Where My “Sisters” At? August 28, 2008
Posted by Sobia in Books/Magazines.Tags: magazines, Muslim women
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It’s always encouraging to see magazines for Muslims, especially for Muslim women, in parts of the world in which Muslims are the minority. Currently in North America, we have magazines like Azizah Magazine and Muslim Girl, both catering to the female, Muslim population of the region. Now the U.K. has Sisters Magazine, with the tagline “The Magazine for Fabulous Muslim Women.” So how fabulous is the magazine itself? I decided to take a look see at the free sample they provide.
Initially the magazine started in digital form in 2007, but has recently started publishing a print copy, the summer 2008 condensed version of which I scanned.
First, what I liked. It’s appears quite holistic, covering many aspects of life including spirituality, inspiration, family issues, world issues, fashion, and food among others. It aims to inspire Muslim women, mainly by providing religious dictates as well as personal stories of various Muslim women. Additionally, there is no doubt that Sisters Magazine approaches their writing from a religious standpoint. All their work is based on Islam and Islam is present in all their work, either explicitly or implicitly. They state:
SISTERS covers a range of subjects in the areas of Inspiration, Self, Family, Community, World, Homes, Looks, Tastes and a range of reader offers and competitions.
Our magazine’s ethos is rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, according to the understanding of the Pious Predecessors, and our inspiration is Islam as a beautiful and richly rewarding way of life. (Read the rest of the description here.)
If the reader is one for whom Islam is central, then this may be the magazine for them. MAY be. The reason why it just may be for them will be explained in the “What I don’t like” section. Let’s just stick to the positive for now.
In this particular issue there was a section I particularly liked (because it hit close to home) - the section entitled Blessed solitude: Make the most of being single. The advice seemed to encourage women to think positive and come to peace with being single. To accept it as Allah’s will and use that knowledge to comfort themselves, if being single did indeed bother them. This piece was just one example of how Islam was used to try to help the reader and guide the reader. In my view, positive points for the intended audience.
However, who is the intended audience? Who is Sisters targeting? Reflecting on these questions leads to the what I don’t like about the magazine.
As I said earlier, if the reader is one for whom Islam is central then this MAY be the magazine for them. This depends on what interpretation of Islam one follows. The Islam that Sisters bases their work on is a traditional and conservative one. Not to mention, it also seems very Sunni oriented. (I don’t think I need to mention it but it was also for the heterosexual Muslim woman). Therefore, if the reader is a traditional, conservative and Sunni, then this could be the magazine for you. If not, then this magazine may end up leaving you feeling like an inadequate and inaccurate Muslim woman. In fact, it may end up leaving you feeling like a bad Muslim woman. For instance, a strong self-righteousness seems to seep through when they talk about how Muslim weddings are not always Islamic. In a sarcastic, condescending, and “humorous” they condemn Muslims who have, what they term as “un-Islamic” weddings.
Just imagine, you arrive at the entrance of a large hall and notice a mass of people, both men and women, gathered outside. You whip out your invitation card to verify whether you have reached the correct venue and it turns out that you have. You look around and almost hit yourself for not bringing shades – why hadn’t anyone warned you about the amount of bling-bling that would be on display by man, woman and child? It’s so bad that there should be some kind of health warning on the invite! You shade your eyes as best as you can and proceed into the glamorous, latest designer-decorated hall, but wait, your heart’s pounding. You soon realise that it’s not your heart beating like a drum, rather, it’s the bass of the latest wedding track – boom, boom, boom. Yes, wedding nasheed. Fatima never mentioned that the hall would be used for a disco too! As your heartbeat manages to ease and settle down, you push your way through a set of heavy double doors to be greeted, not only by the aroma of the enticing menu the catering team had slaved over, but by a group of ‘brothers’. Hold on a sec, let’s put this tape on pause. Wasn’t this supposed to be a Muslim marriage? (Read the rest of the piece here)
So as you can see, there is a certain interpretation of Islam being used as the backdrop to this magazine. Even if you are a religious and devout Muslim woman, if you do not follow Sisters’ interpretation of Islam, approach this magazine with caution, knowing that there will be sections that will make you scratch your head and feel left out. Not to mention like a non-practicing Muslimah. Sometimes with little or no morals.
