For us Muslim book lovers, many would be able to relate to the struggle of finding high-quality fiction reads that also are halal-friendly. In this post, I will be recommending my top 5 Must-Read Books by Muslim Women to read in 2021!
For those like myself who like to be transported to other realms. To walk in the shoes of the protagonist and enjoy being deeply immersed in a book, there should be something for you in this list.
Why you should support Muslim Authors
Recent years has seen the rise of a new generation of brilliant Muslimah authors. Today more than ever, people from around the world are actually listening to the voices of Muslim women, seeing things from their perspective and learning about their experiences. Fiction books are a great source of inspiration and entertainment.
Muslim authors, especially women, are at many times ignored by publishers due to Islamophobia. This has caused many gifted and talented writers within the community, to give up on their dreams of writing. In recent years, Muslim women authors are slowly rising. By supporting them, buying their books and getting their stories heard; we can show the world the need for diversity, give them a voice and a platform!
Why is it so important to read fiction?
We are fortunate to have a plethora of Islamic books. It is vital for us all to research, study and discover more about our beautiful faith. I always emphasize on the importance of reading factual books and so this post should not be interpreted as replacing the treasure that is the Islamic Library with fiction books. Rather, it is more as an addition to one’s reading schedule as a means of self-care, developing the imagination and creating empathy.
‘with Working from Home becoming the norm, I noticed that I was not reading as much as before…’
Before the pandemic, I would usually read during my daily commute to work. I could easily go through one book a month as they kept me occupied during the travel time. With Working from Home becoming the norm, I noticed that I was not reading as much as before. Despite having saved time due to skipping the commute, I just did not seem to get round to reading anymore.
‘with lockdowns and curfews in place, letting the mind escape is needed more than ever…’
I realised that without reading, I was feeling less relaxed and my sleep schedule too had been affected. Research shows that reading fiction before sleep helps one to disengage from the stress of the day and creates a better sleep environment. I also noticed that when I read, I am able to remember things better.
Without a doubt, I had to schedule some time in, at least a couple of times in the week, to let my mind drift away from reality and to let myself dream. Being home more than ever, with lockdowns and curfews in place, letting the mind escape to other worlds is needed now more than ever.
Whether it was part of your resolutions to read more this year or you are looking to expand your #MuslimShelfSpace. Whichever the case, we have got you covered!
Check out my latest 5 Must-Read Books by Muslim Women below. Hopefully it will inspire you to find some time to huddle down with a good book!
Top 5 Must-Read Books by Muslim Women
1. The City of Brass (Daevabad Trilogy) by S.A. Chakraborty
Goodreads Description Excerpt: “Nahri has never believed in magic. Certainly, she has power; on the streets of 18th century Cairo, she’s a con woman of unsurpassed talent… But when Nahri accidentally summons an equally mysterious djinn warrior to her side during one of her cons, she’s forced to accept that the magical world she thought only existed in childhood stories is real.“
Fatema’s Review: The City of Brass is the first book of the Daevabad Trilogy and my number 1 recommendation out of my Top 5 Must-Read Books by Muslim Women.
Fantasy has to be my all-time favorite genre; from Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, I have always loved stories of mythical beings and magic. However, this genre in particular lacks diversity. So when I first came across The Daebabad trilogy, a Middle-Eastern folklore- it definitely was a dream come true!
After completing the final book of the series last year (‘The Empire of Gold’ published in 2020), I can honestly say that these were the first diverse fantasy novels I have ever come across. I was kept up at night eager to know what happens next. My dreams were filled with flying carpets and battling Peris (bird-like air beings) or Marids (water beings). Of course, the stories are fully fictional but I loved that many motifs from Islamic history were also used (such as the Zulfiqar and the story of Prophet Sulayman).
The books are fast-paced and action-packed so it will keep you on your toes throughout. Ultimately, it is a story of oppression where class and superiority is dictated by blood purity. In a way, it cleverly mirrors the systemic oppression in our world today.
Chakraborty, a revert to Islam, immediately enchants her readers. From the beautiful imagery of 18th Century Cairo to the magical worlds beyond, you will be transported to realms beyond your imagination. Personally, the fact that I could relate so much with the names, Arabic terminology and a hijab-wearing protagonist was a huge bonus!
I have literally told everyone who is a fan of this genre to read this series and they have been just as mesmerized and captivated as I was. Absolutely, whole-heartedly recommend this amazing trilogy!
2. The Beauty of your Face by Sahar Mustafah
Goodreads Description Excerpt: “A Palestinian American woman wrestles with faith, loss, and identity before coming face-to-face with a school shooter in this searing debut.
As Afaf listens to his terrifying progress, we are swept back through her memories: the bigotry she faced as a child, her mother’s dreams of returning to Palestine, and the devastating disappearance of her older sister that tore her family apart. Still, there is the sweetness of the music from her father’s oud, and the hope and community, Afaf finally finds in Islam.“
Fatema’s Review: The Beauty of your Face has to be one of my favorites from last year. I had trouble putting this one down. Mustafah is a superb storyteller and has truly done justice to Muslimah authors!
