Its Not About the Burqa. Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race

When was the last time you truly listened to a Muslim woman express her thoughts without external biases? "It's Not About the Burqa" offers a captivating anthology of essays where Muslim women candidly share their experiences and reflections on modern-day challenges. The anthology was inspired by an incident in 2016 when Mariam Khan read about David Cameron's claim that the radicalization of Muslim men was tied to the so-called 'traditional submissiveness' of Muslim women—an assertion she found completely detached from her reality. This led her to question why narratives about Muslim women were predominantly shaped by those who were neither Muslim nor women. As discussions in the national dialogue continued to marginalize authentic voices, this book stands as a vital counter-narrative. It features the perspectives of seventeen Muslim women addressing issues ranging from the significance of the hijab and fluctuating faith, to themes of love, divorce, feminism, queer identity, and the challenges posed by both their communities and broader societal racism. The collection brings together a diverse group of writers, such as activist Mona Eltahawy, who discusses revolution; journalist Saima Mir, who delves into the journey through an arranged marriage; author Sufiya Ahmed, who highlights her Islamic feminist role model; and playwright Afshan D'souza-Lodhi, who offers a heartfelt exploration of her relationship with the hijab. These essays are a blend of humor, warmth, sadness, and anger—all woven into a unified call against oppression, stereotypes, misogyny, and Islamophobia.What does it mean to navigate life as a Muslim woman in the Western world today? While media focus might suggest it’s solely about the burqa, this book reveals the deeper truths. Shortlisted for the Foyles Non-Fiction Book of the Year, "It's Not About the Burqa" is celebrated as "an incredibly important collection of essays that delves into the unique struggles faced by Muslim women, characterized by passion, anger, humility, and complexity at every turn," according to Nikesh Shukla, editor of "The Good Immigrant." Described as engrossing and courageous by the Observer, this book is a compelling must-read.