From My Sisters' Lips: A Compelling Celebration of Womanhood - And a Unique Glimpse Into the World of Islam

by Na'ima B. Robert

Book Overview

Covered from head to toe with only her eyes visible, the sight of a Muslim woman on a western city street rarely fails to provoke a strong reaction. Feelings of shock, horror, repulsion, pity or even fear are not uncommon. But have you ever wondered who it is behind the veil and what makes her tick? Ever wondered what her life is really like and whether her dreams, hopes and aspirations differ from yours? From My Sisters' Lips offers a rare...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553817175
• ISBN13: 9780553817171
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.0" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Thought Provoking!

To the western eye, the appearance of a muslim woman provokes mixed emotions. To some its sympathy to some curiosity and to some even disgust. They seem somewhat mysterious ... and as humans do, theories are conjured to explain the apparent mystery. Eventually, those theories evolve into stereotypes and misconceptions that are usually far fetched from the truth. But how is it really like to live as a muslim woman? What do they believe in? Why do they believe in it? Why is it that they dress the way they do? Beyond appearances, are they really different? This book takes the reader into a thought provoking tour of the world of muslim women. In so doing, it answers the above questions and many more. The book is written as a mixed biography of several women. It is divided into two parts: The first, titled "Finding Islam" explains how they came to embrace Islam, the joys and emotions as well as the setbacks and challenges that came with it. The second part, titled "Living Islam" is a look on the inside of the lives and beliefs of muslim women. It starts with a discussion of why muslim women willingly cover their beauty. Followed by a discussion of love and marriage in Islam. Then comes a very informative account of the rights and duties of a muslim woman as a wife and as a mother. The book closes with a brief yet precise exposition of the foundational beliefs that muslim women hold. The book presents an alternative outlook to life that some may find fascinating while others may find difficult to reckon with. In either case, an open minded individual will come to understand and appreciate this outlook. The book is written in a natural, friendly and lucid style. It implicitly gives a very gentle introduction to Islam. Worth nothing, Robert doesn't shy away from discussing the sensitive issues giving the reader a complete and truthful picture of all aspects of a muslim woman's life. I recommend this book to anyone with even a slight interest in the subject. Non-muslims and muslims alike will find something to take home and will have a lot of fun doing so!

ABC's of Women and Islam

Very informative book on the Islamic religion. I learned many things from My Sister's Lips.

Frpm My Sisters Lips

From My Sisters' Lips ASA, I am going through the time it takes, to write a few words about this book because it is "worth it!". Once in a while, you come across a book that touches your heart, that you want to share and that renews you- this is the book. For those that are reverts, this book refreshes in our mind's that initial journey back to the the religion of peace. It reminds us of all of our soul searching, and our attempts to avoid the inevitable "surrender" to the way of Allah. The author places us face to face with her struggle, surrender and adjustments to the life of a Muslim. But reversion is only the beginning, as we journey with the author through the adjustments she must make to her new life in the deen. Most books barely touch on the true realities and assume one day the revert wakes up, and she or he is doing everything just right. We know that is not the case, and the more we read- the more we see ourselves in the transition. We are introduced to other women, who too, have made the transition to the deen. The women are not status quo, but unique with wonderful stories of their own. This book is also for the woman who is thinking about reverting, and has questions that "are usually" not addressed- this book does it! It is also for the woman who has heard "about Islam", and is scared speechless of this way of life. Read the book, and decide- this is a realistic account of what it means to be a Muslimah. I could not put this book down, do yourself a favor- read this one! You will be blessed by this experience!

A must read!!!!!

If you haven't read this book yet, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I don't care if I'm young and all, but my momma gave me this book to read. She said it was important to 'dispel the myths'. I finally found out about the religion Islam. Here's the best part: what other people say about Islam IS NOT TRUE! It's a beautiful, peaceful religion - so don't be fooled.

Honest, Poignant, and Insightful

If I could give this book six stars, I would. I happened upon this book after seeing it in a bookstore, and from the moment I opened to the moving dedication ("For my husband, the wind beneath my wings"), I could not put it down. Na'ima B. Robert, a woman born of a white South African father and black South African mother, found Islam while a university student. She gives us an honest and insightful glimpse into her own life and the lives of Muslim women living in the West. She begins by sharing her own journey to Islam that included soul-searching after a life of "glorified rebellion" in which she and her friends were regulars on the party and boyfriend scene. She then sought solace in Afro-centricity, and, finally, Islam. A trip to Egypt with her band, where they performed in concert, introduced her to Islam, but only superficially. The sight of a Muslim woman covered in hijab prompted her to ask a question often asked of Muslim women: "Why do you cover yourself? You are so beautiful." The author says, "To this day, her answer hits me with its clarity and simplicity. 'Because,' she said, 'I want to be judged for what I say and what I do, not for what I look like.'" The honesty and insight that follows is indeed a "unique celebration of Muslim womanhood", as Na'ima B. Robert introduces the reader to the unseen world of Muslim women, that is filled with strong bonds of sisterhood, glamorous women-only parties, and friendships like one could never find in the world. She interviews others who accepted Islam and who were born into it, albeit only by name. And through their stories we see the patience, determination, and faith of women who turned away from the emptiness of the glitters of the world to accept the richness of faith and trust in God. The stories of others interwoven throughout the book make the honesty and insight poignant, as the women candidly share the beauty of Islam without shying away from sharing what its lifestyle entails in the way of struggle and sacrifice, all of which the author and the interviewees maintain is definitely worth it. She says, "But by far the greatest trial for me and many others was actualizing what is really the essence of Islam--submission. To become Muslim is to become one who submits to the will of Allah. That means ego out, arrogance out, pride out: the self is brought to heel." She says further, "And something that has continually surprised and touched me is the unshakeable conviction of everyone of the sisters I spoke to--that the pain, tears and heartache have all been worth it--not one of them would take back their shahaadah (testimony of faith said upon becoming Muslim) if ever they had their time again." I found myself taking notes on the moving quotes, lessons, and stories that the author and her "sisters" share. With subjects ranging from non-Muslim family and Muslim women's dress to love and marriage--Muslim-style, polygamy and motherhood, Na'ima B. Robert has offered the