Alicia Izharuddin

Of sartorial choices and oppression

First published over at the F-Word blog. The ban on the full-face veil in Belgium seems like the easiest thing to mete out as far as unconstitutional legislations are concerned. Out of about 215 women who wear either the niqab or burqa in the country, many belong to immigrant communities, many are hard done by… Continue reading Of sartorial choices and oppression

How colonialism created 'religion'

This is an essay I’ve written for a course on postcolonialism and the study of religions. Writing this opened my eyes about the taken-for-granted terms and values we place on what could be perceived as religion in non-Western contexts. This is not an exhaustive discussion of the way European conquest helped construct ‘religion’ in different… Continue reading How colonialism created 'religion'

Coulda, woulda, shoulda: Islam as rehab for women

(First published over at Muslimah Media Watch) British novelist Martin Amis has expressed regret that his late sister did not embrace Islam to save herself from self-destruction. Everyone is understandably confused. To begin with, Amis is not a neutral figure on Islam and women: he thinks that Muslims should be masterminded into becoming “more like… Continue reading Coulda, woulda, shoulda: Islam as rehab for women

Malaysia's newest cane campaign

(Originally published over that Muslimah Media Watch) In Malaysia, where we are swamped with mixed messages from religious authorities and pop song lyrics, those of us lucky enough to find love are bound to run into trouble. Just a week short of Valentine’s day, three women and three men were caned under Shariah law for… Continue reading Malaysia's newest cane campaign

Take your pick, science or religion: My review of Nerdstock – 9 lessons and carols for godless people

The word is out: if you’re religious you cannot possibly appreciate genetics in all its glory, a glory that is inseparable from the Darwinian theory of evolution. I was watching Nerdstock, a Christmas programme for non-religious people on BBC4 last night with at first some curiosity, later with quiet amazement at the burgeoning audacity of… Continue reading Take your pick, science or religion: My review of Nerdstock – 9 lessons and carols for godless people

Why is it important to rethink masculinities in the Middle East?

I cannot help but post my essay up on its due day. It’s my baby, warts and all: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Compared to the wealth of studies on women in the Middle East, men and masculinities of the region have, surprisingly, received less attention. Greater focus and interest in the Muslim woman and not the Muslim man… Continue reading Why is it important to rethink masculinities in the Middle East?

Feminist, Malaysian, and Proud of It!

I’ve started a Facebook group as a forum for Malaysians who (or do not entirely) identify as feminists, or at least support the cause against social injustice – I think some looseness in labels is fair. I also think that it’s important that the few people who are like-minded get connected in some way, because… Continue reading Feminist, Malaysian, and Proud of It!

Comments on comments

In the last year, I’ve been getting plenty of Islamophobic comments on my blog. Some of which are unpublished here for my own peace of mind, and some I went on to tackle personally with the commenters who wrote them. Granted, I do not have a policy on comments and perhaps that is a mistake… Continue reading Comments on comments

Podcast: Malay privilege and the 'Allah' debate

My first ever audio slideshow/podcast!! Enjoy! Transcript after the jump

Contesting narratives of the divine: Film religi and Islamic discourses in post-Soeharto Indonesia

Uploading more of my junk here. The following is my research proposal: The recent upsurge in Islamically-themed films, or film religi, in Indonesia can be viewed as a reflection of the increasing prominence of Islam discernible in the media and consumption patterns (Widodo, 2008). Following the commercial success of Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love) in… Continue reading Contesting narratives of the divine: Film religi and Islamic discourses in post-Soeharto Indonesia