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Laughing All the Way to the Mosque
Zarqa Nawaz has always straddled two cultures. She's just as likely to be agonizing over which sparkly earrings will "pimp out" her hijab as to be flirting with the Walmart meat manager in a futile attempt to secure halal chicken the day before Eid.
Little Mosque on the Prairie brought Zarqa's own laugh-out-loud take on her everyday culture clash to viewers around the world. And now, in Laughing All the Way to the Mosque, she tells the sometimes absurd, sometimes challenging, always funny stories of being Zarqa in a western society. From explaining to the plumber why the toilet must be within sitting arm's reach of the water tap (hint: it involves a watering can and a Muslim obsession with cleanliness "down there") to urging the electrician to place an eye-height electrical socket for her father-in-law's epilepsy-inducing light-up picture of the Kaaba, Zarqa paints a hilarious portrait of growing up in a household where, according to her father, the Quran says it's okay to eat at McDonald's-but only if you order the McFish.
Little Mosque on the Prairie brought Zarqa's own laugh-out-loud take on her everyday culture clash to viewers around the world. And now, in Laughing All the Way to the Mosque, she tells the sometimes absurd, sometimes challenging, always funny stories of being Zarqa in a western society. From explaining to the plumber why the toilet must be within sitting arm's reach of the water tap (hint: it involves a watering can and a Muslim obsession with cleanliness "down there") to urging the electrician to place an eye-height electrical socket for her father-in-law's epilepsy-inducing light-up picture of the Kaaba, Zarqa paints a hilarious portrait of growing up in a household where, according to her father, the Quran says it's okay to eat at McDonald's-but only if you order the McFish.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2014
58 people are currently reading
2,217 people want to read
About the author
Zarqa Nawaz
4books132followersZarqa Nawaz created the world’s first sitcom about a Muslim community living in the west. Little Mosque on the Prairie premiered to record ratings on the CBC in 2007. It finished airing it’s 91th episode in 2012 after completing 6 seasons and is now being broadcast to over 60 countries.
The show demystified Islam for millions of people around the world by explaining how practicing Muslim live their lives from dating to marriage to burying their dead.
And now Zarqa Nawaz has written her best-selling comedic memoir Laughing All the Way to the Mosque, about growing up as a Canadian of Muslim faith. And it’s also about her lack of dating, marriage and burying the dead.
In 2005, Zarqa Nawaz made the ground-breaking documentary Me and the Mosque, for the National Film Board of Canada about Muslim women’s battle with patriarchy in the mosque which ultimately inspired the television series.
Zarqa has a B.Sc from the University of Toronto and a B.A.A in journalism from Ryerson University. She has four children and a husband stashed away in Regina, Saskatchewan.
The show demystified Islam for millions of people around the world by explaining how practicing Muslim live their lives from dating to marriage to burying their dead.
And now Zarqa Nawaz has written her best-selling comedic memoir Laughing All the Way to the Mosque, about growing up as a Canadian of Muslim faith. And it’s also about her lack of dating, marriage and burying the dead.
In 2005, Zarqa Nawaz made the ground-breaking documentary Me and the Mosque, for the National Film Board of Canada about Muslim women’s battle with patriarchy in the mosque which ultimately inspired the television series.
Zarqa has a B.Sc from the University of Toronto and a B.A.A in journalism from Ryerson University. She has four children and a husband stashed away in Regina, Saskatchewan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
July 18, 2016
Well, that was memorable! I loved every minute of reading this book, it was so raw and honest. Some parts though came off as fictional, particularly the conversations she had with some people. I can't fathom anyone ever saying things so embarassing outloud. Her voice comes off as self confident, funny and kind.
Overall, this was such a great book. You really finish it feeling as though you've been with the author throughout all her experiences. As an author, I think that's difficult to do but Zarqa flawlessly draws the reader in with each chapter. Ahhh I recommend this to everyone, people who want to learn more about Islam, people who don't really care for Islam but want to know about Muslims and why we are so scary to Trump, conservative Muslims, secular Muslims, just everyone really.
Overall, this was such a great book. You really finish it feeling as though you've been with the author throughout all her experiences. As an author, I think that's difficult to do but Zarqa flawlessly draws the reader in with each chapter. Ahhh I recommend this to everyone, people who want to learn more about Islam, people who don't really care for Islam but want to know about Muslims and why we are so scary to Trump, conservative Muslims, secular Muslims, just everyone really.
July 31, 2016
You may have noticed that I've been tailoring my reading recently to counter some of the damaging narratives that have dominated the news cycle. It's become increasingly important to me to read books that shed light on and celebrate the lives of people of color in this beautiful, heterogeneous country of immigrants in which we live.
I decided to pick up Laughing All the Way to the Mosque in direct response to a recent event in my hometown. You can read my full post about it .
More book recommendations by me at
I decided to pick up Laughing All the Way to the Mosque in direct response to a recent event in my hometown. You can read my full post about it .
More book recommendations by me at
October 31, 2024
if i met zarqa in real life i’d probably think shes annoying
May 2, 2016
More a 3.5 - I enjoyed it, just wasn't SUPER WOWED by it. But, I do think it is an important memoir from a woman in the Canadian entertainment industry who had a significant impact on that industry. I loved "Little Mosque on the Prairie" and am so proud of how well it did here and how it was exported around the world.
Nawaz is a good writer and the book kept me interested. My favourite chapter was the one where she did the Hajj with her in-laws. Turns out (not surprisingly) there is a lot about the Hajj I didn't know! One of the reasons I liked it so much was that it had a lot of great detail - I feel some of the other chapters are a little light. Also, if you're looking for stories about filming LMOTP, there really aren't any - it's about Nawaz' life, not the show. Which isn't bad, just something to be aware of.
Worth the read (I checked it out of the library). Easy, fun summer read.
