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📚 Muslim Women Authors: Shaping Cultural Literature 📚
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items Celebrate the powerful voices of Muslim women who are redefining storytelling across genres and cultures. This list features groundbreaking fiction, memoirs, poetry, and essays that explore identity, resistance, love, heritage, and the complexities o...
Sections
6
Palestinian Women Authors
Muslim Women's Voices
Storytellers
Young Adult
Memoirs
Books for Tweens
Palestinian Women Authors
Palestinian women authors offer perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream literature. Their work gives voice to the unique experiences, struggles, and resilience of Palestinian women in the context of culture, history, and conflict.
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa – A bold and lyrical story about a Palestinian woman imprisoned in solitary confinement, reflecting on her life and resistance
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa – A sweeping, multigenerational novel tracing a Palestinian family's displacement after 1948.
Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum – A gripping story of Palestinian-American women across generations.
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan – A beautifully written novel following a Palestinian family through decades of exile across the Middle East.
Salt Houses - Alyan, Hala: Books
My Voice Sought the Wind by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha – A poignant poetry collection exploring Palestinian identity, longing, and diaspora
My Voice Sought the Wind by Susan Abulhawa
A thought-provoking debut novel that delves into the complexities of identity, trauma, and resilience within the Palestinian-American experience.
The Beauty of Your Face: A Novel - Mustafah, Sahar
A poetry collection that delves into themes of diaspora, loss, and the complexities of identity. Alyan, a Palestinian American poet and clinical psychologist, explores the intersections of personal and collective histories, drawing from her own exper...
The Moon That Turns You Back: Poems
A Palestinian activist jailed at sixteen after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers illuminates the daily struggles of life under occupation in this moving, deeply personal memoir
They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl
A frank and entertaining memoir, from the daughter of Edward Said, about growing up second-generation Arab American and struggling with that identity.
Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family
A contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of identity, trauma, and self-discovery through the lens of a Palestinian-American woman, Yara, living in North Carolina. The narrative intertwines personal struggles with broader cultural and po...
Evil Eye: A Novel by Etaf Rum, Paperback
A lyrical story weaving together myth, memory, and the harsh realities of Gaza.
The Blue Between Sky and Water by Susan Abulhawa, Paperback
Though Egyptian, Ashour's work deeply centers a Palestinian woman's journey from the Nakba to Lebanon's Sabra and Shatila massacres.
The Woman from Tantoura: A Novel from Palestine by Radwa Ashour, Paperback
A memoir connecting personal family history to the broader story of Palestine's erasure and resilience.
In My Mother's Footsteps: A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home
My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza’s Untold Story
My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza's Untold Story
Features essays by several Palestinian women writers, including Selma Dabbagh and Suad Amiry.
This Is Not a Border: Reportage & Reflection from the Palestine Festival ...
A humorous, poignant diary-style memoir written during the Israeli siege of Ramallah.
Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries
A trilingual collection of poetry from the Palestinian diaspora, deeply rooted in loss and defiance.
I Remember My Name - Poetry by Samah Sabawi, Ramzy Baroud and Jehan ...
A collection of short stories from young writers in Gaza, including contributions by women.
Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza, Palestine
Muslim Women's Voices
It's important to highlight the plight of Muslim women to bring attention to the unique challenges many face due to the intersection of gender, religion, cultural expectations, and in some cases, systemic discrimination or political conflict. Doing s...
Muslim Women Are Everything by Seema Yasmin – Illustrated profiles celebrating diverse Muslim women.
Muslim Women Are Everything: Stereotype Stories
Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah – YA novel exploring identity and hijab in a Western society.
Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
How to Be a Muslim: An American Story by Haroon Moghul (Note: co-narrative includes Muslim women’s perspectives).
How to Be a Muslim: An American Story
You Think You Know Me by Ayaan Mohamud – YA debut about Islamophobia, resilience, and courage.
You Think You Know Me by Ayaan Mohamud
A novel about identity, culture, and belonging. It follows Khadra Shamy, a Syrian-American Muslim girl growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in Indianapolis, Indiana, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, religion, and cultural expectations.
Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mohja Kahf
A young adult novel set against the backdrop of the Syrian Revolution. It follows 17-year-old Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student turned volunteer at a hospital in Homs, as she navigates the harrowing realities of war.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
A poignant debut novel that intertwines the stories of two generations grappling with identity, belonging, and displacement.
We Are All Birds of Uganda by Hafsa Zayyan
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza – A tender family saga exploring identity, religion, and belonging.
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Written by 15 Muslim voices, this book offers a powerful representation of the Muslim experience
Once Upon an Eid: Stories by 15 Muslim Voices
This book brings together the voices of British Muslim women through a powerful collection of essays, poetry, short stories, and plays. It's not a single narrative, but a multi-genre, multi-perspective exploration of identity, faith, race, gender, an...
The Things I Would Tell You: British Muslim Women Write
21 personal essays by Muslim women in Britain. The collection offers a platform for these women to share their diverse experiences, challenging the monolithic portrayals often seen in mainstream media.
Cut from the Same Cloth?: Muslim Women on Life in Britain
Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality, and Race, edited by Mariam Khan, is a compelling anthology that amplifies the voices of Muslim women navigating their identities in the West. The collection comprises 18 essays by British Muslim women from ...
It's Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race
A poignant collection of thirteen short stories that delve into the lives of immigrants navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural dislocation. The narratives traverse various settings, including Khartoum, Cairo, London, and Abe...
Elsewhere, Home by Leila Aboulela, Paperback
The essays reflect her journey from a grassroots organizer to an international advocate, emphasizing the importance of both personal and collective efforts in driving meaningful change.
Talking About a Revolution by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Paperback
A compelling collection of narratives that delve into the lives of Iraqis living in exile. Published in 2021 and translated from Arabic by Wen-chin Ouyang, the book offers a poignant exploration of displacement, identity, and the quest for belonging
Packaged Lives: Ten Stories and a Novella by Haifa Zangana, Paperback
A historical fiction novel that covers the years from the 1950s to 2022. It tells the story of two Iranian women, Ellie and Homa, and focuses on their strong friendship and the challenges they face.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, Hardcover
A deeply personal and introspective exploration of the experiences, struggles, and reflections of a Muslim woman navigating the complexities of identity, faith, culture, and societal expectations.
A Muslim Woman's Diary by Sumaya Amiri, Paperback
Storytellers
Highlighting Muslim women storytellers is essential because their voices offer rich, diverse, and often underrepresented perspectives in global narratives. Muslim women storytellers bring authentic insights into their cultures, communities, and ident...
Minaret by Leila Aboulela – A powerful novel about faith, immigration, and identity.
Minaret: A Novel: Aboulela, Leila: 9780802170149
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie – A contemporary reimagining of Antigone set against the backdrop of radicalization
Home Fire - Shamsie, Kamila: Books
Layla and Majnun (retelling) by Nizami Ganjavi, translated and interpreted by Sophie Mariner (Muslim female translator focus).
Layla and Majnun: Classic Persian Love Story
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear by Mosab Abu Toha (Note: male poet, but his work often includes editing or forewords by women like Fady Joudah)
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza
In This Green and Pleasant Land, the book explores what happens when a British-Pakistani man decides to build a mosque in the small English village where he resides
This Green and Pleasant Land: Ayisha Malik
When Jasmine’s mother dies inside their English mansion, hope comes in the form of her multi-million pound inheritance. But with her inheritance threatened, Jasmine is left to contemplate a future she does not know how to live.
Jasmine Falling: Malherbe, Shereen
A bittersweet tale set against the backdrop of 1950s Tehran during political upheaval. It tells the story of Roya and Bahman, two young lovers torn apart by circumstances beyond their control, and the ripples their love creates throughout their lives...