Additionally, if you are one who does not necessarily feel comfortable with religion being brought up ALL the time and inserted into everything little thing you do, then be warned that this magazine may seem like religion overload to you.
Now, I agree that there is nothing wrong with this type of magazine existing. And it is wonderful that a certain segment of the Muslim female population will see themselves reflected in the magazine. However, by stating that this magazine is for the “fabulous Muslim woman” the makers of the magazine are implying that either only those Muslim women who follow their interpretation are fabulous, or more likely, that this is for all Muslim women, because all Muslim women should follow their interpretation. If you don’t, then you’re not a good Muslim. Either way, it is false advertising. This magazine is generally for a more traditional, conservative, Sunni Muslim woman. It would be best that they advertise that way and not claim to be for Muslim women in general.
In the end, the magazine is worth checking out; however, be aware that it is not bias-free.
Salaams,
Something that struck me immediately about this magazine was that there are no pictures of women’s faces. That’s very conservative.
When I used to do page design and layout on daily newspapers, we always worked with an understanding of how people’s eyes in photos create “lines of force,” which means that all humans have a tendency to look in the same direction that someone else’s eyes are looking. It’s one tactic among many to move a reader’s eyes around a page.
Well, those “lines of force” don’t exist in this magazine. It’s burka by design.
mmm. I am a Muslimah but I am a liberal secular punk rock feminist and I feel alienated by these religious magazines targeted at Muslim females, hah.
I am not girly girl, either. So I can’t relate to fashion and styling tips often found in MUSLIM GIRL and AZIZAH. I got nothing against them, though. It just ain’t my vibe. I wish there is a cool Muslim mag targeted at punk rockers, riot grrls, feminists, and other “weirdos” in the Muslim community. then I won’t feel as lonely.
Have you thought of sending your comments to the editor? Maybe it’s something she may take into consideration.
DBTP: Girl, what’s stopping you? Make your own punky Muslimah mag! We’ll feature it on the site! :D
I like the fact that the magazine covered being single without making it seem like being single is the biggest tragedy in the world. But I think you make a lot of good points about the content (and Salaam makes some great points about the visuals!).
Well this is interesting; I checked the section “About US” and it makes reference to the editor “Na’ima B. Robert, author of From My Sisters’ Lips (www.nbrobert.com).” When I opened the site its “nbrobert” a musical download site…when I click on Robert it takes you to:
“We Have All The Books You Need In Stock
By Henry M. Iii Robert. Great Prices For This Authors Work.
http://www.HotBookSale.com/free-shipping” which if you click takes you to a bookseller for the book “Roberts Rules”…
So who is Na’ima B. Robert?…”Covered from head to toe, with only her eyes visible, the sight of a Muslim woman on a Western city street rarely fails to provoke a strong reaction.” says part of the blurb from the book “from My Sisters’ Lips”…
Has anyone read her books? Any opinions…
From what I read in the articles I am left with the feeling that all I must do is pray all day; or that everything I do all day is religious -but my day (the one that pays the bills) Allahu Allam is extremely complicated to be conceptualized in those terms…and then I am too liberal in certain aspects; maybe this is where my feelings are coming from…
After reading most of the inspiring articles I was, as you said, “warned that this magazine may seem like religion overload to you.”
Salaam:
Excellent observation. I didn’t even think of that. But it makes sense. Since they seem to be saying, from the “wedding” article excerpt, that music is un-Islamic, it makes perfect sense that they would believe that pictures of the human form are haram (forbidden) (though even Little Mosque on the Prairie preaches that :P)
DBTP:
I second Fatemeh on that. You SHOULD start one. That would be awesome. There obviously is a need for it. And I am sure there are others who would really appreciate it.
Jana:
I suppose it’s worth a try though I have serious doubts about her taking them seriously. From the feel of the magazine, and from having met people who seem to share the sentiment of the magazine editor, I think she and her team may think that what they are saying/preaching/propagating IS Islam, and anything else isn’t.
INAL:
I haven’t googled Roberts yet. I should do that too. I hadn’t heard of her before this.
I’ve heard of her book (I asked to do an interview with her for MMW, but it never really happened. When we were emailing back and forth, she told me about the book), and I’d like to read it. Does anyone know if it’s available in the U.S.?
Fatemeh:
Interesting. Why is it that the interview didn’t work out? I’d be interested to hear her views. I came across a few interviews of hers and she does very obviously follow a very conservative interpretation of Islam.
