Secular Muslim Feminism

Secular Muslim feminists are involved in challenging Islamic fundamentalism and gender inequalities from within non-religious frameworks. They emphasise the indispensable role of secularism and secular spaces to ensure equality for all. Widely celebrated among 'elite' circles in the West, the Far-Right and neo-Orientalists place them as âOtherâ while some feminists and sections of the Left see them as Islamophobes. They have also experienced abuse, harassment and death threats from Islamists.

This book examines the voices and ideas of secular Muslim feminists from Europe and the Middle East to present an alternative to these binary narratives. Drawing on the authorâs 15 years of feminist activism, observations and conversations with founders and leaders of various organisations, the book argues that binary conceptions of Muslim women as either âvictimised and powerlessâ or âempowered, militant and dignifiedâ are both inadequate and outdated. The book is based on secular Muslim feminist writings and public speeches and the author suggests that by recognising these women, and engaging with their diverse aspirations, a new path for Muslim womenâs rights and Islam can be seen.

Previous scholarship has paid a great deal of attention to publicly pious Muslim women activists who fit the image of an authentic âMuslimâ woman. This book is the first dedicated to secular Muslim feminists and the significance of their work and positionality.