Nawaz is a good writer and the book kept me interested. My favourite chapter was the one where she did the Hajj with her in-laws. Turns out (not surprisingly) there is a lot about the Hajj I didn't know! One of the reasons I liked it so much was that it had a lot of great detail - I feel some of the other chapters are a little light. Also, if you're looking for stories about filming LMOTP, there really aren't any - it's about Nawaz' life, not the show. Which isn't bad, just something to be aware of.
Worth the read (I checked it out of the library). Easy, fun summer read.
July 11, 2016
I didn't hate this book but I didn't like it at all.
Reading this book was like listening to family stories from a family you do not know or particularly care about. Or watching someone's wedding videos when you don't know any of the people in it.
I expected some kind of insider look at Islamic life and she does frame her life around the religion but she wavers between strict interpretation and liberal interpretation of the doctrine with no explanation for the shift. She never addresses what she actually believes and presents her life as a blind follow of a doctrine that can be nonsensical. "Okay I'm just going to do the pilgrimage to Mecca now. Okay that was really uncomfortable. Next thing."
She points out inconsistencies in her religion without seriously challenging them. When she does challenge them, she frames it as something that is probably no more than her own personal neuroses. "Oh everyone thinks I'm nutty so that's why I did or said that...." I think that's a cop out because she is afraid of blowback in her community. She is clearly smart enough to take on the issues of gender, fundamentalism, discrimination. She simply doesn't bother to and that really bugged me.
As for the "laughing part," not once did I actually laugh. I'm not a tough nut to crack with humor but these stories were just not funny. So you didn't prepare for Eid dinner in advance and had to go to 2 stores to find enough chicken for 100 people. Who the heck cares about this kind of banal storytelling??? How about I write a book about how I ran out of peanut butter when I actually thought I had peanut butter!? Is that hilarious or what? No. No it is not. And neither is this book.
Reading this book was like listening to family stories from a family you do not know or particularly care about. Or watching someone's wedding videos when you don't know any of the people in it.
I expected some kind of insider look at Islamic life and she does frame her life around the religion but she wavers between strict interpretation and liberal interpretation of the doctrine with no explanation for the shift. She never addresses what she actually believes and presents her life as a blind follow of a doctrine that can be nonsensical. "Okay I'm just going to do the pilgrimage to Mecca now. Okay that was really uncomfortable. Next thing."
She points out inconsistencies in her religion without seriously challenging them. When she does challenge them, she frames it as something that is probably no more than her own personal neuroses. "Oh everyone thinks I'm nutty so that's why I did or said that...." I think that's a cop out because she is afraid of blowback in her community. She is clearly smart enough to take on the issues of gender, fundamentalism, discrimination. She simply doesn't bother to and that really bugged me.
As for the "laughing part," not once did I actually laugh. I'm not a tough nut to crack with humor but these stories were just not funny. So you didn't prepare for Eid dinner in advance and had to go to 2 stores to find enough chicken for 100 people. Who the heck cares about this kind of banal storytelling??? How about I write a book about how I ran out of peanut butter when I actually thought I had peanut butter!? Is that hilarious or what? No. No it is not. And neither is this book.
July 18, 2014
I couldn't put it down. I was reading it, walking around the grocery store and generally not paying attention: "are Brussels sprouts okay?" Sure. "Do we need candy?" Yes. "I think I am going to buy this deep fryer (deep fried foods make me sick) because apparently you can deep fry everything!" Whatever you think is best... Thankfully, we didn't really come home with a deep fryer.
Zarqa Nawaz really did belong in journalism, or at least writing. She brings a lovely sense of humour to struggling between two worlds and, well the oddities she brings to life (thankfully, her husband Sami seems incredibly patient). I rather enjoyed the details I learned of Islam, overbearing but loveable mothers, and her antics. I am grateful that the title was "Laughing All the Way to the Mosque," as I think people understood my random bursts of out-loud laughter seeing the title.
Actually, I could see similarities win myself, which may have made the book more enjoyable for me and a matter of personal taste. You cannot enjoy this book if you cannot laugh at people without judgment: if you think any laughing at people is derogatory, you'll hate this book; if you judge people for being different, like they must be less than to be funny, you are going to miss some of the humour and all of the heart. Also, while there are some stories about her life during Little Mosque, this is about Nawaz's life and not the show.
I only had two criticisms for the book: the childhood stories were so good, I really thought there should have been more; and the spacing was rather empty, making the book too short. Still, it is not enough to make me dislike the book. I am keeping this book to re-live the laughter and for a little Canadiana.
Zarqa Nawaz really did belong in journalism, or at least writing. She brings a lovely sense of humour to struggling between two worlds and, well the oddities she brings to life (thankfully, her husband Sami seems incredibly patient). I rather enjoyed the details I learned of Islam, overbearing but loveable mothers, and her antics. I am grateful that the title was "Laughing All the Way to the Mosque," as I think people understood my random bursts of out-loud laughter seeing the title.
Actually, I could see similarities win myself, which may have made the book more enjoyable for me and a matter of personal taste. You cannot enjoy this book if you cannot laugh at people without judgment: if you think any laughing at people is derogatory, you'll hate this book; if you judge people for being different, like they must be less than to be funny, you are going to miss some of the humour and all of the heart. Also, while there are some stories about her life during Little Mosque, this is about Nawaz's life and not the show.
I only had two criticisms for the book: the childhood stories were so good, I really thought there should have been more; and the spacing was rather empty, making the book too short. Still, it is not enough to make me dislike the book. I am keeping this book to re-live the laughter and for a little Canadiana.
February 5, 2017
This book was like sitting down with Zarqa and hearing her stories, like she was my best friend. Many were laugh out loud funny, some, I even found embarrassing. What an amazing woman, who "puts it out there" and is so confident in her own skin. A Muslim woman, having immigrated to Canada, she talks about day to day activities and the culture clash. She tells tales of Islam, that I've never heard. She's the bane I'm sure of her existence to some, particularly in the Muslim community. She created and wrote a Canadian sitcom called Little Mosque on the Prairie that was a huge hit for six years. I've never seen the show, but I'm sure it would be something I would hugely enjoy. Zarqa Nawaz is hilarious, honest, and she writes from her heart. What could be wrong with that?
