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Muslim Girl
Faith turns to shame, confidence to doubt, and conviction to rebellion. Inaya was only nine when her mother converted to Islam and moved the family to Saudi Arabia. Now, at sixteen years old, Inaya returns to America and decides to remove her Muslim clothes and hide her religion at school. ...And she hopes to get the attention of a boy she likes. But she has no idea how to hide this double life from her mother, and from everyone who admires her strong faith.
- GenresMuslims
180 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2014
10 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Umm Zakiyyah
107 books294 followersDaughter of American converts to Islam, Umm Zakiyyah writes about the interfaith struggles of Muslims and Christians, and the intercultural, spiritual, and moral struggles of Muslims in America.
Umm Zakiyyah’s work has earned praise from writers, professors, and filmmakers and has been translated into multiple languages. In 2008, Umm Zakiyyah was awarded the Muslim Girls Unity Conference Distinguished Authors Award. Umm Zakiyyah also writes under her birth name Ruby Moore.
Visit uzauthor.com
Umm Zakiyyah’s work has earned praise from writers, professors, and filmmakers and has been translated into multiple languages. In 2008, Umm Zakiyyah was awarded the Muslim Girls Unity Conference Distinguished Authors Award. Umm Zakiyyah also writes under her birth name Ruby Moore.
Visit uzauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 29, 2021
I don’t have words to describe how this book makes me feel. A good short read that takes you through every emotion possible.
I know this book is based on Muslim religion but as a Christian I could relate to the subject (not saying my struggles are the same. But just that I understand). I feel like being in a religion you face similar issues of pressure to conform to someone else’s ideals.
I feel like I could relate to how she felt juggling all her hats while trying to just be a good person(and in turn good Muslim). Trying to figure out who you are when you have someone saying your something else based on your religion can’t be easy..
This is a good short book that I feel like everyone should read. Muslim or not, these issues are relevant in our life’s. Don’t be Mrs Ford
I know this book is based on Muslim religion but as a Christian I could relate to the subject (not saying my struggles are the same. But just that I understand). I feel like being in a religion you face similar issues of pressure to conform to someone else’s ideals.
I feel like I could relate to how she felt juggling all her hats while trying to just be a good person(and in turn good Muslim). Trying to figure out who you are when you have someone saying your something else based on your religion can’t be easy..
This is a good short book that I feel like everyone should read. Muslim or not, these issues are relevant in our life’s. Don’t be Mrs Ford
December 23, 2017
I hope Al-Khatahtbeh inspires young Muslim women to honor their religion while at the same time standing up for the innate right of all women to question restrictions that custom has placed on them. As a white person reading this book, it was a powerful reminder of the general lack of knowledge western religions have of Islam with resulting uninformed Islamophobia. Muslims, particularly refugees, living in western cultures are facing almost insurmountable obstacles to 'fitting in' while retaining traditional norms of their own cultures. A more informed political administration would go a long way to changing the overriding culture of disparagement that nurtures hate. This is a book that deserves wide distribution and discussion
February 4, 2020
i disliked it more than i liked it. review coming later today.
Read
September 17, 2021Books proving that Muslim ladies like myself are complex human beings with emotional and sexual needs like everyone. I love it !!!
December 19, 2016
Based on listening to the audiobook, read by the author.
While, I appreciate Armani's voice and desire to tell her story, this book isn't really about her pride in wearing the hijab in our post 9/11 world. I believe Amrani is trying to find her true self, but looks everywhere but inward.
In her brief, historically innaccurate account of the Deir Yassin massacre in 1948, (as an explanation for why her family settled in Jordan) Amrani recounts the "European militia" that fought the Arabs in then Palestine. They were Jewish Militias. The British mandate was coming to an end. There were Palestinian Arabs and Palestinian Jews in Palestine at that time, not European militias. When the partition was declared in 1948, it was turned down by the Palestinian Arabs, and the modern State of Israel was born into constant war, a conflict to this day. A paragraph hardly describes this complex conflict and its history.
Amrani describes a turning point in her identification as a Muslim girl:
"It was an Israeli ground invasion in 2008 that was a response to Hamas rocket fire against the occupation. The civilian population of Gaza was unarmed due to a long standing blockade that stopped any raw materials from entering the country. Meanwhile, the Israeli army used weapons that eve outlawed according to international law. This was an unbearable attack for me to witness. It happened exactly during winter break of my junior in high school. It was also during the lame duck period leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration following a successful presidential campaign, the frat for which I volunteered... Operation Cast Lead was the first military ground invasion in Occupied Palestine that I was old enough to witness, understand and feel." Gaza has been ruled by Hamas since 2006, so it was not part of "the occupation " Amrani speaks of. It is a fact, not an opinion. Does Amrani not know that? If not, shame on her and if so, why the fictional account?