I’m not sure if the book is in US/North America. I’ve never seen it.
Well, I sent her some interview questions and she didn’t ever return them; I haven’t heard from her since. I imagine she’s been busy with the launch of the printed version, but I emailed the questions in mid-June. (shrug)
i haven’t read the magazine (sisters) but i think it’s nice to have a mag that covers all aspects of life in a way that is Islamic..
but i don’t like it when people categorise Islam.. why should we have liberal muslims and conservative muslims when there is only one Islam that is pure..
if you need a liberal magazine..go for the normal magazines e.g. Cleo, Vogue etc. We don’t need a magazine for a liberal, punk muslim.. for it might make people (esp the non-muslims!) are getting even more confused what Islam is.. i think all muslims, is supposed to follow only one way, which is the true and pure Islam free from any man-made ideologies or else we are more or less similar to other religions who label people (liberal etc.)
what do you mean by conservative?
for me conservative is when we, muslim women have this belief that we shouldn’t go to school to get our own education, we shouldn’t listen to music becuase it’s haram (eventhough it’s not haram if it can make one closer to Allah, and it’s haram when it deviates people from remembrance of Allah), etc.
We should not label one conservative just because he/she wants to follow Allah’s command..
@ Sobia, they do indeed follow the interpretation that pictures of the human form are haraam. Na’ima is the author of two books, the latest one being ‘From Somalia with Love’, here’s here blog:
http://fromsomalia-withlove.blogspot.com/
From my Sisters’ Lips you could probably find on Amazon. It’s pretty much in the same vein as the magazine really. Wasn’t too keen on it.
Also, you culd try opening up a discussion in the Sisters’ form, though be warned, you might not get an entirely friendly response.
@ roserine:
This is where we will diverge. Many Muslims believe, as do I, that there is not just one Islam. There are many interpretations. Even the Islam you speak of, one “free from any man-made ideologies” is actually not free from man-made ideologies. No interpretation is. There is no such thing as “pure” Islam. The Qur’an is not clear cut. The majority of it needs interpretation so that people can actually follow it. There are a few basics which are obvious (like pork being haram) but most of it is open to interpretation. Which is the beauty of the religion in my opinion.
That is why I personally, strongly propose respect and acceptance of various interpretations, even though I don’t agree with many of them. One can follow different interpretations and still be a practicing Muslim, if that is what one chooses to do.
Conservative is conservative. It does not mean they are better or worse Muslims. It implies they follow a certain interpretation of Islam.
@ Jana:
Thanks for the information.
I’m not sure if I want to debate with them right now.
@ Roserine:
That’s fine if Muslims feel that they are following God’s commands by abstaining from certain things like music, but I believe what Sobia is objecting to is how particular interpretations of Islam are being presented as the “True” Islam.
Someone like me would argue that the Qur’an never prohibits music. The English translations that include the word “music” are INSERTED in the parenthetical (usually associated with the phrase “idle talk”). But if one were to read the original Arabic text, the Arabic word for “music” is nowhere to be found.
I would also point out that the Qur’an actually speaks of music in a very positive light. It mentions the Book of Zabur (Psalms) which were given to Hazrat Dawud. How much more positive can you get when its associated with a Prophet of God? From a historical perspective, this antagonism towards music finds it roots primarily in very strict and literal interpretations of Islam, notably with Abdel Wahab’s movement in the 18th century. Prior to this, music played a very significant role in Islamic culture throughout the vast Muslim world. Flamenco music, for example, finds its roots with Muslims who were exiled from Spain in 1492 (the word “Flamenco” came from Arabic’s “Fellah Mengu” which means “Country vagabond”). Also, many historians believe that Medieval European music was influenced profoundly by music in the Islamic world, particularly from Ghazals, or traditional Love songs. The Italian music scale was also based off of Arabic letters. Anyway, the point of mentioning all of this is that extremely negative and antagonistic attitudes towards music in Muslim communities is a relatively new thing.
I wouldn’t have a problem with someone who didn’t want to listen to music, but I certainly wouldn’t appreciate it if I were treated and perceived as a “sinner” or “heretic.” Judgmental behavior is a teaching that gets emphasized so much in Islam, yet it seems that only a minority of us truly practice it.
