Salaam alaikum,
I don’t know about you but lately, reading anynewspaper article or book about Muslims always leaves me feeling exhausted and frustrated. What’s equally frustrating is when many of the writings are penned by Muslim women who are offering a more balanced, truthful look into our lives–only to have the commentators and critics say that we can’t fully articulate our experiences. We are unable to discuss Islam, Muslim men and oppression without bias because we are so wrapped up in our collective oppressive experiences that our words can’t be trusted. So if a Muslim woman writes a article about the liberating aspects of hijab or the need to end the practice of honor crimes through teaching Muslims that it’s actually against Islamic teachings, it’s because she’s deluded. She doesn’t realize she’s living an oppressed life. Her mind, body and spirit are enslaved. Even as she musters up the intellect to write an article about the disasters of foreign policy in Iraq or the condemnation of sexism and violence in her community, because she has an attachment to Islam (either devoutly or through seasonal religious practice) her voice is rendered as suspect. It’s as if they believe we all suffer some collective Stockholm Syndrome!
Personally, I’m sick of playing whack-a-mole. I think a lot of us are sick of whack-a-mole. It seems that no matter how many cultural fires we put out, another one pops up. I can’t even mourn the death of our dear sister Aqsa Parvez without worrying about how people will use her death as a way to attack us Muslim women–the very people they claim they are trying to save. And for the life of me, I don’t know why a non-Muslim man can strangle, chop up and burn his ex-girlfriend’s body parts on a patio grill and nobody dares to link this to his religion (even though he was Black, so they may link it to his race). But if a Muslim man does the same thing, it’s an indictment of Islam and all Muslims–even the Muslims who condemn and fight the injustices! I guess I don’t understand the cognitive dissonance of a people who can hand slap Muslims for violence and depravity and fail to realize the same oppression and dysfunction in their own society. (Because we all know slavery exists in the West and East but it manifests itself in different ways).
I don’t know if this is some pessimistic rant or if I’ve working through certain creative issues. But lately, I’ve been trying to figure out what are my duties as a Muslim woman writer? It’s only within recent years that I have attached the word “writer” to my identity. It’s also within these years that I’ve published articles in print and online publications. Through working with Azizah Magazine, I see how having access to the media can change people’s perceptions–that is if they are willing to accept that their perceptions are wrong or at best, unsophisticated. We often get books from publishing companies who hope that we will write a glowing book review. And some of the books that we get–subhan’Allah! 
Orientalism is now prepackaged with new stories of women escaping Islamdom with a new boyfriend (or girlfriend), new job, new wardrobe and cleavage to boot! You can’t conquer Islamofascism without the sexy hairdo and tetas, ya know?
At the 2006 ISNA convention, Brother Dash and other Muslim writers were on a panel discussing the challenges of being a writer. He stated that if God gives you the blessing of a platform to express your ideas, it’s your responsibility to give people something poignant and worthy. Your time in the spotlight, whether in print or on the mic, is not solely an exercise of egoistic creative release but of revealing truth. So the blessing of talent–the freedom that comes with the ability to express yourself creatively–also comes with the responsibility of producing something profound. Writing should make people think! Literature should open minds, not confirm their worse nightmares and stereotypes. How can Muslim women fit into this equation without having the constant second-guessing of our intentions?
Is the world still not ready to hear what we have to say? Are our words really that dangerous? And when we do speak, must we only speak using the archetype of “victim”? Must we all turn ourselves into Hirsi Alis and Manjis in order to get published or to have our words taken seriously? Well, I could spin a intriguing tale of sexual repression, illicit affairs, draconian punishments and perversion. After all, fiction is fiction. I could weave a tale of a black-clad beauty, with her black long locks, struggling to key her pent-up sexual urges under her big black burqa. (Cuz don’t you know, the color is Islam is not green. It’s BLACK!!!!) I could make up something about myself–put some kohl on my eyes, try my best to do a fake Arab accent and change the entire content of this blog. Izzy Mo, the creative plucky Black Muslim girl from the South would be no more! Izdihar, the blogger from (insert scary Muslim land), who dares to write about her dreams as she lives out her daily druggery of cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, belly-dancing for her husband’s friends and surviving daily gang rapes and acid-burnings. Please give me a book deal!
I could write about that stuff. Of course, it would be a big fat lie and I do have some integrity. And I would rather write about my truth: my experiences, hopes and dreams as an American Muslim woman and not have it attacked because it doesn’t fit the current fantasy of Muslim babes on lock-down. I want those great novels of strong, devout Muslimas. Or how about struggling Muslimas who triumph over spousal abuse with their faith intact? And yes, I want a Muslim man to be the noble protagonist. We must recognize those brothers who are working for justice.