August 4, 2022
This could have been great if her attempts at being funny were actually funny... I felt like you had to read this with a live audience that laughed at all the jokes.
also why was the entire focus on the "absurdity" of some Islamic rituals and traditions? Nah, not it.
also why was the entire focus on the "absurdity" of some Islamic rituals and traditions? Nah, not it.
February 7, 2017
This series of essays make the reader think and feel for the writer and her experiences when not laughing out loud at her antics. Books like this are important to beat the notion of 'one single story'. These tell us that no matter which religion we are all brought up in, most children have similar experiences growing up - the insecurities of teenage, the silly rebellions we undertake against our parents, the struggles to find the right partner, the journey through parenthood and growing up , finding foot in our chosen careers and finally death. A flavor of just enough religion to add to the personal touch and viola, you have a brilliant book full of amazing human beings beating the stereotype crowding popular media these days.
This book made me think for a faint second that may be I could write one too, though obviously not as brilliant. Haven't I had my share of such experiences as an inactive member of my weird, very small community. Haven't I done sillier things to get back at my parents and haven't they held on to their own amidst all my tumultuous years. Haven't I resorted to useless missions to not get married to next guy around the corner. Haven't I gone through a series of comedies in the process of finding the right partner myself. Doesn't he provide the voice of reason in all the crazy projects I undertake almost everyday and doesn't my Mom have that resigned-its-useless-to-talk-to-you tone most of the times. Don't I outrage at the smallest of injustices around me making me a flight-risk in a public location sometimes. Don't I go through the growing pains of adulthood every single day. Am I not known for speaking my mind a little too much and causing unrequited laughter and the recipient of glares from even my otherwise-friendly-mother-in-law.
And that's when I realized why this book is brilliant - it's a normal book about a normal human being who can write very well. And that's the beauty of this book!
Now I shall look up the documentaries and TV shows Nawaz has written. If the book is any indication, they'll be brilliant as well!
This book made me think for a faint second that may be I could write one too, though obviously not as brilliant. Haven't I had my share of such experiences as an inactive member of my weird, very small community. Haven't I done sillier things to get back at my parents and haven't they held on to their own amidst all my tumultuous years. Haven't I resorted to useless missions to not get married to next guy around the corner. Haven't I gone through a series of comedies in the process of finding the right partner myself. Doesn't he provide the voice of reason in all the crazy projects I undertake almost everyday and doesn't my Mom have that resigned-its-useless-to-talk-to-you tone most of the times. Don't I outrage at the smallest of injustices around me making me a flight-risk in a public location sometimes. Don't I go through the growing pains of adulthood every single day. Am I not known for speaking my mind a little too much and causing unrequited laughter and the recipient of glares from even my otherwise-friendly-mother-in-law.
And that's when I realized why this book is brilliant - it's a normal book about a normal human being who can write very well. And that's the beauty of this book!
Now I shall look up the documentaries and TV shows Nawaz has written. If the book is any indication, they'll be brilliant as well!
January 20, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this review copy.
I very much enjoyed this novel - it was both amusing and educational. I'd not heard of the author but reading the blurb and the idea that this novel focused on the author's upbringing, and some of the challenges along the way, interested me.
The author's parents arrived in Toronto, via Liverpool and Pakistan. As Muslims in Toronto they were part of an active and busy Mosque, and there was a real sense of community evidenced in her writing. She explains some of the challenges attending a non-Islamic school - her mum preferred her to wear more traditional hairstyles and clothing for example (plaits in her hair, courdroy trousers etc) whereas she was keen to dress similarly to her classmates, in short skirts and styled hair. Attending Mosque she felt more part of the community but quite clearly wanted to challenge attitudes, including the separation of men from women, and the subjects covered at Muslim Summer School.
When she finished school her Dad had been keen for her to become a Doctor but her grades weren't up to it. Her parents didn't resist when she got a place on a journalism course and again she persued important issues she felt worth challenging (this part of the story is set around the time of 9/11). Her mother was keen to see her married though. She'd avoided marriage earlier due to education, and despite her parents trying to find a suitable match, she engineered a meeting with her brother's friend who she deemed a more suitable husband.
With her husband she moved near her parents-in-law to their much smaller Muslim community. She was still perusing her journalism but began branching out to film media. Again she tackled important issues through her work, including her TV show. I've not heard of Little Mosque on the Prairie but this TV show ran on CBS for 6 seasons. It met with a mixed reception in her community, possibly because of the satirical elements.
Whilst part of the story is her journalism career there is much focus on the importance of family. Her Mum is a key figure in her life and she appears close to both parents, despite the general craziness (which felt very familar to me). She's quite an amazing woman managing her career and four children (four pregnancies in four years!). I liked her character and spirit - she was desperate to provide the feast at the end of Eid but her planning went a little awry with amusing consequences and this is just one example. In another example she's on the phone to a TV exec whilst she's feeding one child and breast-feeding another - she's a perfect example of a multi-tasking woman!
This book is amusing - the anecodotes are told in a light manner but you also get a good sense of how important Islam is to her. I was also fascinated by her explanations of Hajj, and the Five Pillars of Islam for example. I'd recommend this read, and I'd be interested to see the TV shows she made, if they ever aired in the UK (they may well have done without me realising).
I very much enjoyed this novel - it was both amusing and educational. I'd not heard of the author but reading the blurb and the idea that this novel focused on the author's upbringing, and some of the challenges along the way, interested me.