Operation Protective Edge. Amrani talks about the three teenage boys who were kidnaped as the impetus for the statute of the 2014 war between Gaza and Israel. That's it. Those boys were in fact kidnaped, and then murdered. That's an important fact that Amrani failed to mention. She also claims that Israel ( the IDF) used weapons outlawed by international law. Again, no detail or proof. Maybe she is referring the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system that saved and saves lives. But again she never states facts s who knows?
At this point "Muslim Girl" sinks far away from its real purpose and intent into propaganda. That's a real shame. It's too bad because it's a viewpoint rarely heard, but the decline into blaming of Israel and denial of Hamas's intent and responsibility in the conflict makes this book very flawed.
Since the book is a cross between memoir and journalism, accuracy is required. This book fails that test and that diminishes the impact Amani's story could have had.
She delves into the "nonviolent" BDS (Boycott, Djvest and Sanction movement to against Israel) and characterizes Israel as an "apartheid" state similar to South Africa. This narrative continues,in the tradition of tearing down, and negating the other. It's the Arab world vs. Israel and its message is spreading in the U.S. particularly on college campuses. Isn't this stereotyping the exact thing Amrani claims to reject? There are a lot of really bad places in our world, I don't think that Israel, by any stretch of the imagination is the worst and deserving of being singled out constantly. In fact Israel does much good in the world. That is not to say Israel is without fault.
Amrani fails to mention any fault of those such as Hamas (terrorist organization ) in their endless battle to rid the world of Israel once and for all. Just as Amrani felt the need to wear her hijab proudly, I felt the same need to wear my Star of David proudly following the terrible war between Israel and Hamas in the summer of 2014. I am sure we have more in common than we have differences. But she leaves no opening for dialogue. Once Amrani resorted to Israel bashing (not Anti-Semitism?) I had had enough of her book. I listened to half. Nothing new in it really. Just the same old hatred and blame.
While, I appreciate Armani's voice and desire to tell her story, this book isn't really about her pride in wearing the hijab in our post 9/11 world. I believe Amrani is trying to find her true self, but looks everywhere but inward.
In her brief, historically innaccurate account of the Deir Yassin massacre in 1948, (as an explanation for why her family settled in Jordan) Amrani recounts the "European militia" that fought the Arabs in then Palestine. They were Jewish Militias. The British mandate was coming to an end. There were Palestinian Arabs and Palestinian Jews in Palestine at that time, not European militias. When the partition was declared in 1948, it was turned down by the Palestinian Arabs, and the modern State of Israel was born into constant war, a conflict to this day. A paragraph hardly describes this complex conflict and its history.
Amrani describes a turning point in her identification as a Muslim girl:
"It was an Israeli ground invasion in 2008 that was a response to Hamas rocket fire against the occupation. The civilian population of Gaza was unarmed due to a long standing blockade that stopped any raw materials from entering the country. Meanwhile, the Israeli army used weapons that eve outlawed according to international law. This was an unbearable attack for me to witness. It happened exactly during winter break of my junior in high school. It was also during the lame duck period leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration following a successful presidential campaign, the frat for which I volunteered... Operation Cast Lead was the first military ground invasion in Occupied Palestine that I was old enough to witness, understand and feel." Gaza has been ruled by Hamas since 2006, so it was not part of "the occupation " Amrani speaks of. It is a fact, not an opinion. Does Amrani not know that? If not, shame on her and if so, why the fictional account?
Operation Protective Edge. Amrani talks about the three teenage boys who were kidnaped as the impetus for the statute of the 2014 war between Gaza and Israel. That's it. Those boys were in fact kidnaped, and then murdered. That's an important fact that Amrani failed to mention. She also claims that Israel ( the IDF) used weapons outlawed by international law. Again, no detail or proof. Maybe she is referring the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system that saved and saves lives. But again she never states facts s who knows?
At this point "Muslim Girl" sinks far away from its real purpose and intent into propaganda. That's a real shame. It's too bad because it's a viewpoint rarely heard, but the decline into blaming of Israel and denial of Hamas's intent and responsibility in the conflict makes this book very flawed.
Since the book is a cross between memoir and journalism, accuracy is required. This book fails that test and that diminishes the impact Amani's story could have had.
