By Muslim Women’s Day is a day to recognize and celebrate all of us successful and kick-ass Muslim women. We are too often reminded of our gender through the lens of a man. On a daily encounter we combat islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, and sexism along with the occasional ‘that’s what she said’ joke. Today I want to emphasize and shine some light on Muslim women that have stated memorable quotes. Without further ado, here’s what she really said:
1. Palestinian Icon for resistance, Leila Khaled
“Who planted terrorism in our area? Some came and took our land, forced us to leave, forced us to live in camps. I think this is terrorism. Using means to resist this terrorism and stop its effects – this is called struggle.”
2. Iranian visual artist, Shirin Neshat
“Part of me has always resisted the Western clichéd image of Muslim women, depicting them as nothing more than silent victims. My art, without denying repression, is a testimony to unspoken female power and the continuing protest in Islamic culture.”
3. Iranian lawyer, former judge, and human rights activist, Shirin Ebadi
“Human rights activists do not have the right to lose hope.”
4. Poet Warsan Shire
“It’s not my responsibility to be beautiful. I’m not alive for that purpose. My existence is not about how desirable you find me.”
5. Laleh Bakhtiar, first American to translate the Qur’an into English
“The veil is the wrong thing to be stuck on when discussing Muslim women’s rights in Islam. In fact, in many cases, the Qur’an reinforces a Muslim woman’s self-esteem. And Muslim women worldwide are using the Qur’an to reassert their rights — rights that have been taken away from them through patriarchal interpretations and laws.”
6. Heraa Hashmi, creator of the list of times that Muslims condemned terrorist attacks
Mashallah look at all the brilliant things Muslim women have been saying. That’s what she really said when you weren’t paying attention. Let us steer away from degrading and silencing women and pass them the mic to so we can actually listen.