So, I wrote a book called Demystifying the Niqab: The History of The Face Veil, The Laws Against It, and Why it Matters. As the title suggests my book is about the face veil, i.e., the niqab. This is my first novel, nonfiction or otherwise, and it is self-published. I am not ashamed of it being self-published, since I am writing on a very niche topic many of the main publishers let me know that my book wouldn’t be marketable for them. Click here for the link to the book.
What is this book about?
“The face veil, otherwise known as the niqab or burqa, is one of the most politicized articles of clothing in the Western world. Laws have been passed to ban the veil, both hair, and face, all over Europe. Many Western individuals would be surprised to learn that the face veil is a part of European history and Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism). The advent of colonialism led to the face veil being demonized to separate the European from its colonies. Anti-veiling rhetoric became popular in the 1800s as means of control of its colonies. After 9/11 anti-veiling rhetoric would reemerge in the West with the rise of islamophobia and xenophobia.
This book covers many facets surrounding the face veil from history, religion, politics, and women’s accounts. Exploring Muslim women who wear the face veil and why they do so, along with diving into Islamic, Christian, and Jewish theology surrounding their veiling practices. From White feminism to secularism, this book shows how the concern for the face veil is about patriarchal control and White Christian systematic dominance over every women’s body. By exploring feminism, politics, history, religion, and women’s accounts, the author hopes to give the reader an in-depth look at why we should care about the face veil and women who decide to wear it.”
Why did I decide to write this book?
I wrote this book mainly because I was tired of seeing anti-veiling laws, I was tired of hearing people call niqabi women negative things, I was tired of seeing women like Cardi B or Kim K wear face veils and be called high fashion, I was tired of other Muslims throwing niqabis to the wolves, I was tired of hearing “it’s not apart of our religion” or “All women should wear it”. I wanted to explore the niqab and that is exactly what I did. At first, the book started out as me collecting notes, then I slowly progressed to writing a book.
Originally, I wanted to write this book to solely focus on Muslim women, until I realized that Muslim women were not the only ones who wore face veils. Therefore my book includes a non-binary Pagan and a Christian woman’s accounts of wearing the niqab. I as well include theology of the face veil in Christianity and Judaism. To develop the argument further that face veils are not just exclusive to Muslim women, chapter one dives into the history of the face veil around the world.
Where can I find it, how much is it, and in what formats?
You can find the book on Amazon, and I am working on publishing it on Barnes and Noble as well. The book is being published in paperback, hardback, and e-book (kindle). The paperback will be $19.99, the hardback will be $29.99, and the Kindle will be $9.99. The Kindle is still underway but will be released in a few days!
Other information?
If you would like to contact me regarding the book, you want to share your own story wearing the niqab (you do not need to be Muslim), or anything else book-related then reach out!
If you have more information on the face veil or veiling in other religions let me know as well.