I refuse to believe that in order to heard, I have to take on the opportunistic screeds of Ayan Hirsi Ali or applaud the Muslim minstrel shows of Danielle Crittenden. (Sweetie, please keep your posturing, “travels-to-the-Oriental Other” to yo’self! Don’t have me get the niqaabi mafia on ya!) I have no problems reading about domestic violence in Muslim lands or the wack-a-doo happenings in the KSA. But please don’t act as if we haven’t been addressing these issues while also addressing the less sexy issues of health care, poverty, education and famine. After all, most of us will not be lashed or gang-raped by order of some tribal nut. But most of us will experience job loss, infertility, cancer, divorce, obesity, and depression–you know, those same issues that plague us here in the magical perfect world of the West?
Only time can tell if the wonderful day will come when bookshelves will be filled with novels, essays and anthologies on Muslim women, written by Muslim women! One day, I would love to see our stories told with nuance, with a realization of life’s grays rather than the black and whites of propaganda and war. But until then, I’ll punch these keys and hope that this blog will help me find my voice. And once I find it–may I not be afraid to shout!
altaf said,
December 27, 2007 at 7:15 am
Salaam,
very cool post, and thanx for pointing out that excellent article by Soumaya Ghannoushi.
Altaf
Aaminah said,
December 27, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Asalaamu alaikum.
This is such an important topic and you have written about it beautifully. It is partially about using our talents in a way that is beneficial to others, and also it is about balancing. It is a terrifically difficult act balancing between educating/explaining and just writing about our own experiences. There will always be those who want to silence us because what we write defies their stereotyped ideas about us and Islam. There comes a point where we have to disengage ourselves from those unproductive conversations but we shouldn’t allow it to make us feel like we can’t have our say. Those that benefit our writings exist too but they may be quieter; unfortunately jerks are usually louder and more demanding. But our responsibility is not to them, it is to Allah and the benefit of others.
izzymo said,
December 27, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Salaamz Altaf
Hey where have you been?!?! Eid Mubarak! I’m sorry you had to read that before I edited it. That article from Ghannoushi was excellent–which is why I can only assume some of those readers attacked her like she did. “Oh fie! A Muslim woman is speaking her mind and it’s not filled with praise of everything Western!?!?! Fie on her! Fie on her!”
Mariam said,
December 27, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Salams!
I finally got to your blog and I absolutely LOVE IT! This article was SPOT ON. Keep up the good work!!!!
Mariam
Victoria said,
December 27, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Salaam,
I think that you and some of the Muslimah bloggers whom you know should compile an anthology. The publishing market is already saturated with Jean Sasson-type writing and I think that you would have a wide and curious readership.
So far the only attempts that I have seen to redress the unhappy balance in printed literature about Muslim women are sickly-sweet, too dependent on Arabic/Qur’anic terminology to appeal to non-Muslims, and sometimes deprecatory of other religions. The blogs make a refreshing change. It would be wonderful if that sort of writing could be brought into the bookshops.
“Are our words really that dangerous? And when we do speak, must we only speak using the archetype of “victim”?”
I applaud you here. I lived in Saudi Arabia as a Christian child, girl, and then woman for so long – almost twenty years – and I view it as my first home, even though I’m based in the UK now. There are plenty of people (online and in real life) who are eager to tap into me for my horror stories about life Over There, and when they find that I don’t have any horror stories to tell they get patronizing, politely sceptical, or outraged. I’ve been accused of being a secret Muslim out to sabotage Christian web forums, told that I ‘obviously had a very privileged life, unlike most women in Muslim countries’, and – most insultingly of all – told that I had been deceived by my Muslim friends. “They can be very good at hiding the true nature of their faith from outsiders.”
Yet I know that if I had stories of gang-rape or mass stonings to tell I would be hailed as an authority on the Muslim world. The value of what you have to say is determined by how well it augments the opinions that people already hold, I suppose.
izzymo said,
December 28, 2007 at 12:50 am
Salaamz everyone!
Aaminah: Many apologies as I did not edit the entry before posting it!
Here, here, sis. I’m tired of dealing with people who are trying to talk you down or people who only pretend to be open-minded. Give me that old time racism when people said what they thought and didn’t veil it with pseudo-liberalism. @@ I was talking to another sister about this and she says that we are fighting a big media machine so it’s not as if all this nonsense will disappear overnight. But I guess you get to the point when you realize that you can only deliver the message and leave it up to others to decide what they’ll do with it.
