The Muslim (M)Other - Mariya Bint Rehan
The Muslim mum is the ultimate political symbol of our time.
She’s shoved into every debate, blamed for society’s problems, then turned into some kind of saviour, all while Muslim communities get flattened into stereotypes in our hyper-globalised world. Everyone talks at Muslim mums, down to them, or for them but almost no one actually talks with them.
Not in a way that cuts through the noise of media panic and political point-scoring to see the real, layered lives beneath.
The first its kind, Mariya dives into the messy, sacred, exhausting, beautiful work of raising kids while Muslim in today’s political chaos.
We’re talking digital overload, everyday Islamophobia, and a culture that’s been turned into a marketplace, all of it shaping us in ways we can’t even always name
Praise for The Muslim (M)other
“A thought-provoking, multifaceted analysis of the expectations placed on mothers in the Muslim world." Kirkus Reviews
“A bold and necessary voice where motherhood, identity, and politics converge. Exploring the Muslim mum as both scapegoat and saviour in global narratives, this book offers an intimate, critically engaged exploration of mothering while Muslim in the modern political moment. It gives voice to Muslim mothers who have been talked at, for, and about, yet rarely with.” British Muslim Magazine
“This is not the book you breeze through. It’s a book you read, pause, reflect, sigh a bit, go back to continue reading, take another break to close your eyes and think, let it sink in…It’s a book I wish was available a decade ago when I was in the throes (or trenches) of Mothering while Muslim and Othered. Seriously, you should check out the book.” Muti’ah Badruddeen, Award winning author
"The book is a collection of essays in which Rehan looks at all the different challenges Muslim mothers face in this postmodern digital world, from growing far right movements and Islamophobia, to unattainable beauty standards, misogyny and the Red Pill movement, and annoying social media tribes like TradWives. I found myself nodding along throughout the book, and what was interesting, is much of what she writes about affects not just Muslim mothers, but all women in general, so worth a read even if you’re not a Muslim or a parent.” Yousra Samir, Author and journalist
“I think it’s genuinely wonderful and one of the best things I’ve ever read. Beautifully crafted lyrical prose alongside the most fire points.” Nadeine Asbeili, Journalist
Mariya bint Rehan is a writer, illustrator and mother to three young girls aged ten and under. With a background in policy, research, and international development, Mariya has been writing on issues pertaining to Muslim identity, politics and motherhood for over seven years.
A unique voice touching upon contemporary issues, Mariya has provided insightful commentary on politics, art and culture centred on Muslims, and provides a refreshing and much needed perspective.
