A good book is like a compelling screenplay—gripping from start to finish, making it hard to put down. Ani Zonneveld’s “An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior” is filled with precious anecdotes and quotes that are worthy of citation. To share my thoughts, I’ll break the review into a few parts. This book tells Ani’s story as a Muslim and deeply resonated with me, especially her experiences as a social justice warrior in her adult life. I have highlighted over 150 sentences, but I will share a few here in this first installment.
Ani Zonneveld is the founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, an organization I wholeheartedly support as a fellow Muslim, as well as the founder of the Center for Pluralism. She is a bold woman who has challenged misinterpretations of certain verses in the Quran, particularly those that promote misogyny. Ani has made significant strides in advocating for women’s rights, restoring the rights granted by Prophet Muhammad. Her book is remarkable; it reads like a story, drawing the reader into her journey.
Rabbi Jim Kaufman once said, “Ani, you should have called the organization Muslims from Traditional Values, as you are reclaiming what is truly Islam.” While I once wrote an article on progressive Islam and titled it “Restoring Original Islam”, I agree with Ani, that “Muslims for Progressive Values” is the more fitting name; Islam is inherently progressive, as is the Quran and the message of the Prophet.
Ani writes, “Patriarchy permeates to hold girls and women back from living their full potential, and it is what fuels my indignation, my anger, and my work.”
She also reflects, “As I unstitched the Muslim identity I was raised on, I came to realize that much of what defines us as Muslims is not rooted in the Quran.” Indeed, the Quran should stand as the sole reliable guide for Muslims.
“9/11 marked a pivotal moment when being a Muslim automatically meant ‘representing’ a community.”
“Misogynistic and self-serving interpretations of Sharia were sold to lay Muslims as God’s law.”
“For secular and ex-Muslims, the task of disentangling their cultural upbringing, which is infused with Islam, from the pure teachings of the Quran is a daunting challenge.”
“Apostasy and blasphemy have no basis in Islam; rather, they are tools of political oppression.” Additional insights can be found at [Apostasy and Islam blog]
“It seems easier for some to harbor anti-Islam sentiments than to challenge the very foundation of their hatred.”
“Hate and intolerance of ‘the other’ have a remarkable ability to override rationality.”
“The narrative of hate is powerful and well-funded.”
Ani cites Rabia Basri, a woman saint, “Prayer should bring us to an altar where no walls or names exist.”
“In America, Islam has regressed to the point where women are still barred from singing in front of male audiences.” in Muslim conferences.
“At the 2023 Islamic Society of North America convention, only male musical performers were listed as providing entertainment.”
“Because you are a girl, women are not allowed to perform the Azan.”
Unfortunately, during a Muslim conclave, Ilhan Omar ridiculed Ani for raising the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). I witnessed this and had requested that Ilhan address the matter, as I have also taken the initiative to combat FGM, which is discussed further in the book.
THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Social-Justice-Warrior-Feminist-ebook/dp/B0FKQY37G4
Dr. Ghouse is the President and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director of the World Muslim Congress. He is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and social scientist. More on Google