The author's parents arrived in Toronto, via Liverpool and Pakistan. As Muslims in Toronto they were part of an active and busy Mosque, and there was a real sense of community evidenced in her writing. She explains some of the challenges attending a non-Islamic school - her mum preferred her to wear more traditional hairstyles and clothing for example (plaits in her hair, courdroy trousers etc) whereas she was keen to dress similarly to her classmates, in short skirts and styled hair. Attending Mosque she felt more part of the community but quite clearly wanted to challenge attitudes, including the separation of men from women, and the subjects covered at Muslim Summer School.
When she finished school her Dad had been keen for her to become a Doctor but her grades weren't up to it. Her parents didn't resist when she got a place on a journalism course and again she persued important issues she felt worth challenging (this part of the story is set around the time of 9/11). Her mother was keen to see her married though. She'd avoided marriage earlier due to education, and despite her parents trying to find a suitable match, she engineered a meeting with her brother's friend who she deemed a more suitable husband.
With her husband she moved near her parents-in-law to their much smaller Muslim community. She was still perusing her journalism but began branching out to film media. Again she tackled important issues through her work, including her TV show. I've not heard of Little Mosque on the Prairie but this TV show ran on CBS for 6 seasons. It met with a mixed reception in her community, possibly because of the satirical elements.
Whilst part of the story is her journalism career there is much focus on the importance of family. Her Mum is a key figure in her life and she appears close to both parents, despite the general craziness (which felt very familar to me). She's quite an amazing woman managing her career and four children (four pregnancies in four years!). I liked her character and spirit - she was desperate to provide the feast at the end of Eid but her planning went a little awry with amusing consequences and this is just one example. In another example she's on the phone to a TV exec whilst she's feeding one child and breast-feeding another - she's a perfect example of a multi-tasking woman!
This book is amusing - the anecodotes are told in a light manner but you also get a good sense of how important Islam is to her. I was also fascinated by her explanations of Hajj, and the Five Pillars of Islam for example. I'd recommend this read, and I'd be interested to see the TV shows she made, if they ever aired in the UK (they may well have done without me realising).
June 2, 2015
If you're looking for a light version of "introduction to Islam", search no more but read "laughing all the way to the mosque" by Zarqa Nawaz. The book is a wonderful and honest collection of the author's experiences as a muslim woman in the Western society. While introducing and explaining muslim rituals and habits such as buying alarm clocks at the halal butchers, cooking huge meals for Eid or getting stepped on while circling the Kaaba in Mecca, she also reveals how her culture and religion clashes with the society she lives in and how she is torn between the two, which leads to hilarious situations that just make you laugh out loud. A wonderful book to read, and I just wish they showed "little mosque on the prairy" on Belgian TV channels.
October 27, 2019
Swietna!
Nie czytam raczej ksiazek zwiazanych z kultura bliskiego wschodu i Islamem.
Ta ksiazka byla dla mnie milym zaskoczeniem.
Niezwykle blyskotliwa, lekka, z duza doza humoru.
Autorka, mieszkajaca w Kanadzie ,to niepokorna, nietypowa muzumanka, ktora pokazala mi zupelnie inne spojrzenie na obraz kobiety w islamie. Brawo!
Nie czytam raczej ksiazek zwiazanych z kultura bliskiego wschodu i Islamem.
Ta ksiazka byla dla mnie milym zaskoczeniem.
Niezwykle blyskotliwa, lekka, z duza doza humoru.
Autorka, mieszkajaca w Kanadzie ,to niepokorna, nietypowa muzumanka, ktora pokazala mi zupelnie inne spojrzenie na obraz kobiety w islamie. Brawo!
January 3, 2016
Very funny but also informative mémoire of a Muslim woman living in Canada. Thwarted in her ambitions to become a doctor, she enrols in journalist school. She doesn't shy away from serious issues but sees the world in her own way.
January 23, 2024
This book exudes raw honest humour, the kind that makes you cackle. From the moment I started this book until the last page I never wanted to leave Zarqa's stream of thoughts. She has one of the most refreshing and fascinating takes on the everyday things that make us Muslims Muslims.
I just watched 'BBQ Muslims', and am looking forward to watching 'Little Mosque on the Praire', for me at this point, Zarqa is legendary role model material, I can't wait to keep diving into her work.
I just watched 'BBQ Muslims', and am looking forward to watching 'Little Mosque on the Praire', for me at this point, Zarqa is legendary role model material, I can't wait to keep diving into her work.
December 2, 2016
Les religions divisent les hommes alors qu'au fond, elles devraient plutôt les rapprocher. On peut avoir des différences de croyances, mais nous sommes tous pareils. On a des habitudes, des coutumes qui divergent, des mœurs qui peuvent surprendre, certes, c'est une réalité. Ceci étant dit ne peut-on pas voir un peu au-delà ? Entre gens de bonne volonté...
Ce livre permet de mieux connaître, comprendre, les musulmans qui vivent dans nos pays occidentaux.
C'est largement autobiographique pour ce roman et je trouve que c'est un gros plus. L'auteur nous donne une version vécue, expérimentée. En prime, c'est souvent drôle car si nous, nous sommes parfois ignorants, nous sommes aussi sectaires, irrespectueux ou carrément maladroits, les musulmans sont aussi très divers dans leurs pratiques. Et ces croyants, souvent immigrés à des degrés divers niveaux générations, sont eux aussi un peu perdus... Les plus jeunes font le pont entre deux mondes. C'est encore moins évident.
Entre tradition et modernisme, les situations tournent au risible, au surprenant, au loufoque et j'en passe. J'avoue avoir ri franchement à la lecture de certains passages.
J'ai apprécié cette lecture qui se veut donc légère et fort agréable. Pour autant, on aborde des passages plutôt complexes sans en avoir l'air. C'est intéressant et cela peut nous amener à réfléchir un peu. Je trouve qu'il y a matière à se remettre en question par moment. J'aime les livres qui ont plusieurs niveaux comme celui-ci.
Zarqa est attachante. On aimerait l'avoir pour amie. Elle a beaucoup à nous apprendre.