Mariam: Yo! Where ya been? What’s going on with the AMWA? Oh yeah, you had a baby! I saw the pictures on Facebook. I’ll email ya!
Victoria: Thanks for dropping by again. You know, (Aaminah) Writeous Sister and I have bounced around the idea before. I’m not sure what the theme would be but I would want it to be another book screaming, “We’re not oppressed! Believe us!!!” I would like to see us put something out that’s non-defensive. Since 9/11, many Muslims feel the need explain ourselves and our religion although only a few people are actually listening.
And as you stated, if the audience is primarily non-Muslim, we have to ease up on the Arabic terms–or at least translate it or use a proper English equivalent. Some people, unfortunately, are just put off by different languages. But I’m glad that you think our writings would be a breath of fresh air. I would like to see an anthology that talks about our lives with faith and humor. Nothing too serious or academic. I
Oh, but I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences. It’s nice to hear a balanced opinion about the KSA, especially from someone who mosst people would believe is living under “brutal dhimmitude.”
But really, do those naysayers really believe that 1.7 billion can keep a secret? Do they really think all of us could fake being nice only to steal their chldren in the middle of the night and drink their blood–oh wait, that’s the Jews. Oh wait! The myth of the crooked Jew and terrorist Muslim are looking more alike everyday. Or maybe Islamophobia is anti-Semitism’s long lost brother.
alex j. flex said,
December 28, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for info, and wish you good luck!
Samira said,
December 28, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Nice blog Izzy!
As far as using Arabic words in literature- I’m writing on a novel right now -about a African-American Muslim family- with three sisters (and a cousin) which is very loosely based on Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Each of the young women also slightly resemble sahabi (may allah have mercy on them) of the Prophet (pbuh). The interesting thing is that I find it necessary to have the characters talk like themselves so there is plenty of Insha’Allahs and other basic Islamic phrases.
To me Muslim American literature is like other “multi-cultural” literature (whether Jewish or Chicano) where there is something about having the language of the characters there that is necessary to the rhythm of the story and the characters. I still remember reading The Chosen as a kid and feeling so entrigued by the world of Orthodox Judaism.On another level one of my favorite novels is Villete by Charlotte Bronte which has alot of French. When the plot is interesting and the story finely written most readers don’t mind doing the extra work of seeking out meaning.
Aaminah said,
December 28, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Asalaamu alaikum Samira,
I think you misunderstood what Izzy was saying. Yes, as you describe, in our literature characters have to speak like they really speak. But that literature is being written for other Muslims, and if non-Muslims choose to read it they have to make the effort to learn about it. But when talking about articles, essays, etc. written with a non-Muslim audience in mind (while recognizing that Muslims are also going to read it because it is by and about Muslims), then it has to be written at the non-Muslim’s reading level.
Orchid said,
December 28, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Salam,
I am pleased that i came accross this site. I am a Black Caribbean Muslim woman, and writer of poetry and short essays. I believe that my writings are unique, encorporating my extremely ecclectic and colourful existance.
Your site inspires me to continue my writings… not from the position of a “victim”, but as a strong, educated and open minded woman.
JDsg said,
December 29, 2007 at 3:52 am
Izzy Mo wrote: “…if the audience is primarily non-Muslim, we have to ease up on the Arabic terms–or at least translate it or use a proper English equivalent.”
I would recommend the “Shogun” approach. I’m re-reading James Clavell’s “Shogun” for the third or fourth time now. The novel, about Japan around 1600, has a fair amount of transliterated Japanese, and about 75% of the time, there’s an English translation next to it, like:
But toward the halfway mark of the novel, the translation is dropped for a number of key words and common sentences, leaving only the transliterated Japanese, which the reader should be able to translate and understand on his or her own.
UmmFarouq said,
December 29, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I think that we women who embraced Islam and have lead “two lives” are in a particularly important position to keep slashing through the murk of lies and distortions and spread the truth about our lives as Muslim women. Furthermore, we have to teach our daughters (for instance, my daughters know no other life than the one they have had as Muslim girls growing up in a Man’s world) that they must be empowered with education and skills and not be afraid to speak.
This can be accomplished through having a firm foundation in Islamic knowledge, which is empowering in itself, and by having the opportunity to find their voices and use them. Too many times I see talent snuffed out before it gets a chance to develop, and this is mainly because the young girl gives in to what society expects of her. I do think in many circumstances that the young Muslim women in the west have a better chance of being able to spread their wings–one of the issues that I struggle with living here in the M East. (I want my daughters to soar, y’all ! )
Sorry for the rant, but the power of the pen is real and may we all find our voices through a means that can better US and THEM.
Great post, Izzy.
