(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - A new book has been released in the US to share the private stories of dozens of Muslim men on love and intimacy, in a bid to counter stereotypes and portray them as leading normal American life.
“So much has been said about Muslim men,” Ayesha Mattu, co-editor of “Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men on Love, Sex, and Intimacy", told The Washington Post.
“We thought it was time for them to tell their own stories in their own words about what’s important to them.”
The idea of the book followed the success of the groundbreaking “Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women” in 2012.
Comprising the stories of 25 Muslim women, the earlier book aimed to chatter the stereotype of the American Muslim women as oppressed, submissive by giving them an opportunity to share their personal accounts on love and relationships.
"Love, InshAllah" has prompted requests for a male version for the book. However, the editors were reluctant that Muslim men will be willing to share their own stories.
Announcing their plans for the male version of the book five months ago, the editors received 100 submissions from Muslim men.
“What surprised us was how many men were willing to share their stories and be vulnerable and talk about their feelings and emotions and love," said Nura Maznavi, the co-author of the book.
"And all of these topics we don’t necessarily associate with men or think that men would want to talk about,” she added.
The new male version of the book comprises the stories of 22 Muslim men, offering glimpses into the romantic lives of the Muslim men.
The Muslim men stories come from a broad spectrum of cultural and racial backgrounds, ranging from secular to orthodox with various relationships status.
Though there are no official estimates, the US is home to an estimated Muslim minority of six to eight million.
The editors of the book believe that the stereotyping of Muslim men has been emphasized by the repeated news of women's oppression from the Muslim world.
Yet, they say that stories by Muslim at “Salaam, Love” may reflect a wide segment of the unknown part of Muslim men lives.
“We believe those stories are the exception to the norm in all communities and the men in this collection are tackling difficult issues, racism, homophobia, infidelity, issues that are impacting their lives and they’re telling stories they feel are reflective of their lives,” the editors wrote.
The opening chapter of the book, Soda Bottles and Zebra Skins, shares the story of Sam Pierstorff, a writing professor at Modesto Junior College in California whose mother was a Syrian Muslim.
The chapter includes tales from Pierstorff's ranging from teenage and puppy love to courtship and true love.
“I definitely jumped at the chance to write about anything that connects me to my cultural background,” said Pierstorff.
Sharing his story openly, Pierstorff incites Muslim men to do so.
“I don’t recall ever having a conversation with my Muslim friends about sex, virginity, who’s been going out with whom,” said Pierstorff
“They’re real conversation starters,” said Pierstorff.
“What’s wonderful about this book and the previous book is you get to hear stories about all these Muslims who reveal all these stories, and you feel less alone.”
/129
2 February 2014 - 20:30
News ID: 502567
A new book has been released in the US to share the private stories of dozens of Muslim men on love and intimacy, in a bid to counter stereotypes and portray them as leading normal American life.