Ce livre permet de mieux connaître, comprendre, les musulmans qui vivent dans nos pays occidentaux.
C'est largement autobiographique pour ce roman et je trouve que c'est un gros plus. L'auteur nous donne une version vécue, expérimentée. En prime, c'est souvent drôle car si nous, nous sommes parfois ignorants, nous sommes aussi sectaires, irrespectueux ou carrément maladroits, les musulmans sont aussi très divers dans leurs pratiques. Et ces croyants, souvent immigrés à des degrés divers niveaux générations, sont eux aussi un peu perdus... Les plus jeunes font le pont entre deux mondes. C'est encore moins évident.
Entre tradition et modernisme, les situations tournent au risible, au surprenant, au loufoque et j'en passe. J'avoue avoir ri franchement à la lecture de certains passages.
J'ai apprécié cette lecture qui se veut donc légère et fort agréable. Pour autant, on aborde des passages plutôt complexes sans en avoir l'air. C'est intéressant et cela peut nous amener à réfléchir un peu. Je trouve qu'il y a matière à se remettre en question par moment. J'aime les livres qui ont plusieurs niveaux comme celui-ci.
Zarqa est attachante. On aimerait l'avoir pour amie. Elle a beaucoup à nous apprendre.
September 27, 2019
Dankzij De kleine moskee op de prairie heb ik op een laagdrempelige manier inzicht gekregen in het leven van een westerse moslima. Het boek is met veel humor en zelfrelativering geschreven, waardoor niet glimlachen onmogelijk is. Zarqa Nawaz weet de lezer aan het lachen te maken en tegelijkertijd een inspirerend kijkje 'achter de schermen' van het leven van een moslima te geven. Een interessant en heerlijk feelgood boek tegelijkertijd.
Een uitgebreide recensie volgt.
Een uitgebreide recensie volgt.
February 6, 2017
Having grown up watching and loving Zarqa's show "Little Mosque on the Prairie", I knew I needed to read this as soon as I found out she had written a memoir! It was a very quick and entertaining read and fun to see some of the threads of reality that she wove into the show.
October 27, 2018
My new fave. Couldn’t put this book down. A very quick and easy read. Humour is incredibly real and experiences relatable. The innocent straightforwardness will either shock you to oblivion or you will laugh till some body parts fall off.
October 22, 2016
Absolute delight!
Binge watched all the seasons of her 'Little Mosque on the Prairie' after finishing it.
Binge watched all the seasons of her 'Little Mosque on the Prairie' after finishing it.
November 20, 2022
Zarqa Nawaz od najmłodszych lat ma wpajane zasady, które są zgodne z religią dominującą na wschodzie. Jednak kiedy w kraju panuje straszna bieda to trzeba wyemigrować i znaleźć swoje szczęście gdzie indziej. Zarqa razem z rodzicami przenosi się do Wielkiej Brytanii, a później do Kanady. Chcąc nie chcąc zderza się z zachodnią kulturą, bardziej świeckim oraz liberalnym sposobem życia, które w kraju islamskim jest niedopuszczalne. Dziewczyna, obserwując jak rówieśniczki wyglądają oraz jak się zachowują, nie chce być odepchnięta tylko dlatego, że nosi ubrania bardziej zakrywające ciało czy z powodu owłosienia na nogach. Jednak muzułmańska kobieta, żyjąca na zachodzie, nie tylko w wieku dziecięcym ma różnego rodzaju rozterki. Jako już dojrzała kobieta musi nadal słuchać się swoich rodziców, bo dopóki nie wyjdzie za mąż (najlepiej za mężczyznę, którego sami wybiorą) to oni sprawują kontrolę nawet nad tym czy może pracować w porach nocnych. Jak wyjdzie za mąż to wiadomo - to mąż będzie tym decyzyjnym. A dookoła niej dzieją się rzeczy dla naszej kultury utarte i nie stanowiące nic dziwnego.
To była zabawna lektura, ale pod tą warstwą humoru oraz lekkości, przemycone są rzeczy, które powodowały we mnie smutek. Rozumiem, że celem życiowym niektórych kobiet jest wyjść za mąż i na tym koniec, ale obecnie wiele kobiet chce pracować, mieć swoje, nie być zależnym od innych osób. Tutaj czas stanął w miejscu i matka była bardziej chętna zaaranżować sztucznie małżeństwo niż popchnąć córkę ku samodzielności "bo inni będą mówić". Tutaj pojawiła się również rozbieżność między starym, a nowym. Młodym łatwiej jest dostosować się do warunków w których się znajdują, ale są blokowani przez zatwardziałe reguły starszego pokolenia. Powoduje to, że jest im trudniej funkcjonować w tym zachodnim społeczeństwie i siłą rzeczy lepiej czują się "wśród swoich". Ta książka została przeze mnie odebrana jako taki śmiech przez łzy, bo widać tutaj olbrzymi kontrast kulturowy i tego jak gdzie indziej kobiety mają to życie cięższe. Obok tego ujawniają się pewne niuanse odnośnie niektórych mężczyzn, wychowanych w tej wschodniej kulturze.
Może podeszłam do tej książki zbyt poważnie, ale nie będzie mieć to szczególny wpływ na ocenę. Miała to być zabawna książka i na swój sposób jest ona humorystyczna. To, że ja gdzieś dopatruję się drugiego dna to osobna kwestia. Czyta się tę pozycję błyskawicznie, autorka w dobrych momentach urywała temat, więc nie było niepotrzebnych dłużyzn. Czy zapadnie mi ta książka w pamięć? Myślę, że tak, ze względu na szukanie tego drugiego dna.
