Nadeine Asbali
Author
Nadeine Asbali is a British-Libyan writer and secondary school English teacher in London. In her writing she explores themes of identity, belonging and policy as well as navigating life as a visibly Muslim woman in Britain. She has written for a range of national newspapers and online platforms including the Guardian, the Independent, New Statesman, Refinery29 and Al Jazeera. She also writes a fortnightly column for Metro UK.
Veiled Threat was published by Biteback in 2024.
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Veiled Threat - On Being Visibly Muslim in Britain by Nadeine Asbali
Nadeine Asbali would be the first to say that a scarf on a woman’s head doesn’t define her, but in her case, that’s a lie.
Nadeine’s life changed overnight. As a mixed-race teenager, she had unknowingly been passing as white her entire life: until she decided to wear the hijab. Then, in an instant, she went from being an unassuming white(ish) child to something sinister and threatening, perverse and foreign.
Veiled Threat is a sharp and illuminating examination of what it is to be a visibly Muslim woman in modern Britain, a nation intent on forced assimilation and integration and one that views covered bodies as primitive and dangerous. From being bombarded by racist stereotypes to being subjected to structural inequalities on every level, Nadeine asks why Muslim women are forced to contend with the twin oppressions of state-sanctioned Islamophobia and the unrelenting misogyny that fuels our world, all while being told by white feminists that they need saving.
Combining a passionate argument with personal experience, Veiled Threat is an indictment of a divided Britain that dominates and systematically others Muslim women at every opportunity.
- 'A compelling exploration of how a piece of cloth can transform your role in the fabric of society. Nadeine Asbali skilfully navigates the complex interplay between fear, bias and security policies, like Prevent, to unveil the Islamophobia faced by visibly Muslim women and the demonisation of an entire community. From counter-terrorism to Turkey Twizzlers, this book enlightens and entertains simultaneously.' Dr Layla Aitlhadj, director of Prevent Watch
- 'Veiled Threat is more of an invitation than a threat. Nadeine Asbali presents through vignettes of her life some of the most pertinent and universal flashpoints in the lives of British Muslims. She expertly handles the varying issues of heritage, identity, Islam, racism, feminism, humanity, motherhood and even joy with thoughtfulness and insight. Despite some of the heavier topics covered, Nadeine’s unique narrative style makes this an enjoyable whilst informative read. An essential addition to school curricula and home libraries.' Dr Sofia Rehman, author of A Treasury of ‘A’ishah
