Analyzing Portrayal of Orthodox Muslim Women in Leila Aboulela's Minaret

The study aims to explore as to how the portrayal of orthodox Muslim women was challenged in their image in Minaret (2005) by a diasporic Muslim female novelist Leila Aboulela. The novel explores the religious journey of the protagonist in the United Kingdom. Western stereotypical discourses present Muslims and Eastern people as uncivilized, inferior, barbaric, backward, exotic, outfitted, oppressive and violent. Consequently, the perceived image of a typical Muslim female figure is a distorted one and is widely accepted throughout the [so-called] developed world. The analysis of the selected text was done through Qualitative Content Analysis. Said (1978) helped in understanding the concept of the stereotypical and biased representation of Muslim world as presented by the West. This stereotypical representation has affected the lives of Eastern people since the time of colonialization to the present day, e.g., Islamophobia, racial discrimination, etc. Spivak’s (2003) discourse also helped to understand the position of the subaltern, who are always represented by the dominant group of community, either as rebellious or victims and are always denied their choices and rights. It is important for the subaltern to raise a voice and should be heard. The work of Aboulela has endeavored to overthrow the stereotypes that have surrounded the lives of Muslims especially the Muslim females. The author has portrayed Islam as a source of inspiration to help and empower her protagonist.