What Readers Say…
Roshni Hafeez, Revert Muslim, Ex-Producer BBC, Scotland
I stumbled back to my fitrah (nature), purely by accident, after reading a novel by ‘DR Syed Ikram Hussain Abidi. DR Abidi is a medical doctor, with a holistic view towards learning and teaching Islam. He has written a number of fictional novels, each with a profound yet subtle Islamic undertone, and it was his novel ‘hijaab Waali (or the Veiled girl), which plucked certain chords in my heart. Moreover, the Novel introduced me to the ‘Ahlulbayt’s school of Islam, which finally provided me with the Islamic peace, belonging and answers I had so desperately been searching for. I finally put the pain of my failures to rest, and started to make the obvious, yet prior to unchartered distinction between Islam (as a faith/way of life), and Muslims, (who are only human after all!). My contentment and well-being within my rekindled faith was something so natural, so elemental, that it never occurred to me that I should discuss it with work colleagues, with friends, or, (with my family!). I simply started praying, eating halal again and, (for the first time!), wearing the hijaab.
Abdullah Ali, Indonesia
Every story may be unique, but the most unique of all is love story. It’s like a never ending journey. Journey of soul towards the most truthful unique destination, i.e. happiness and what even more unique the happiness of which is also unique that comforts the lovers involved only. In addition, love might be the most powerful energy that crushes anything standing in its ways. This is depicted in this unique novel “Hijab Wali” beautifully how it overcomes the most desperating obstacle, love itsself. This love vs that love, this modern-style love vs that old-fashioned one is finally won by love. What kind of love is that.. you’ll find how the winning love gracefully and eloquently takes the place its glamorous rival.
Dian Nur Hidayah, Cilacap, Indonesia
I love “Hijab Wali” by Dr.Ikram Abidi for so many reasons. The novel tells us about cultural differences and the Islamic point of view about love and family values. Setting of the novel that takes in Pakistan is so well described that a reader can can imagine himself / herself among the characters. Readers also get valuable references about the life of Muslim woman as someone full of love, strength and intelligence. Above all, the most interesting aspect is that of Islamic perspective about various relationships between a man and woman, husband and wife, parents and children, love and hatred. Finally, it also unveils the naked truth of weakening social values in communities and societies. I highly recommend this book for adolescents and elders alike.
Tazeen Hasan, Canada (Columnist: Express News, Blogger, Traveler)
In a world shaking with clash of civilization, where the Muslim world is largely represented through Western lenses, Hijab wali represents eastern values in a subtle and nuanced way without any apologetic tone. I believe we need more such authors like Abidi who can express very essence of eastern values. Hijab wali is certainly a role model for our new generation of fiction writers.
Ahsan Abbas, Tampere, Finland
“I see HijaabWaali as a multifaceted literary artwork having a perfect mix of preaching content and entertainment value. What is inspiring about the novel is its ability to put the message across in the most ideal fashion that caters to the needs of both religious and not-so-religious audiences. Even the latter ones equally enjoy reading the novel. Out and out, it’s a good read ! Highly recommended!”
Br. Gulgasht
“That’s halal Muslim romance. A unique and new subgenre in our literal tradition in how it plots the characters, whose overarching piety and conformism to religious principles pervades the narrative. It’s like a bland version of Diptee Nazir Ahmed’s Tauba Tun-nasuh, that old chum who tired to pull a va`az on us.
Kar kattan vall dhe’aan kuray!!”
Sister lilibolt, UK
“Hijab Wali (the veiled girl) is a book by Dr. Ikram Abidi. I recommend this book to everyone Hijabis and non-Hijabis. This book changed me a lot as a person. It made my beliefs on Hijab and marriage much stronger. I really recommend everyone to read it. it is available online, in english and Urdu both. To those who speak Urdu i would say read it in Urdu because i read it in Urdu and loved it :).”
Sara Gondal, Karachi, Pakistan
“I absolutely loved your book. The transition of the male protagonist is very well thought out, it is very touching. The book motivated me to be a better Muslimmah. Through the patience of the female protagonist, I felt inspired. The struggles she went through, without her parents, and basically thrown over a stranger as a wife. But she still stayed strong and through the remembrance of Allah did she find peace and hope in the midst of chaos and hatred. Absolutely loved it and would recommend to others to be inspired.”