Muslimah123 said,
December 29, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Salaams Sisters…
What an amazing response…Umm Farouq. This is how I exactly feel. We need more parents especially mothers to instill these important values into their daughters. A strong foundation in Islamic knowledge and secular education is the way to go. But I truely believe as muslim women it’s our everyday interactions with society, I can’t tell you how many times a simple hello or a smile to a passing stranger, will strike up one of those important conversations. I guess what I’m trying to say, is that inshallah I can make a small difference with the circle of people around me….and maybe, just maybe this will lead to someone else and so forth.
wasalaam
Ann said,
December 29, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Victoria, I know what you mean. You can say the most absurd thing about Saudi Arabia, and as long as it’s negative, everyone will believe it. But you can’t get them to believe anything – no matter how true – if it’s positive… People just can’t imagine that there are ordinary people there, going to school and work and visiting family and taking their children to the park… and having ups and downs in their marrages and lives in general, just like everyone else.
Samira said,
December 29, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Assalaamualaikum-
No I understood exactly what she meant. I was speaking specifically about literature based on bilingual characters that is why I gave the examples of other multicultural literature.
Baraka said,
December 30, 2007 at 4:16 am
Salaam dear Izzy,
Great article and I love what Umm Farouq said as well: “…the power of the pen is real and may we all find our voices through a means that can better US and THEM.”
I think I sent you an e-mail about the literary anthology I’m working on in the hopes that it will help amplify Muslim women’s voices by using the universal theme of searching for a partner.
I hope you’ll consider writing and/or sending it to other American Muslim women you know.
Warmly,
Baraka
Aaminah said,
December 30, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Asalaamu alaikum.
My apologies Samira. I hope you will keep us informed about the publication of your novel because I am excited to read it, inshaAllah.
Izzy Mo said,
December 31, 2007 at 3:16 am
Salaamz everyone!
Doh, I’ve been finishing up some paintings so please excuse the tardiness.
Samira: Hmm, that novel you’re working on sounds interesting.
Please let us know when it comes out. I know what you mean about language. Zora Neale Hurston wrote her novels in “black vernacular” so reading her works for the first time were a little difficult even though she has translated her words. Of course, to this day, she’s my favorite writer.
Aaminah: I’m still trying to make that balance with words that Muslims and non-Muslims are familiar with. Oy, I just wish my brain didn’t feel like gobbledy-gook lately.
Orchid: Thanks, sister. Please keep it up. Allah gave you that talent for a reason.
Now if we can only get our works published….;-)
ShaykhJD: Good call! It seems like a nice format for the reader and I like how it eases you into new terminology without beating you over the head with it.
UmmFarouq: I wanted to ask you, are girls in the ME pushed into certain careers like men are? If so, is that the reason why talent is snuffed out at such a young age? I know some people push their children to be doctors and engineers when their God-given talents say otherwise. And is the pressure to marry still intense or are girls given some room to flex their creative muscles? Well, I mean, in Jordan, not the whole ME.
Muslima123: Insha’Allah, our efforts will make a difference. I’m soooooo tired of the “Woe is me” genre of Muslim women lives.
Ann: I think that you have forgotten that the KSA is the evil land of Wahhabi-Salafi-Jihadi blah blah blah oooooooh, I’m so tired of Saudi bashing.
Baraka: Oh, I’ve passed around your call for writers for the anthology as soon as I got the email.
It sounds like a lovely pursuit, especially since a lot of people think that Muslims don’t know anything about love and romance. I would love to write for it but I don’t have any stories–nothing special anyway.
Samira said,
January 2, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Assalaamualaikum:
Thanks for your kind words Aaminah and Izzy Mo! Since I am also a grad student right now, I am snatching moments to write. Insha’Allah everything will work out. I think it is wonderful that so many other Muslimahs are writing and reading. I am truly inspired!
American Muslima Writer said,
February 11, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Masha’Allah you hit the nail on the head! I really have been torn recently thinking there were few in the industry like me and now i find so many I’m feeling sheepish that i ever thought there were so few….
Very good to point out what is to us obviousness is to others blindness. My mom’s friends in USA always ask her don’t you know this will happen to her there and that will happen to her there. Yet here i am having lived in Lebanon and now UAE and nothing worse happens to me that wouldn’t have happened to me in USA. She finally got them to see better when she came here for the birth of my new baby and experienced a taste of the culture and could report back in her unbiased views how it was… though i still wince at some things she says that she didn’t understand well.
People will be people biased as ever and insha’Allah we can light a new idea in their minds when they read our work.
You all inspire me more and of course i will link you on my pages so others can find you as well.