bOOK
icOvER bY sADAF
sYED - A phOTObOOK ON
MusLiM wOMEN.
Review by
Rahima b Miah
sadaf syed’s photo-essay on
American Muslim women
captures a reality that is
rarely given much substance.
The glossy photographs
have the effect of shatter-
ing the ‘glassing ceiling’ as
the images vividly portray
Muslim women in a light con-
trary to the commonly held
stereotypes.
The author shares both
her story and stories of the
women she has photographed,
discussing the reservations
and the responsibility the
veil symbolises. As the veil is
stereotyped as going against
the ideals of modernity the
women illustrate that they
are in fact not much different
from the average American
woman. The inspiration
behind the veil syed states is
to ‘adopt the divine defini-
tion of femininity.’ Living by
this definition does not in any
form hinder their personal
freedom or their individual-
ity rather it has liberated them
from the clutches of synthetic
beauty. Regular surfers sama
wareh and Aurelia Khatib
clearly show that although
the hijab is not typical beach ing and riding a motorbike poet, Haniya Malik, encour- the experiences of the other
attire, this does not prevent transcends the perception ages the pursuit of alternative hijabi women. The reader is
them from hitting the waves! of Muslim women as being forms of respect in a land that endowed with appreciation,
stunning pictures present trapped in medieval prac- ordains freedom for all. The motivation and encourage-
various vocations: the patri- tices. Contrary to common effect of this poem is that it ment when perusing through
otic woman, the professional expression ‘a picture speaks builds a form of encourage- this book.
woman, the sportswoman, a thousand words’, there is ment and resilience against iCover is a book suitable
the artist and the mother. one resonating message that conforming to narrowly for everyone to read. i would
sadaf syed clearly illustrates is being pervaded – all of defined perfection. recommend this book, espe-
that beyond the veil live these women are the modern The causal tone of this cially to young teenage girls
women who are pursuing women of today. book instantly draws the looking for role models and
their passions and ambitions. The book opens with a reader and makes them feel for those who are of the per-
seeing such pro-activism, in poem called ‘Her Honor’ as though sadaf syed is sit- ception that the veil does not
particular with the images which embraces the American ting next to them voicing enable individuals from lead-
of the women surfing, box- motto ‘land of the free’. The both her experiences and ing a life of a modern woman.
www.emel.com | emel magazine 97
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