I think the magazine’s commentary on certain kinds of weddings was very judgmental and even insulting. If I choose to have music playing at my wedding, insha’Allah, then would I be considered un-Islamic? It’s easy to point fingers at people and make these accusations, but in their hearts, they most likely feel and believe they *are* having an Islamic wedding.
Great article, Sobia. This really helps us all reflect on what does it mean to be “Islamic”.
interesting group. Sobia, I’m curious about what you consider “not clear cut”
[This comment has been edited to fit within the comment moderation policy. Mod note: Ryan, keep it on topic. We're talking about a magazine, here.]
ryan:
As I already mentioned much of the Qur’an is open to interpretation. The fact that there can be a variety of interpretations which still adhere to the spirit of Islam means that there is not just one clear way of being a Muslim.
That is what I mean by clear cut.
“(I don’t think I need to mention it but it was also for the heterosexual Muslim woman)”
What the heck does this mean?
What other type of Muslim woman would they cater too? The HOMOSEXUAL variety? Maybe I misunderstood you, but WHAT ON EARTH are you trying to promote?
Singing and dancing is one thing. I’m all for equal rights for women in every situation, but not when it leads to sin and corruption.
I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. If you are not condoning homosexuality, or implying that there is room for this condemned behavior in Islam, please clarify this statement as it’s very confusing.
Hoping for the best, Inshallah.
There ARE Muslim women out there who identify as both Muslim and as homosexual, whether anybody likes it or not. Simply acknowledging this fact does not make us “promoters” or “condoners”. Allah will judge all of us, heterosexual and homosexual, black and brown, men and women.
I am TIRED of people getting bogged down on the heterosexuality comment. We’re talking about a MAGAZINE, NOT about homosexuality in Islam.
The comment moderation policy tab is there for a reason, people. “Comments denigrating race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability, or gender will not be tolerated or posted. Do not make blanket statements about ANY group.”
Abu Ibrahim,
Sobia is promoting EQUALITY of all human beings. As Islam teaches us, we must show Love and Compassion to all people around us, regardless if their beliefs conflict with ours. Just because someone is different than you doesn’t mean that you cannot treat them as an Equal.
Also, you’re marginalizing against the homosexual Muslims, as if they represent some sort of “shame” in our community. They are humans too, they believe in God too, they deserve to be heard, and they deserve to share their experiences.
You can NEVER deny someone’s beliefs by simply observing them from the outside. God can see the Heart and the Soul — NO HUMAN BEING can do that.
Excluding certain people out of our community does NOT help at all. It causes a lot of pain and hurt, and much of that pain is not seen because we are so absorbed in how WE want things to be. What happened to wanting for your brother/sister what you want for yourself? What happened to not going to sleep without knowing your neighbor is full? What happened to accepting that no one else can judge a person except for God?
Sorry Fatemeh, I just couldn’t help myself.
Okay, seriously. Enough, everybody.
If you’re not posting about the magazine, don’t bother.
its entertaining to read the comments of people who are not scholars and who have not dedicated their lives to studying islamic sciences and instead argue about islamic issues based on their conjecture or their limited understanding of the deen or quoting some ‘whack’ contemporary scholar who has not even studied the classical sciences sufficiently.
why judge the ‘music comment’ of the wedding? maybe the writer wasnt implying that music is haraam, but rather the specific context was haraam.. i.e. men and women together with loud music… creating a halal- challenged atmophere.
i think we need to be wary of going off on tangents based on our thoughts and the angst that stirs in our nafs.
society is one thing and truth is another thing. if u want to b*tch and moan about society, by all means, do so. but if u want to discuss religion.. i think we need to take special care because we may unwittingly be severely erring by making statements about things that we are clearly not qualified to talk about.
i must say that some comments here come across as being very defensive. very arrogant. and very judgemental in attacking ‘judgementalness’.
yes, there are very few things that are black and white haraam… but we need the knowledge and wisdom to be able to make ijtihaad about grey areas.
may God forgive us for our ignorance and our transgressions and guide us to Truth.. and use our dialogue and communication here as a means of growth and attaining closeness to Him.. not merely a stage to rant and rave for the hell of it.
Salam and forgive me if i have offended anyone.
[This comment has been moderated to fit within moderation guidelines.]
