What is a Muslima?
A Muslima is simply–a Muslim woman. Most who call themselves Mulsima are socially aware young Muslim women. The word “Muslima” is not unlike “Latina,” which is used to indicate a woman of Latino roots. In the end, the decision to call oneself a Muslima is really a personal decision; the conservative Muslims choose not to use it. By self-describing herself as a Muslima, a Muslim girl rejects the all-embrassing “Muslim,” differentiating herself as a distinctively female personage. In one way, using “Muslima” is socially important, in reminding people of the purpose of women in Islam and accenting the idea that women can be autonomous, self-determing people with their own thoughts, goals, and ideas which may be distinct from the same of Muslim men. Sometimes “Muslima” is spelled as “Muslimah,” as per regional preference. A number of Muslim women’s popular publications now use the word to appeal to a more youthful demographic, as do many Muslim dating agencies. Using “Muslima” to indicate
A Muslima is a Muslim woman. Not all Muslim women refer to themselves as Muslimas; those who do tend to be younger, and sometimes more socially aware. The use of the term “Muslima” is akin to the use of words like “Latina,” which is used to describe a woman of Latin origin. Ultimately, the decision to refer to oneself as a Muslima is a personal choice; more conservative Muslims tend not to use it. By describing herself as a Muslima, a Muslim woman rejects the all-encompassing “Muslim,” distinguishing herself as a separate and distinctively female entity. In a sense, using “Muslima” is empowering, reminding people of the role of women in Islam and stressing the idea that women can be independent, powerful people with their own thoughts, ideas, and goals which may be separate from those of Muslim men. There are many misconceptions about the role of women in Islam, especially in the West. Most of these misconceptions are the result of poor education or a lack of understanding about the Mu
