Muslim Women Activists Disrupting The Status Quo

Amidst the myriad accomplishments of Muslim women activists, a cohort stands out for their unwavering commitment to grounding their activism in Islamic teachings. From education to politics, Islamic jurisprudence to literature, they are not just pioneers in their respective fields but also fierce advocates for justice. Amidst the backdrop of rampant Islamophobia, these activists utilise their platforms to challenge the status quo and demand fairness and respect for all.

With a steadfast dedication to their Islamic values, these women confront liberal hypocrisy head-on, exposing the inconsistencies in treatment when it comes to Muslims. Through their tireless efforts, they strive to ensure that Muslims are portrayed and treated with the same dignity and respect afforded to others. These activists are working overtime to do just that while raising their communities, making it time for us to bring attention to their vital work.

Dr Layla Aitlhadj

Dr Layla Aitlhadj, the Director and Senior Caseworker at Prevent Watch, stands at the forefront of advocacy against the Prevent duty, an initiative aimed at unjustly targeting Muslims in the UK. With her profound commitment to justice, she has played a pivotal role in supporting individuals impacted by Prevent, having directly engaged with 300 of the 700 cases documented by Prevent Watch to date. Collaborating with Prof John Holmwood, she co-authored the People's Review of Prevent and the Response to Shawcross report, offering critical insights into the program's shortcomings. Recognised as an expert in Prevent, Dr Aitlhadj has contributed extensively to articles, podcasts, UN submissions, and reports, fearlessly advocating for reforms to protect civil liberties and preserve dignity for Muslim men, women and children. You can support her activism at Prevent Watch.

Maryam Amir

Maryam Amir is the visionary behind the groundbreaking app Qariah: The Women Quran Reciters App. With a master’s degree in Education from UCLA, whose scholarly focus delved into the transformative potential of mentorship rooted in Critical Race Theory for urban high school students of colour, Amir brings a unique perspective to her technological endeavours. Her educational journey, enriched by a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University and a second bachelor’s in Islamic Studies from Al Azhar University, underscores her multifaceted approach to knowledge acquisition. A testament to her commitment to physical and intellectual discipline, Amir boasts a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a pursuit mirrored in her contributions as a writer for virtualmosque.com and aljumuah.com.

Not content to confine her impact to the digital realm, she extends her influence as a lecturer with the Hikmah Institute, traversing communities to engage in dialogues touching on spiritual connectivity, societal dynamics, and the nuanced landscape of women's studies. Maryam Amir emerges as a beacon of empowerment, seamlessly weaving her expertise across diverse spheres to foster meaningful change. Her activism transcends conventional boundaries, as evidenced by her presence on TikTok, where she disseminates pro-Palestinian content and elucidates Islamic women's rights as defined by the Quran and Sunnah.

Leanne Mohamad

Leanne Mohamad's activism began amidst the vibrant multicultural tapestry of London's East End. Born into a Palestinian family, her personal connection to the Nakba, a pivotal chapter in Palestinian history, fuels her quest for justice. Despite her young age, Leanne's courage and passion shine through as she becomes a voice for the voiceless, challenging discrimination and advocating for Palestinian rights.

Growing up in Ilford, her community and experiences at Beal and Wanstead High School propelled Leanne's activism. At just 15 years old, she finds her voice in the Jack Petchey "Speak Out" Challenge, where her impassioned speech exposes the injustices faced by Palestinians. Despite facing backlash and online abuse from Zionist groups, Leanne remains steadfast in her advocacy, refusing to be silenced and denouncing Islamophobic attacks. She channels her resilience into community initiatives, becoming a local youth worker and empowering others to use their talents.

Now, Leanne faces her biggest challenge yet: running as an independent candidate against Wes Streeting for the Ilford North seat in parliamentary elections. With Labour’s implicit support for Israel's actions in Gaza sparking outrage among Muslim communities, Leanne emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking change. Her candidacy symbolizes a grassroots movement demanding accountability and justice, challenging the entrenched Labour establishment and advocating for a Free Palestine. With support from the community, Leanne's campaign represents a call to action, urging others to stand on the right side of history and make a difference. To learn more about Leanne Mohammad's activism and help her unseat Labour, visit her website at www.leannemohamad.co.uk.

Lauren Booth

Lauren Booth, the broadcaster, journalist, and ardent pro-Palestinian activist, has embarked on a deeply personal journey of faith and activism, chronicling her conversion to Islam in her compelling book, "Finding Peace in the Holy Land." Beyond her literary pursuits, Booth's unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes has cemented her as a formidable force for change. With a keen sense of social responsibility, she has channelled her platform to advocate for the rights of Palestinians, shedding light on their plight and amplifying their voices on the global stage. Booth has become synonymous with resilience and compassion through her writing, broadcasting, and activism, inspiring Muslim women to join her in pursuing justice.

As a sister-in-law to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Booth's journey is a testament to the transformative power of Islam. Her commitment to charitable endeavours, particularly in Palestine, underscores a profound sense of solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized. She is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which will be sailing to Gaza carrying 5500 tons of humanitarian aid and hundreds of international human rights observers.

Farhat Amin

Farhat Amin, an acclaimed author and host of the popular podcast Smart Muslima, has carved out a unique space in the literary and podcasting realms, captivating audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with her thought-provoking insights. Through best-selling works like “Smart Single Muslimah” and "Smart Teenage Muslimah," Amin has emerged as a leading voice in Muslim women's activism, addressing topics often considered taboo within the community. Her platform, Smartmuslima.com, serves as a digital haven, placing Muslim women at the forefront of discourse. Amin fearlessly tackles controversial issues, confronting racism, sexism and ageism within the Muslim community and offering critiques of feminism's approach to women's rights.

At the heart of Amin's message is a challenge to liberal societal norms that often undermine the well-being of women of all faiths. In her writings and podcasts, she delves into the pervasive myth that secularism and detachment from religious values lead to greater happiness. By exploring concepts such as self-objectification and rampant consumerism, Amin encourages her audience to question the societal pressures imposed upon them.

Her international bestsellers have been translated into French, amplifying Islam's message on a global scale. Her website is a hub for her work and advocacy; she invites others to engage in dialogue, education, and action, forging a path towards a more equitable and compassionate world. Join her growing community of Smart Muslimahs here.