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali, Paperback
A novel about mothers and daughters, tradition and independence, finding love and the place you truly belong
Together Tea by Marjan Kamali, Paperback
Young Adult
Recognizing Muslim young adult (YA) novels—including those in genres like romance, fiction, and sci-fi—is important because it promotes inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and affirms the diversity of Muslim experiences in ways that resonate with yo...
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad – YA fantasy set on the Silk Road, blending magic with Islamic cultural motifs.
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal – A bestselling fantasy novel inspired by ancient Arabia.
We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya, #1) by Hafsah Faizal
Blackout (contributor: Dhonielle Clayton) – Anthology featuring a short story by this Afro-Muslim YA author.
Blackout: A Novel - Books
The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti by Jennifer Probst (co-author: Reem Faruqi) – Beautifully intertwined stories, with Faruqi known for her Muslim-centered children’s books as well.
The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti (Meet Me in Italy): Probst, Jennifer
That Can Be Arranged by Huda Fahmy – Graphic memoir about Muslim courtship and marriage.
That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story - Books
A dystopian young adult novel series centered on Juliette Ferrars, a 17-year-old girl with a deadly touch
Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
A gripping young adult fantasy novel set in a brutal, ancient Rome-inspired empire.
An Ember in the Ashes #1 - Sabaa Tahir
The novel explores themes of colonization, capitalism, and the complexities of chosen family, all while delivering a fast-paced, action-packed narrative filled with romance and intrigue.
A Tempest of Tea (Blood and Tea, #1) by Hafsah Faizal
A heartfelt young adult romance that intertwines themes of identity, faith, and resilience.
Love from A to Z (A Coming-of-Age Romance) by S.K. Ali
A delightful romantic comedy that reimagines Jane Austen’s Emma within a contemporary Pakistani-American Muslim setting.
If I Loved You Less by Aamna Qureshi
The second and final installment in the Sands of Arawiya duology, following the events of We Hunt the Flame. Set in a world inspired by ancient Arabia, the story continues the journey of Zafira, Nasir, and their allies as they strive to restore magic...
We Free the Stars (Sands of Arawiya, #2) by Hafsah Faizal
A contemporary Muslim romance novel that delves into the lives of Ilyanna and Riyadh as they navigate the complexities of love, faith, and societal expectations.
We Created You in Pairs: Book 1: Fredj, Lina H.
A feminist fantasy novel that follows a group of teenage girls endowed with magical abilities, united by their shared traumas and a mission to heal others.
The Wild Ones by Nafiza Azad
The story follows Said Hossain, a Bangladeshi American teen who returns home for the summer after the death of his beloved librarian, Ms. Barnes. There, he reconnects with his estranged childhood friend, Tiwa Olatunji, a Nigerian American Muslim girl...
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
A contemporary romance novel that delves into themes of family, cultural expectations, and second chances at love.
The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed by Noreen Mughees
The story follows twin sisters Amira and Lina, who are on the cusp of adulthood and high school graduation. Their plans for a carefree summer are disrupted by the return of their older brother, Sami, from prison, whose mysterious behavior unsettles t...
Between Two Moons: A Novel: Abdel Gawad, Aisha
A historical fantasy set in 1491, during the final days of Muslim-ruled Granada in Spain. The story follows Fatima, the last remaining Circassian concubine to the sultan, and her dearest friend Hassan, the palace mapmaker who possesses the extraordin...
The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson
A contemporary Muslim retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, set in Toronto's Indian-Muslim community.
Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
A contemporary Muslim romance that offers a refreshing portrayal of halal love.
My Other Half by Neya B
A fantasy novel that immerses readers in a richly imagined world inspired by Middle Eastern folklore and Islamic history. Set in 18th-century Cairo, the story follows Nahri, a young orphan and skilled con artist who unknowingly possesses the ancient ...
The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy, #1) by S.A. Chakraborty
A contemporary young adult novel that delves into themes of grief, love, identity, and the immigrant experience. Set in the Mojave Desert town of Juniper, California, the story follows two Pakistani American teenagers, Salahudin (Sal) and Noor, whose...