She delves into the "nonviolent" BDS (Boycott, Djvest and Sanction movement to against Israel) and characterizes Israel as an "apartheid" state similar to South Africa. This narrative continues,in the tradition of tearing down, and negating the other. It's the Arab world vs. Israel and its message is spreading in the U.S. particularly on college campuses. Isn't this stereotyping the exact thing Amrani claims to reject? There are a lot of really bad places in our world, I don't think that Israel, by any stretch of the imagination is the worst and deserving of being singled out constantly. In fact Israel does much good in the world. That is not to say Israel is without fault.
Amrani fails to mention any fault of those such as Hamas (terrorist organization ) in their endless battle to rid the world of Israel once and for all. Just as Amrani felt the need to wear her hijab proudly, I felt the same need to wear my Star of David proudly following the terrible war between Israel and Hamas in the summer of 2014. I am sure we have more in common than we have differences. But she leaves no opening for dialogue. Once Amrani resorted to Israel bashing (not Anti-Semitism?) I had had enough of her book. I listened to half. Nothing new in it really. Just the same old hatred and blame.
April 3, 2015
Muslim Girl highlights the struggle of American Muslim, Inaya, as she tries to balance her deen with wanting to be considered ‘normal’ by her peers at a new school. Readers watch as the devout hafiza (sister who has memorised the whole Qur’an) leaves the environment in which she is considered a leader to one where her conviction to dress Islamically is put to the test, and she finds herself wanting to hide her Muslim identity.
Through Inaya’s struggle, Umm Zakiyyah does a brilliant job of acquainting her readers with the rainbow of Muslim experiences - from the niqabi who feels naked without her face veil, to the Muslim who drops her hijab in order to fit in. The audience has the opportunity to see that even faith driven hijabis have internal conflicts regarding how to dress or how to behave in certain circumstances. The moment when Inaya thrusts her hands into her pockets to avoid shaking the outstretched hand of her male peer, I feel at once embarrassed and inspired by her. This battle of conscience is so common in the daily lives of Muslims all over the world, and I feel relieved that someone has finally brought these issues to light.
Throughout the story, Umm Zakiyyah sprinkles reminders of the essential message that Islam is not about the details of how we dress, or which school of thought we follow, but rather about what is in our hearts. The author succeeds in explaining that we must put our faith into action, of course, but the fact that no one is more superior in iman to another simply because she covers her hair or her face is beautifully and powerfully portrayed. It also opens the readers’ eyes to the judgments Muslims pass on each other. Inaya’s mother is on a constant mission to show Muslims born into Islamic families that, despite their belief that only ‘born’ Muslims are the ‘true Muslims,’ converts are in fact ‘better’ Muslims. Painting these judgments, as shameful as they are, is an important eye opener for our youth; not only does it make the reader vividly aware that no one has the right to judge another, but by openly discussing this issue, the author is encouraging the Muslim communities to shed these prejudices and unite as one Ummah.
Some of the minor characters in the story show great interest in learning about Islam. Honestly, I’m always sceptical about the characters who eventually accept Islam, as I find it does not occur so frequently in real life. Perhaps portraying it as something not uncommon gives our youth the encouragement to continue with their da’wah to their peers. The fact that the one minor character who was firm in her Christian faith turns out to be incredibly bigoted against people of any and all other religions will, unfortunately, turn non-Muslims away from the story. Unquestionably, people of this description do exist, but they are far from being the majority. I see so many lessons in this story which would benefit the non-Muslim understanding of Muslims, so a non-Muslim character of high morals may have helped increase non-Muslim interest in the story.
As I read Muslim Girl, I found myself wishing I had had it to read while I was growing up in America. This story is a valuable tool for the American Muslim youth; not only will it empower them with the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles, but by giving them permission to forgive themselves for any shortcomings, it will also help them move forward and grow in iman.
This review was written by Hend Hegazi for the April 2015 issue #66 of SISTERS Magazine. https://www.sisters-magazine.com/
Hend Hegazi was born and raised in the USA and graduated from Smith College with a degree in biology. Her first novel, Normal Calm, was published in January 2014 by FB Publishing. Hend currently resides in Alexandria, Egypt with her husband and four children. You can catch her making fun of her brother and telling embarrassing stories about her kids at hendhegazi.wordpress.com.