To była zabawna lektura, ale pod tą warstwą humoru oraz lekkości, przemycone są rzeczy, które powodowały we mnie smutek. Rozumiem, że celem życiowym niektórych kobiet jest wyjść za mąż i na tym koniec, ale obecnie wiele kobiet chce pracować, mieć swoje, nie być zależnym od innych osób. Tutaj czas stanął w miejscu i matka była bardziej chętna zaaranżować sztucznie małżeństwo niż popchnąć córkę ku samodzielności "bo inni będą mówić". Tutaj pojawiła się również rozbieżność między starym, a nowym. Młodym łatwiej jest dostosować się do warunków w których się znajdują, ale są blokowani przez zatwardziałe reguły starszego pokolenia. Powoduje to, że jest im trudniej funkcjonować w tym zachodnim społeczeństwie i siłą rzeczy lepiej czują się "wśród swoich". Ta książka została przeze mnie odebrana jako taki śmiech przez łzy, bo widać tutaj olbrzymi kontrast kulturowy i tego jak gdzie indziej kobiety mają to życie cięższe. Obok tego ujawniają się pewne niuanse odnośnie niektórych mężczyzn, wychowanych w tej wschodniej kulturze.
Może podeszłam do tej książki zbyt poważnie, ale nie będzie mieć to szczególny wpływ na ocenę. Miała to być zabawna książka i na swój sposób jest ona humorystyczna. To, że ja gdzieś dopatruję się drugiego dna to osobna kwestia. Czyta się tę pozycję błyskawicznie, autorka w dobrych momentach urywała temat, więc nie było niepotrzebnych dłużyzn. Czy zapadnie mi ta książka w pamięć? Myślę, że tak, ze względu na szukanie tego drugiego dna.
July 12, 2016
Podobnie jak opisywany przeze mnie ostatnio tutaj film "Wszyscy albo nikt" tak i książka "Śmiejąc się w drodze do meczetu" powala na łopatki i skutecznie rozbraja stereotypowe myślenie o muzułmanach. Podczas gdy ciągle jesteśmy straszeni tym, że zostaniemy potencjalną ofiarą samobójczego ataku kiedy tylko spojrzymy na wyznawcę islamu, to raz po raz wgłębiając się w tamtejszą kulturę i zadając sobie choćby odrobinę trudu polegającego na poznaniu tamtejszej specyfiki okazuje się, że nie taki diabeł straszny jak go malują. Mało tego tak jak miało to miejsce w przypadku reżysera wspomnianego filmu, tak i autorka książki " Śmiejąc się w drodze do meczetu" posiadają poczucie humoru i dystans do siebie. Ich zdrowego i dojrzałego, ale przede wszystkim ludzkiego podejścia do swojej kultury i wiary, mogliby im pozazdrościć wyznawcy naszej rodzimej sekty pewnego ziejącego jadem i nienawiścią "ojca". Powiem tak - uśmiałem się tutaj w niejednym momencie niemal do łez, co nie znaczy że nie wywołała ta książka u mnie głębszych refleksji, bo jest też i miejsce na zastanowienie naszego stosunku do wszystkiego co inne, nowe, różniące się od naszej wizji świata
Ktoś kiedyś wykazywał na ogromną rolę poczucia humoru w budowaniu zdrowych relacji z ludźmi. Niby taka oczywista kwestia, a jednak chyba nie do końca patrząc na spory deficyt w tym względzie kiedy mówimy o budowaniu relacji międzyludzkich nie tylko jeśli chodzi o małe społeczności. Nie ma tolerancji bez poczucia humoru, bo jest to niemalże jednoznaczne z brakiem dystansu. Tolerancja zaczyna się w momencie, kiedy staramy się zobaczyć perspektywę drugiego człowieka, który ma kompletnie inaczej poukładaną wizję świata od naszej. łatwo jest mówić o tolerancji jeśli jest to kwestia abstrakcyjnej dyskusji, ale jeśli ktoś z naszego najbliższego otoczenia zaczyna się ubierać zupełnie inaczej niż my, mówi o Bogu którego kompletnie nie rozumiemy, bo go nie znamy, nie je mięsa, albo je tylko określony jego rodzaj, nie bierze udziału w praktykach dla nas oczywistych i niegroźnych to często może to drażnić. Mało tego może być taki fakt rozpatrywany w kategoriach dziwactwa, "wymyślania", "wydziwiania", czy jak tam chcemy to nazywać. Myślę, że taka reakcja jest całkiem naturalna, ale też po niej powinna następować refleksja i próba zrozumienia. W przeciwnym wypadku, jeśli do takowej refleksji nie dochodzi, to można założyć że mamy do czynienia z osobnikiem bezrefleksyjnym. Idąc dalej - albo taki "model" jest swego rodzaju analfabetą społecznym, albo ignorantem, bądź co najsmutniejsze - nie ma woli budowania zdrowych relacji z otoczeniem. Można się obrażać, można prezentować święte oburzenie, ale taka jest prawda.
Książka napisana przez Zarqa Nawaz pokazuje nam dlaczego błędnym założeniem - powiem więcej - idiotycznym postulatem, jest oczekiwania od muzułmanów, czy jakiejkolwiek innej mniejszości wyrzeczenia się własnej tożsamości, zwyczajów, ubioru, czy praktyk religijnych na rzecz tych które są charakterystyczne dla kraju do którego emigrują. Decyzja taka będzie się bowiem wiązała z wyrzeczeniem siebie, a to zwyczajnie jest nieludzkim postulatem wobec nich. Mylnym jest też odbieranie zachowania emigranta, który manifestuje swoją odmienność jako prowokowanie do konfliktu. Specyfika ich kultury musi kontrastować z tym co jest związane z kulturą zachodnią z tej prostej przyczyny, że obie kultury diametralnie się różnią. Trudno tu więc mówić o złej woli. Każdy z nas manifestuje swój sposób myślenia w rozmaity sposób na zewnątrz. Tak już jesteśmy skonstruowani i jak dla mnie to dodaje nam kolorytu w perspektywie globalnej wioski. Czasem nasi goście z innych rejonów świata skarżą się na to że są nierozumiani. Zarqa Nawaz wybrała inną metodę - ona przedstawia te nieporozumienia z przymrużeniem oka w postaci zabawnych anegdot, co jest pewnie łatwiejsze do przyjęcia i poddania pod refleksję.