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
A searing tale of powerlessness, fate, and the freedom to control one's own fate
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell: A Novel
Memoirs
Recognizing Muslim women’s memoirs is deeply important because these personal narratives offer intimate, complex, and authentic insights into lives that are often misrepresented or oversimplified in public discourse.
Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Zahra Janmohamed – A witty memoir about navigating love and arranged marriage
Love in a Headscarf: Janmohamed, Shelina
Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim by Leah Vernon – A memoir on body image, faith, and rebellion.
Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim
In this memoir, Nayeri talks about the experience of leaving Iran to journey as an asylum-seeker, eventually finding a place in America.
The Ungrateful Refugee: Nayeri, Dina
A graphic memoir that tells the story of her upbringing in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Queen Noor reflects on her transformation from an American-born Princeton graduate to a queen and humanitarian activist
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of Noor, Queen
The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson – A memoir of an American woman’s conversion to Islam and life in Egypt.
The Butterfly Mosque: A Young Woman's Journey
A compelling memoir that delves into the complexities of identity, race, and religion in contemporary Britain. Asbali, a British-Libyan journalist and secondary school teacher, shares her personal journey of transformation from a white-passing teenag...
Veiled Threat: Nadeine Asbali
A Yazidi woman from northern Iraq who was captured and enslaved by ISIS militants in 2014. Her account offers a harrowing yet inspiring narrative of survival, resilience, and activism.
The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State
Her writing often explores themes of identity, race, and social justice, resonating with diverse audiences.
Yassmin's Story by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Paperback
Books for Tweens
Recognizing stories written for and about Muslim tweens is especially important because this age group is navigating identity, belonging, and self-expression at a crucial developmental stage. Muslim tweens need to see themselves reflected in books wh...
A compelling middle-grade novel that follows the journey of 12-year-old Amal, a bright and ambitious girl living in a rural Pakistani village.
Amal Unbound: Saeed, Aisha
A middle-grade novel that follows 14-year-old Layla Kareem Abdel-Hafiz Hussein, a Sudanese-Australian girl with big dreams of becoming a world-class inventor.
Listen, Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
A heartfelt middle-grade novel about a young Pakistani American girl navigating friendship, identity, and self-expression.
Amina's Voice: Khan, Hena
This book provides a comprehensive overview of racism's history, its manifestations today, and practical ways to combat it.
Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism|Hardcover
A middle-grade novel about a Palestinian-American girl visiting the West Bank, discovering her roots and voice.
Ida in the Middle by Nora Lester Murad, Paperback
A children’s book introducing Palestinian history and pride in identity through a father-daughter conversation.
Baba, What Does My Name Mean?: A Journey to Palestine
During an era characterized by both hijabi fashion models and enduring post-9/11 stereotypes, ten Muslim American teenagers came together to explore what it means to be young and Muslim in America today.
I Am the Night Sky: & Other Reflections by Muslim American Youth
Funny, relatable, and heartfelt, this series follows Omar, a British Muslim boy, as he navigates school, family, and misconceptions about Islam.
Accidental Trouble Magnet (Planet Omar Series #1)|Hardcover
Perfect for younger tweens (ages 6–9), this illustrated chapter book series features Yasmin, a curious and creative Pakistani-American girl who tackles everyday challenges with heart and humor.
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly, Paperback
A historical adventure series starring a team of time-traveling Muslim girls who solve mysteries and meet legendary figures from Islamic history.
Jannah Jewels Book 1: The Treasure of Timbuktu
A touching story of friendship and food as two girls—Pakistani-American Sara and Jewish-American Elizabeth—team up for a cooking contest and discover shared experiences of being “different.”
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi, Laura Shovan, Paperback
A Muslim girl joins a school music band to fit in—but struggles with her religious beliefs and identity. Explores peer pressure, faith, and confidence.
Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui, Paperback
A steampunk Jumanji-style adventure where a Bangladeshi-American girl must save her brother from a magical board game.
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi, Paperback
A magical adventure series where a Muslim brother-sister duo must save the world using knowledge from Islamic history, science, and folklore.
Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed, Paperback