Muslim Women Speaking Persistently

This book highlights the resilience and courage of Muslim women who have spoken out under challenging circumstances across history and geography. From the exploration of the Andalusian poet Wallada Bint al-Mustakfi in the Middle Ages to contemporary British diaspora writers, Afghani women, Chic Lit authors and playwrights, and discussions on Hindutva issues, this book showcases the diverse and persistent voices of Muslim women. The chapters in this book challenge the notion of women as subaltern by illustrating how Muslim women emerge as empowering figures socially, politically, and academically. Through essays that defend the veil as a symbol of identity and explore themes of rights and resistance, this collection is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Muslim women authors.

This constellation of essays is an essential resource for students, scholars, and general readers interested in feminist studies, postcolonial theory, and global literature. It is particularly relevant to those studying subaltern studies, gender studies, and Islamic culture. The essays span a wide range of subject areas, including historical perspectives on Arab women in the Middle Ages, contemporary British diaspora literature, Chic Lit, and political and social resistance in the context of Muslim women’s lives. With its vast comparative scope, this collection offers valuable insights into the persistent voices of Muslim women across time and space.

Many of the chapters in this book were originally published in Women's Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal and are now accompanied by four new chapters and an updated introduction.