Zarqa Nawaz nie skupia się jednak w swojej książce tylko na trudnościach, które mają miejsce na linii islam - zachód. Ona posuwa się dużo dalej, a to świadczy już o sporej odwadze. Porusza bowiem również kwestie związane z miejscem kobiety w islamie, wytyka przekłamania i nieścisłości które mają miejsce wewnątrz jej religii, która jest rozumiana w odmienny sposób jeśli chodzi o podejście konserwatywne i nurty postępowe. Pokazuje tym samym jakiej ewolucji dokonuje to wyznanie i w ten sposób zamyka usta tym, którzy zarzucają islamowi zacofanie i ciemnogród. Myślenie archaiczne nie jest bowiem czymś co można przypisać jednej społeczności czy religii, ale bardziej pewnym ludziom którzy występują w każdej wspólnocie. Wśród katolików czy protestantów na ten przykład też można znaleźć osoby, które moim zdaniem prezentują poglądy mocno zacofane i doszukują się wpływu diabła z równym zacięciem, a nawet może fanatyzmem jak robią to fundamentaliści islamscy. Czy powinniśmy ich tolerować z ich poglądami? Oczywiście, że tak, ale też tylko do momentu gdy swojego myślenia nie narzucają innym, bądź nie prezentują retoryki krzywdzącej inne grupy społeczne czy poszczególne jednostki. Ci sami bowiem którzy głoszą pokój i szacunek dla drugiego człowieka w ramach wspólnoty katolickiej, znajdują się wśród muzułmanów, jak i ateistów, katolików, czy protestantów. Podobnie Ci którzy wprowadzają szariat i dyskryminują kobiety w imię Allaha, używają Boga w Trójcy Jedynego do usankcjonowania odczłowieczonej, służebnej roli kobiety czy stworzenia państwa stricte katolickiego. Pewne typy ludzkie pojawiają się po każdej stronie i wyznanie nie ma tu znaczenia, podobnie jak szeroko rozumiana kultura, bo one bardziej wpływają na sposób przekazu tych samych treści. Takie moje refleksje po tej książce.
Znowu mi się rozwlekła recenzja i nie wiem czy się nie zapętliłem, ale w przypadku opinii o książce Zarqa Nawaz jestem chyba usprawiedliwiony, bo ona też ma taką tendencję do swego rodzaju szaleństwa, emocjonalności, chaosu, czegoś co ja nazywam "popyrtaniem". Jest natomiast w tym wszystkim tak mocno autentyczna, zabawna i tak otwarcie mówi o własnych uprzedzeniach i stereotypach z którymi walczy, że bez problemu czytelnik zgadza się na wytykanie mu jego uprzedzeń i braków tolerancyjnych. Nie musimy bowiem wszystkiego rozumieć w naszych odmiennych systemach wartości, ale spróbujmy choć chcieć się zrozumieć. To jesteśmy sobie winni nawzajem jako ludzie. No i każdemu przyda się odrobina dystansu do siebie. Rewelacyjna pozycja! Szczerze ja polecam!
osinskipoludzku.blogspot.com
Ktoś kiedyś wykazywał na ogromną rolę poczucia humoru w budowaniu zdrowych relacji z ludźmi. Niby taka oczywista kwestia, a jednak chyba nie do końca patrząc na spory deficyt w tym względzie kiedy mówimy o budowaniu relacji międzyludzkich nie tylko jeśli chodzi o małe społeczności. Nie ma tolerancji bez poczucia humoru, bo jest to niemalże jednoznaczne z brakiem dystansu. Tolerancja zaczyna się w momencie, kiedy staramy się zobaczyć perspektywę drugiego człowieka, który ma kompletnie inaczej poukładaną wizję świata od naszej. łatwo jest mówić o tolerancji jeśli jest to kwestia abstrakcyjnej dyskusji, ale jeśli ktoś z naszego najbliższego otoczenia zaczyna się ubierać zupełnie inaczej niż my, mówi o Bogu którego kompletnie nie rozumiemy, bo go nie znamy, nie je mięsa, albo je tylko określony jego rodzaj, nie bierze udziału w praktykach dla nas oczywistych i niegroźnych to często może to drażnić. Mało tego może być taki fakt rozpatrywany w kategoriach dziwactwa, "wymyślania", "wydziwiania", czy jak tam chcemy to nazywać. Myślę, że taka reakcja jest całkiem naturalna, ale też po niej powinna następować refleksja i próba zrozumienia. W przeciwnym wypadku, jeśli do takowej refleksji nie dochodzi, to można założyć że mamy do czynienia z osobnikiem bezrefleksyjnym. Idąc dalej - albo taki "model" jest swego rodzaju analfabetą społecznym, albo ignorantem, bądź co najsmutniejsze - nie ma woli budowania zdrowych relacji z otoczeniem. Można się obrażać, można prezentować święte oburzenie, ale taka jest prawda.
Książka napisana przez Zarqa Nawaz pokazuje nam dlaczego błędnym założeniem - powiem więcej - idiotycznym postulatem, jest oczekiwania od muzułmanów, czy jakiejkolwiek innej mniejszości wyrzeczenia się własnej tożsamości, zwyczajów, ubioru, czy praktyk religijnych na rzecz tych które są charakterystyczne dla kraju do którego emigrują. Decyzja taka będzie się bowiem wiązała z wyrzeczeniem siebie, a to zwyczajnie jest nieludzkim postulatem wobec nich. Mylnym jest też odbieranie zachowania emigranta, który manifestuje swoją odmienność jako prowokowanie do konfliktu. Specyfika ich kultury musi kontrastować z tym co jest związane z kulturą zachodnią z tej prostej przyczyny, że obie kultury diametralnie się różnią. Trudno tu więc mówić o złej woli. Każdy z nas manifestuje swój sposób myślenia w rozmaity sposób na zewnątrz. Tak już jesteśmy skonstruowani i jak dla mnie to dodaje nam kolorytu w perspektywie globalnej wioski. Czasem nasi goście z innych rejonów świata skarżą się na to że są nierozumiani. Zarqa Nawaz wybrała inną metodę - ona przedstawia te nieporozumienia z przymrużeniem oka w postaci zabawnych anegdot, co jest pewnie łatwiejsze do przyjęcia i poddania pod refleksję.
