A review by sahoorra
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H.

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This feels like a life changing book for me. Probably the book I’ve most clearly seen myself in. Lamya’s unwavering faith and commitment to Islam amidst its flaws, their questioning, and the hidden messages, is remarkable. It is probably sac-religious to say Islam is flawed, but perhaps the religion is perfected, but the way it was been recorded, misses the necessary elements us humans need. We’re searching for the answers. Once again, I guess humans are the flawed ones. As Lamya searches for the answers in the Quran, they searches for the answers in herself. Their path is not linear, it doesn’t follow the trend of immigrants or queer stories, it is theirs alone to uncover and to make sense of. I appreciate their willingness to make their own rules and to not follow what is expected of them. Their rules are for them only, which requires unimaginable levels of bravery and strength. Ultimately their commitment to love. Their commitment to seeing the world as imperfect, but seeing the opportunity to practice our version of a kinder world aligns so closely to what I strive for. I am moved by this book. Shaken by this book. For I have a long, arduous journey to myself. While this book can be a model, there is no manual for me to follow. I have to create my own rules, my own code.