International Women’s Day: spotlight on Nadine Asbali’s Veiled Threat

The rights, lives, and freedom of Muslim women have been constantly debated topics throughout mainstream media, especially more recently in regards to the hijab. Western societies seem to have a collective concern regarding the extent to which they allow Muslim women to wield agency over their own lives, choices, and expression of belief.

Nadine Asbali draws upon the struggles Muslim women face daily as a result of them wearing hijab and practicing their religion, with the discourse regarding the rights, lives, and alleged ‘limited’ freedom of Muslim women becoming a global topic across news, podcasts, and books. With everyone eager to contribute their opinion on the matter, the faith and belief of Muslim women has become a perpetual topic of discussion.

Veiled Threat emphasises the multi-faceted nature of the discrimination Muslim women face, not only due to their gender but also as a result of their religion and ethnicity.

“Either we are submissive and subjugated, victims of our own patriarchal cultures and faith – or we are a perverse danger, a veiled threat, wrapping our heads and bodies in our outright rejection of western culture and holding tight to religious views which are at odds with superior, enlightened European values.”

Asbali is a British Libyan Muslim author whose debut memoir, Veiled Threat, draws on her experiences as a hijabi growing up in a predominantly white area – bringing to light the challenges Muslim women encounter daily. Asbali’s mixed-race heritage, childhood, and lived experiences as a visible Muslim woman in the Western world establish the foundation of her memoir, as she navigates a society full of Islamophobia, misogyny, and racism. Veiled Threat emphasises the multi-faceted nature of the discrimination Muslim women face, not only due to their gender but also as a result of their religion and ethnicity.

“My hijab has come to shape everything about me – how I am perceived by others and even how I see myself. It negates my biology, eclipses my upbringing and supersedes all other aspects of my identity. At times, it feels like I’m made of chiffon and jersey, metal pins and social expectation instead of flesh and bone.”

The title of the memoir itself immediately refers to the negative connotations society holds in regard to hijabi women, despite the hijab being a symbol for one’s faith and belief. Asbali’s critique of ‘white feminism’ further on in the book addresses the falsehood behind such displays of inclusivity, as women of colour and faith are often excluded from movements. In this way, the memoir draws the reader’s attention to the isolation Muslim women face, as they’re seen as an alleged ‘threat’ to society, even amongst their own sex.

Veiled Threat is a compelling literary work that reminds us that the journey to inclusion and equality requires collective effort.

Asbali not only highlights the struggles Muslim women face in the Western world but also beautifully explains the notion behind wearing hijab and submitting to God. “… The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception” (Quran 3:185). And so, despite Asbali’s recounting of her countless struggles, it remains pertinent to remember that faith will persist.

By shedding light on the unique experiences of Muslim women, Nadine Asbali invites readers to address their own misconceptions and biases, advocating for a more welcoming and inclusive society. Her memoir serves as an impactful call for action as it urges society to acknowledge and address the systematic boundaries that limit Muslims from contributing and thriving in various communities. Veiled Threat is a compelling literary work that reminds us that the journey to inclusion and equality requires collective effort. Its impact reminds the reader the importance behind celebrating works of female authors, highlighting women from minority communities. Hearing from those voices which are often diminished within society and learning from their experiences in order to highlight institutional issues is crucial in order to improve and move forward as a society.