book that every muslim woman should read is..
I reallly love this book aaakkk and will re-read for sure in the future!
veritycrawford's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my God... I have no idea that there is a book that actually speaks everything in my mind about feminism and women of faith.
I know right? Those two don't match each other, they said. You could not be a feminist and be a woman of faith at the same time. I know the Editor, Mariam Khan has stated that this book couldn't be possible to cover all of the issues of Muslim women experiencing throughout the world. But I think this book covers most of it!
This book will tell you how confusing, depressing and pressuring it is to be a Muslim woman in the world full of misogynism, Islamophobes and racism. It covers all kinds of stories, journalism, international law, sexuality, fashion and trends, and every kind of issue that Muslim women in this world suffering for.
This book really gives me a lot of knowledge, insight, perspective, and awareness since I live in a Muslim-majority country and have no idea what's going on outside the world. All of the essays are well-written, beautiful and straightforward. It's also light and easy to read, delivers the point in beautiful paragraphs!
I really loooove this book! This only April 2020 but I think this has become my favorite book already!
I know right? Those two don't match each other, they said. You could not be a feminist and be a woman of faith at the same time. I know the Editor, Mariam Khan has stated that this book couldn't be possible to cover all of the issues of Muslim women experiencing throughout the world. But I think this book covers most of it!
This book will tell you how confusing, depressing and pressuring it is to be a Muslim woman in the world full of misogynism, Islamophobes and racism. It covers all kinds of stories, journalism, international law, sexuality, fashion and trends, and every kind of issue that Muslim women in this world suffering for.
This book really gives me a lot of knowledge, insight, perspective, and awareness since I live in a Muslim-majority country and have no idea what's going on outside the world. All of the essays are well-written, beautiful and straightforward. It's also light and easy to read, delivers the point in beautiful paragraphs!
I really loooove this book! This only April 2020 but I think this has become my favorite book already!