Asalaamu alaikum warahmatullah, all
Why, oh, why does poor Na’ima B. Robert keep getting attacked on this site? :) First it was the magazine and then my Times article - what’s next? Seriously, you sisters should give this niqabi rebel a break! lol
For real though, I have enjoyed reading the comments on this site and, although I may disagree with some of them, I respect your right to make them. I guess SISTERS is meant to inspire us to better ourselves - in every way possible - and that means the editorial staff first and foremost, then our readers. And our definition of ‘better’ is taken from our understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah (which not everyone will share, granted). We are all on a journey and none of us have reached its end. But it is quite interesting to note that, among our readers, we have those for whom Islam is their entire compass in life, and those who are quite ’secular’ by comparison (have to be careful with my wording here!). We have niqabis (of which I admit I am one!), full hijabis, hijabi fashionistas and non-hijab wearers, stay-at-home moms and working girls, born Muslims and reverts. I have always hoped that each issue would have a little something to appeal to everyone - even if not every article fits your lifestyle or viewpoint!
BUt just another point to add here: I find that, very often, if a sister wears a niqab, certain assumptions are made about her: her opinions, her tastes, her lifestyle. And I hate that! This is something i alluded to in my book and is something as prevalent in the Muslim community as the wider society. So what, I can’t wear a niqab and be into kickboxing, read Descartes and Steinbeck, Hossein and Aboulela? I can’t have a degree, run my own business, speak three languages and drive a 4×4? Where did we as Muslims get this idea of the homogenous, one-dimensional cookie cutter Muslim woman from? Please don’t assume anything about me just because I wear a niqab, I get enough of that on the street!
Anyway, I digress. I guess the challenge for us as a ‘religious’ magazine is how to present our lived reality in an Islamically appropriate way, in a way that is an acknowledgement but not necessarily an endorsement. Issues like porn, alcohol or drug addiction in the Muslim community, spousal abuse, sexual problems, even breast cancer, subhanAllah! Because we are viewed as the more spiritual or religious alternative to other Muslim magazines, the standard is set high for us. You don’t know how many comments/ complaints we had about the cover image you featured on this page!
What I am saying is this: we operate in a very narrow space because of who we are, how we are perceived and the image our readers have of us. The British Muslim population is far more conservative than the American one - stuff you may be able to get away with there, we will be castigated for over here.
But you know what, at the end of the day, my viewpoint is this: if it is ok with Allah, we will do it. And that ‘ok’ comes from an Islamic knowledge-based approach, not my own opinion or reading of the situation.
I do feel that it is a shame that you chose to post the article on the Muslim weddings - I think you will admit that it is not actually representative of the style or content of the magazine. If you are curious about the types of articles we cover, please visit the website (www.sisters-magazine.com) and read for yourself.
I really don’t think that we deserve the title of the magazine industry’s version of the burqa!
Affectionately yours wasalaam
N.
Salam, Na’ima, and thanks for your comments! :)
I’m sorry that the threat got bogged down in comments that didn’t have anything to do with the magazine, but we appreciate your viewpoint. :)
I’d be interested to hear about the types of complaints that you received about the cover, too.
@ Fatemeh
Thanks for your response. Regarding the cover, there were those who felt that the image of a man with his arm around a hijab-wearing woman was too suggestive, too much like open displays of affection, too much like non-Muslims, etc. One single sister even said she felt a bit ‘hot’ when looking at the cover and that made her feel bad and doubtful about the cover’s propriety.
Others felt that the image was too secular, too modern, not ‘Islamic’ enough - the guy’s beard wasn’t long enough, his hairstyle too trendy :)
Others questioned the use of an image of animate objects per se, regardless of the fact that no features were shown.
I know that is asking for a lot of unpacking, but there you have it!
Like I said, a completely different climate over here. Although, having said that, there were those who loved the cover, found it fresh and funky, cute and a nice evocation of Muslim love.
So it takes all sorts…
Wasalaam
N
It just goes to show you that a consensus is never possible! :) Here at MMW, we get this all the time: too this, not enough this, too that, not enough that…it seems that no matter the climate in our respective spaces, there are always diverging opinions, subhanallah! Everybody’s a critic, right? :D
Either way, thanks for your comments here. Please feel welcome to give us your opinions any time, and we wish you success with Sisters and your other endeavors. Be sure to let us know when Sisters’ next issue is out!