It's Not About the Burqa
Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:6th Feb '20
Should be back in stock very soon

This anthology presents Muslim women's voices, challenging stereotypes and exploring their diverse experiences in society. It's Not About the Burqa offers a refreshing perspective on identity and empowerment.
The anthology It's Not About the Burqa features a collection of essays penned by Muslim women, providing a candid exploration of their experiences in contemporary society. This collection challenges the prevailing narratives surrounding Muslim womanhood, which are often dictated by external voices. Each essay offers a unique perspective, shedding light on the diverse realities faced by these women, from issues of identity and faith to love and personal empowerment.
Mariam Khan, the editor, was inspired to compile this anthology after observing how the discourse around Muslim women was dominated by non-Muslim, often male voices. It's Not About the Burqa serves as a platform for these women to express their thoughts and feelings without a filter, addressing topics such as feminism, queerness, and the societal pressures they encounter. The essays range from humorous and uplifting to deeply reflective and poignant, making the collection both engaging and thought-provoking.
By bringing together voices from various backgrounds, including activists, journalists, and artists, the anthology highlights the multifaceted nature of Muslim women's experiences. The contributors tackle stereotypes, challenge misogyny, and confront Islamophobia, ultimately redefining what it means to be a Muslim woman in the West today. It's Not About the Burqa is not just a response to misconceptions; it is a powerful declaration of identity and agency in a world that often seeks to marginalize these voices.
An incredibly important collection of essays that explores the pressures of being a Muslim woman today. These essays are passionate, angry, self-effacing, nuanced and utterly compelling in every single way -- Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good Immigrant
Wide-ranging . . . engrossing . . . fascinating . . . these essays take a courageous and panoramic view of Muslims * Observer *
A landmark anthology . . . frank and engaging essays on sex and religion, mental health in the Muslim community and queer identity from an impressive selection of writers and activists * Cosmopolitan *
Essential reading for our times. These essays are funny, angry, hopeful, sorrowful and inspired - and will leave you feeling much the same -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars
An intelligent and much needed book * Red Magazine *
It’s about pushing past the stereotype placed on Muslim women and hearing the individuals themselves; it’s required reading * Stylist *
Refreshing, insightful and occasionally raw, It’s Not About the Burqa is a phenomenal collection of essays by a very diverse range of Muslim women. An absolute must read for anyone wanting to better understand the lives and experiences of Muslim Women in the West. -- Akeela Ahmed
The result is It’s Not About the Burqa, 17 brilliantly wide-ranging essays covering everything from the rise of the sexualised Islamic influencer, to the Quran’s take on bisexuality – and of course insidious, ugly Islamophobia * i News *
Forget the ravings of politicians and pundits, hear from voices who have real, lived experiences across religion, feminism, sex, love and identity, and turn to this nuanced and wide-ranging collection * Emerald Street *
- Short-listed for Foyles Non-fiction Book of the Year 2019 (UK)
ISBN: 9781509886425
Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 16mm
Weight: 180g
272 pages