Through Inaya’s struggle, Umm Zakiyyah does a brilliant job of acquainting her readers with the rainbow of Muslim experiences - from the niqabi who feels naked without her face veil, to the Muslim who drops her hijab in order to fit in. The audience has the opportunity to see that even faith driven hijabis have internal conflicts regarding how to dress or how to behave in certain circumstances. The moment when Inaya thrusts her hands into her pockets to avoid shaking the outstretched hand of her male peer, I feel at once embarrassed and inspired by her. This battle of conscience is so common in the daily lives of Muslims all over the world, and I feel relieved that someone has finally brought these issues to light.
Throughout the story, Umm Zakiyyah sprinkles reminders of the essential message that Islam is not about the details of how we dress, or which school of thought we follow, but rather about what is in our hearts. The author succeeds in explaining that we must put our faith into action, of course, but the fact that no one is more superior in iman to another simply because she covers her hair or her face is beautifully and powerfully portrayed. It also opens the readers’ eyes to the judgments Muslims pass on each other. Inaya’s mother is on a constant mission to show Muslims born into Islamic families that, despite their belief that only ‘born’ Muslims are the ‘true Muslims,’ converts are in fact ‘better’ Muslims. Painting these judgments, as shameful as they are, is an important eye opener for our youth; not only does it make the reader vividly aware that no one has the right to judge another, but by openly discussing this issue, the author is encouraging the Muslim communities to shed these prejudices and unite as one Ummah.
Some of the minor characters in the story show great interest in learning about Islam. Honestly, I’m always sceptical about the characters who eventually accept Islam, as I find it does not occur so frequently in real life. Perhaps portraying it as something not uncommon gives our youth the encouragement to continue with their da’wah to their peers. The fact that the one minor character who was firm in her Christian faith turns out to be incredibly bigoted against people of any and all other religions will, unfortunately, turn non-Muslims away from the story. Unquestionably, people of this description do exist, but they are far from being the majority. I see so many lessons in this story which would benefit the non-Muslim understanding of Muslims, so a non-Muslim character of high morals may have helped increase non-Muslim interest in the story.
As I read Muslim Girl, I found myself wishing I had had it to read while I was growing up in America. This story is a valuable tool for the American Muslim youth; not only will it empower them with the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles, but by giving them permission to forgive themselves for any shortcomings, it will also help them move forward and grow in iman.
This review was written by Hend Hegazi for the April 2015 issue #66 of SISTERS Magazine. https://www.sisters-magazine.com/
Hend Hegazi was born and raised in the USA and graduated from Smith College with a degree in biology. Her first novel, Normal Calm, was published in January 2014 by FB Publishing. Hend currently resides in Alexandria, Egypt with her husband and four children. You can catch her making fun of her brother and telling embarrassing stories about her kids at hendhegazi.wordpress.com.
June 8, 2014
I was excited to get my hands on Umm Zakiyyah's recently published book, especially after reading and loving her 1st "juvenile" fiction novel! Although this isn't a favorite/ LOVED it novel, I still enjoyed reading it and there is a lot to get out of such a short book.
I have always loved reverts to Islam for their dedication to their new faith and way of life. I never imagined that this dedication could go to extremes, to the point that some reverts look down upon other Muslims. I don't think all reverts are like this, but it wasn't until I read about Inaya's mother and her somewhat extreme views, that I realized that even a few reverts could have this mentality of superiority...
I did like how the bulk of the story focused on Inaya's struggles, both internally and externally. None of us are perfect and we all sin, but Inaya's story showed how even someone as young as her goes through challenges, but can still change for the better if one really cares and tries. Her story was understandable and somewhat relatable since I went to public school my whole life, and I think older teens might enjoy it for the same reasons.
Some other random things I liked about Muslim Girl was the different topics, for example moving from a mostly Muslim environment to one that isn't, public school life, revert family's life, trying to fit in vs. feeling comfortable in your skin, amongst others. The soft cover also felt nice (yes I notice things like that :P The last few chapters were also the best in my opinion because there were a couple of surprises!
I recommend this book to older teens, reverts, parents, and people like me who want to read more Islamic fiction novels :)
I have always loved reverts to Islam for their dedication to their new faith and way of life. I never imagined that this dedication could go to extremes, to the point that some reverts look down upon other Muslims. I don't think all reverts are like this, but it wasn't until I read about Inaya's mother and her somewhat extreme views, that I realized that even a few reverts could have this mentality of superiority...
I did like how the bulk of the story focused on Inaya's struggles, both internally and externally. None of us are perfect and we all sin, but Inaya's story showed how even someone as young as her goes through challenges, but can still change for the better if one really cares and tries. Her story was understandable and somewhat relatable since I went to public school my whole life, and I think older teens might enjoy it for the same reasons.
