Good Reads: Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

A beautiful book about the struggles of this amazing British born-and-raised Asian Muslim in order to find love and the perfect partner to marry. What struck me was her intelligence not only in writing but also her view points in Islam. The way she aspired to become a better Muslim and the tests she endured to find the most suitable husband to live a blessed and exciting life with. 

I hardly read books regarding Islam but I've been trying to during these past few months while I'm on my 4-months break. This is definitely a good read because not only does it show how courageous a woman can be in tough modern times like these, but she also proved that even if women are entirely independent and have their own careers and life, everyone wants that almost-perfect someone to just share life with. And even better yet, to learn more about Islam and work towards a blessed life and marriage.

She made me realise that women with careers and intelligence sometimes have the hardest time in picking out a husband because men these days are only interested in women they can control, dominate or want to be submissive. It's sad to know countless of cultures who have nurtured men like this to expect nothing much from women, and some even discouraged women to pursue a higher education because they didn't want a wife who was TOO smart! Personally, based on my experience there are guys who have told me the same thing and I've heard the same quote "Why do women want to study to get their PhD's if they're just going to end up in the kitchen?" over and over again. 

But, to girls who want to pursue a higher education like me know that in order to gain the kind of married life we dreamed of and the qualifications we know we can achieve, it is all up to our faith and finding the 'right guy'. The guy who dreams as much as we do and work even harder to achieve it. The guy who accepts us and admires our knowledge and intelligence and principles. Of course women will only end up in the kitchen by force only IF they marry the wrong husband! 

And this is what this book was all about. Finding Mr Right who could motivate Shelina into making her hopes come true to make the world a better place. One who was intelligent as her and knew what it's like growing up in Britain being a Muslim. She may have been fussy, but she knew what she wanted and didn't settle for any less.

This book is utterly inspiring and would touch a girl's heart everywhere. Guys should give it a try too and see women in a new perspective where every woman deserves respect and not to be treated like how the author was in her search for a husband.