Book Review: Cut From the Same Cloth?: Muslim Women on Life in Britain

Reading for me is not just about enjoyment, it is also about learning and educating myself. When o was offered the chance to review this next book I jumped it at. I hope you will give it a chance too.

Goodreads Blurb

From modern pop culture to anti-Blackness, faith and family, politics, education, creativity and working life; this anthology gives visibly Muslim women a space to speak. 

SPOILER ALERT: We won’t be answering the usual questions! 

Perceived as the visual representation of Islam, hijab-wearing Muslim women are nevertheless rarely afforded a platform on their own terms. Harangued by awkward questions, radical commentators sensationalising our existence, non-Muslims and non-hijabis making assumptions, men speaking on our behalf, or stereotypical norms being perpetuated by the same old faces, hijabis are tired. Cut from the Same Cloth? seeks to tip the balance back in our favour. Here, twenty-one women of all ages and races look beyond the tired tropes, exploring the breadth of our experience and spirituality. It’s time we, as a society, stop with the hijab-splaining and make space for the women who know. 

Essays by Negla Abdalla, Zahra Adams, Sabeena Akhtar, Mariam Ansar, Fatima Ahdash, Shaista Aziz, Suma Din, Khadijah Elshayyal, Ruqaiya Haris, Raisa Hassan, Fatha Hassan, Sumaya Kassim, Rumana Lasker Dawood, Suhaiymah Manzoor Khan, Asha Mohamed, Sofia Rehman, Yvonne Ridley Aisha Rimi, Khadijah Rotimi, Sophie Williams, Hodan Yusuf.

Review

Wow. This book. I thought I was pretty well informed but I’m actually quite ignorant as to what some people in this world are going through. I don’t know what I can do to change the world only than be kinder and more understanding and this is exactly what this book has inspired me to do.

What was really sad was the split between the Muslim community: men not supporting women, women not supporting other women, Asian Muslims being racially aggressive toward Black Muslims, and Muslims from different African countries being critical of each other. It was a pity to see that there is not a stronger sense of community among people often terribly treated.

I really don’t know what else to say. As an empathetic person I was glued to this book. I can only hope that the world can become a better place in the future, especially for these strong female Muslims.

If you would like to learn more, I strongly recommend you pick up your copy of Cut From The Same Cloth? here.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.