Some other random things I liked about Muslim Girl was the different topics, for example moving from a mostly Muslim environment to one that isn't, public school life, revert family's life, trying to fit in vs. feeling comfortable in your skin, amongst others. The soft cover also felt nice (yes I notice things like that :P The last few chapters were also the best in my opinion because there were a couple of surprises!
I recommend this book to older teens, reverts, parents, and people like me who want to read more Islamic fiction novels :)
March 7, 2015
this was my first umm zakiyyah book, and i was very excited to read it; i love the umm zakiyyah facebook posts that pop up in my newsfeed occasionally, and i've heard a lot about umm zakiyyah's other books, such as if i should speak. i enjoyed reading muslim girl, and i never found myself bored at any point. it was an engaging, easy read. however, there were elements of the book that left me frustrated. the conversion of inaya's love interest seemed like it came out of nowhere somewhat. i didn't like how his girlfriend was portrayed as rude/obnoxious because of her atheism. i was curious about what was up with inaya's mother and her husband, although that story arc was never really tied up. in short, as i finished the book, i found myself asking a lot of questions about the story that the ending didn't address satisfactorily. i'm looking forward to trying out umm zakiyyah's other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
𝕶𝖊𝖊𝖕 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖆𝖎𝖙𝖍, 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑, 𝖆𝖓𝖉, 𝕴𝖓𝖘𝖍𝖆𝕬𝖑𝖑𝖆𝖍, 𝖜𝖊'𝖑𝖑 𝖒𝖊𝖊𝖙 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖓𝖉.
This was a quick and easy read that highlights one of the major issues that Muslim woman face, especially in the western world!
A sort of identity crisis, that i think many woman go through with regards to the hijab and how it is portrayed in and around the world!
A very interesting read based on a 16 year olds journey to discovering her role as a muslim in the west!
A good read for everyone, not only Muslims.. It helps bring awareness of why some people choose to wear the hijab, whilst others choose not to.
All in all, a good read!
This was a quick and easy read that highlights one of the major issues that Muslim woman face, especially in the western world!
A sort of identity crisis, that i think many woman go through with regards to the hijab and how it is portrayed in and around the world!
A very interesting read based on a 16 year olds journey to discovering her role as a muslim in the west!
A good read for everyone, not only Muslims.. It helps bring awareness of why some people choose to wear the hijab, whilst others choose not to.
All in all, a good read!
July 12, 2014
I rated this book based on my own enjoyment, not on quality.
There's nothing wrong with this book, per se, it's just that-- as with all of Umm Zakiyyah's books-- I find that I know exactly what's going to happen before I even start the book. This one was targeted to a teen audience (people my age and younger), and it's basically what you would expect. Inaya, a Muslim girl who moves from Saudi Arabia to America, begins to lose her faith, only to get it back at the end. So predictable.
There's nothing wrong with this book, per se, it's just that-- as with all of Umm Zakiyyah's books-- I find that I know exactly what's going to happen before I even start the book. This one was targeted to a teen audience (people my age and younger), and it's basically what you would expect. Inaya, a Muslim girl who moves from Saudi Arabia to America, begins to lose her faith, only to get it back at the end. So predictable.
October 18, 2014
Just finished this book. It is the BEST juvenile fiction story that I have read in my life. The main character of the novel is Inaya who lived in Saudi Arabia and moved back to USA to lead a "normal life", and joined a public high school. It is about Inaya's intercultural and spiritual struggles and how she dealt with them. It is a novel that clears many misunderstandings, breaks many stereotypes, and makes you realize that every believer is struggling to keep his/her faith safe and it is just that the nature of those struggles is different. I recommend this book to EVERYONE.
May 24, 2023
I thought this was another excellent book by Umm Zakiyyah. The book is great for young adult reader, but truthfully I was on the edge of my seat during my reading. I'm one of those people who liks tear jerkers, and the is a good one. I would recommend this book to everyone to read, especially if your have children attending public high school.
December 13, 2014
quick one day read. story delves into hardships a muslim teenager encounters in the states after living in Saudi. Not as intense as Hearts we Lost. On to If I Should Speak
April 6, 2017
This is a young adult book that's worth a read by adults if you can get through the sappy young love aspect. Didn't give 5 stars because the characters wear a bit one demential and the. Over use or Muslim terms/ words felt like a vocabulary lesson.
November 22, 2017
It was a quick nice read, but too simple of a story for me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews