Do Muslim Women Need Saving? by Lila Abu-Lughod

Review by Emily Moran

The short:

Named a Foreign Affairs Best Book of the Year on the Middle East, Lila Abu-Lughod writes about the way Muslim women are characterized in the Middle East by western countries. The book discusses the concept of feminism and how governments continually use what Abu-Lughod calls savior language to justify involvement in Middle Eastern nations. Do Muslim Women Need Saving challenges current narratives about Muslim women and gives its audience the ability to learn from the testimonies of these women.

The long:

Abu-Lughod warns that, “we should be vigilant about the rhetoric of saving others because of what it betrays about our attitudes.” Abu-Lughod believes that by stating women “need saving” you are implying that in some way they are less than you, or inferior. 

The ideas of “feminism” and most often the views associated with it to be western concepts that are rooted to secularist ideals. Instead of promoting a woman's ability to choose and be autonomous, governments are taking away their ability to do so. In addition, savior language implies that Westerners are already saved and that they are distinct from the societies they seek to save. 

If only Muslim women are viewed as in need of saving it implies the religion they are choosing to follow is associated with oppression. Abu-Lughod emphasizes the importance of correcting this narrative to give agency back to Muslim women.

To read or not to read:

A must read. Abu-Lughod gives an interesting and nuanced perspective of Muslim Women that is refreshing and easy to read. Her subtitles are sarcastic and well thought out and give a great understanding of what you will be reading. The first hand testimonies of Muslim women show the complexity of daily life in the Middle East that cannot be found anywhere else.