The predominant theme is searching for identity which the protagonist, Afaf has struggled with throughout her life. Afaf’s life is an incredible one, from living in her older sister’s shadow to becoming a lost soul until she finds Islam. Her past is full of disappointment but also growth which is beautifully balanced. ⠀
Mustafah has perfectly captured how Muslims felt (and still feel) after the events of 9/11 in the USA. Through Afaf’s story, she has brought to life the narratives of so many and has expressed their voices. She has managed to capture the true essence of what it means to be unapologetically Muslim.
Overall, a thought-provoking, inspiring and an absolute must-read!
3. Even in the Breaks by Hend Hegazi
Goodreads Description Excerpt: “Ayda is an uncompromising, salacious woman who focuses solely on her work. She gets close to no one, and no one gets close to her. Didi, on the other hand, is fun loving and family oriented. She looks forward to the day when she and her husband will become parents. When tragedy strikes unexpectedly, Didi disappears and Ayda becomes the guardian of a young girl named Shams—a young girl who, in all societal respects, she should resent. As Shams’s presence in Ayda’s life induces transformative consequences, the truth behind the two women’s relationship is revealed.“
Fatema’s Review: Even in the Breaks is a powerful story of faith, love, heartbreak and life. It is a story of strong Muslim women who refuse to let difficulties defeat them
The book is mainly dominated by female characters which is awesome. You see how the characters live their lives with Islam at the forefront and stay strong to their beliefs. Hegazi brings up a range of different issues within the Muslim community and also, those faced by women in general.
As a Muslim reader myself, I always look for characters that are relatable and can see myself in. In this case, it was Ayda, the imperfect protagonist who is assertive, charming and independent – one that many Muslim women will be able to relate to.
The novel is a story of sacrifice and what it is like to unexpectedly surrender to another. It is very well written with many twists and turns, which will keep you wondering of what could possibly happen next. I highly recommend it!
4. A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Goodreads Description Excerpt: “…The lives of an Indian-American Muslim family, gathered together in their Californian hometown to celebrate the eldest daughter’s wedding – a match of love rather than tradition. It is here that Amar, the youngest, reunites with his family for the first time in three years… Parents who strove to pass on their cultures and traditions to their children; and children who struggle to balance authenticity in themselves with loyalty to the home they came from.“
Fatema’s Review: I read this one with my lovely book club, who all had positive things to say about the book. It is one that many Muslim American families may be able to relate to (or know a family that it reminds them of).
A Place for Us emphasizes the importance of family and relationships, of living in religious or cultural societies in the West. It explores the reasons why we do things and the thoughts behind our actions.
The book highlights many struggles of Muslim families in the West, especially those who are first or second-generation immigrants. In A Place for Us, we see the family live through the events of 9/11 and how their lives were changed because of this. How hijab became an issue and how they were viewed with suspicion and hate, like many Muslims in the US were during the time.
Mirza, whose parents are of Indian descent, perhaps writes from experience of seeing similar examples around her. The book is very well-written with a slow to steady pace and easy to read. Many readers would be able to connect with the main characters, who are trying to maintain their culture and beliefs while living in the States and facing modernity. There are many moments of sadness, as you are able to see various situations from the perspective of the parents as well as the children. However, there are many messages of hope, growth and lessons to be learned.
5. Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
Goodreads Description Excerpt: “Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on. Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job so she can pay off her debts to her wealthy uncle. She lives with her boisterous Muslim family and is always being reminded that her flighty younger cousin, Hafsa, is close to rejecting her one hundredth marriage proposal. Though Ayesha is lonely, she doesn’t want an arranged marriage. Then she meets Khalid, who is just as smart and handsome as he is conservative and judgmental.“
Fatema’s review: Ayesha at Last is a book about a girl named Ayesha. She is in her late twenties, unmarried and independent *cue the gasps of horror*. It has been labelled as a Muslim-Canadian version of Pride and Prejudice and will have you glued to the book!
What I loved most about the book is how Ayesha is confident, strong and independent; yet remains so true and devout to her faith. The book really breaks the stereotypes society may have on Muslim women. Too many times, we are shown the Muslim woman as being oppressed and not free because of her beliefs. It is not until she abandons these traditions and faith, that she is seen cheerful and full of life! I have noticed this trend happen endless times in Movies or recent Netflix shows; so having a heroine who is content, successful and proud of her faith really was a breath of fresh air!
Overall, this is a nice light-hearted, easy to read romance novel with many laugh-out-loud moments!
I hope you enjoyed my top 5 Must Read Books for Muslim Women. It is a short (but sweet) list. All the books are very unique from each other.
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What was YOUR favorite read from 2020? Please share in the comments below!
Thank you for the recommendations. Great post as always 🙂
I usually read non-fiction books, but sometimes I also like to relax and escape this world. One of my favorite authors is Khaled Hosseini (even though the books might be problematic if read from a ‘colonialist’ perspective). I am glad there are also female Muslim authors that I can put on my reading list 👏
Thank you Sister Jana for your comment! I love Khaled Hosseini books, ‘The Kite Runner’ is definitely a classic 🙂 Happy Reading!