Zarqa Nawaz nie skupia się jednak w swojej książce tylko na trudnościach, które mają miejsce na linii islam - zachód. Ona posuwa się dużo dalej, a to świadczy już o sporej odwadze. Porusza bowiem również kwestie związane z miejscem kobiety w islamie, wytyka przekłamania i nieścisłości które mają miejsce wewnątrz jej religii, która jest rozumiana w odmienny sposób jeśli chodzi o podejście konserwatywne i nurty postępowe. Pokazuje tym samym jakiej ewolucji dokonuje to wyznanie i w ten sposób zamyka usta tym, którzy zarzucają islamowi zacofanie i ciemnogród. Myślenie archaiczne nie jest bowiem czymś co można przypisać jednej społeczności czy religii, ale bardziej pewnym ludziom którzy występują w każdej wspólnocie. Wśród katolików czy protestantów na ten przykład też można znaleźć osoby, które moim zdaniem prezentują poglądy mocno zacofane i doszukują się wpływu diabła z równym zacięciem, a nawet może fanatyzmem jak robią to fundamentaliści islamscy. Czy powinniśmy ich tolerować z ich poglądami? Oczywiście, że tak, ale też tylko do momentu gdy swojego myślenia nie narzucają innym, bądź nie prezentują retoryki krzywdzącej inne grupy społeczne czy poszczególne jednostki. Ci sami bowiem którzy głoszą pokój i szacunek dla drugiego człowieka w ramach wspólnoty katolickiej, znajdują się wśród muzułmanów, jak i ateistów, katolików, czy protestantów. Podobnie Ci którzy wprowadzają szariat i dyskryminują kobiety w imię Allaha, używają Boga w Trójcy Jedynego do usankcjonowania odczłowieczonej, służebnej roli kobiety czy stworzenia państwa stricte katolickiego. Pewne typy ludzkie pojawiają się po każdej stronie i wyznanie nie ma tu znaczenia, podobnie jak szeroko rozumiana kultura, bo one bardziej wpływają na sposób przekazu tych samych treści. Takie moje refleksje po tej książce.
Znowu mi się rozwlekła recenzja i nie wiem czy się nie zapętliłem, ale w przypadku opinii o książce Zarqa Nawaz jestem chyba usprawiedliwiony, bo ona też ma taką tendencję do swego rodzaju szaleństwa, emocjonalności, chaosu, czegoś co ja nazywam "popyrtaniem". Jest natomiast w tym wszystkim tak mocno autentyczna, zabawna i tak otwarcie mówi o własnych uprzedzeniach i stereotypach z którymi walczy, że bez problemu czytelnik zgadza się na wytykanie mu jego uprzedzeń i braków tolerancyjnych. Nie musimy bowiem wszystkiego rozumieć w naszych odmiennych systemach wartości, ale spróbujmy choć chcieć się zrozumieć. To jesteśmy sobie winni nawzajem jako ludzie. No i każdemu przyda się odrobina dystansu do siebie. Rewelacyjna pozycja! Szczerze ja polecam!
osinskipoludzku.blogspot.com
April 16, 2021
Not necessarily agreed with some of her understanding and stand about the religion but I did understand the issues. For instance, the curtain issue separating men and women at mosque, "it's a cultural problem," and not a religious one.
The tone of the book can be somewhat satire and need to be read with an open mind. It's very humorous that sometimes I think it's not necessary to make it as humorous as it is a sensitive and serious issue, for the funeral part for me.
I love how she really explains the procedure or the way how Hajj is performed, the dying part and so on. Zarqa is indeed a very loud person and has a great sense of humor. A very fun read for my #ramadhanreadathon
The tone of the book can be somewhat satire and need to be read with an open mind. It's very humorous that sometimes I think it's not necessary to make it as humorous as it is a sensitive and serious issue, for the funeral part for me.
I love how she really explains the procedure or the way how Hajj is performed, the dying part and so on. Zarqa is indeed a very loud person and has a great sense of humor. A very fun read for my #ramadhanreadathon
July 5, 2020
A hilariously funny book about a woman's experiences being a Muslim. I love the author's voice and sense of humor. I simultaneously learned a lot about being a Muslim woman and was highly entertained. Definitely recommend this book.
March 19, 2022
Accurate representation of Muslim struggles while growing up. I enjoyed all the little past life stories, literally common things that happen amongst Muslims. Enjoyed it
January 11, 2021
A light book of humorous stories. I enjoyed these looks into Zarqa's life but found the humour a bit forced at times. These are light, breezy stories about Muslim traditions and beliefs, as well as a look at a Muslim girl growing up in a land & time where the culture & religion of her family are mostly unknown.
While I enjoyed this, it is a book of stories that are so light and breezy that I probably won't remember them much soon. A good vacation read.
While I enjoyed this, it is a book of stories that are so light and breezy that I probably won't remember them much soon. A good vacation read.
June 5, 2015
I picked up this book on impulsive 'cos I was looking for some light reading and the word - laughing - in the title caught my eye. My reaction is however mixed about this book.
I applaud the author for being gutsy and bold enough to challenge long held traditions and practices which have no religious bearing/authenticity to her religion. I applaud her for poking wholesome fun at what is often sacred cows with her people as she often refers to Muslims.
I did find the chapter on 911 a bit self-centred - please don't let it be one of us- she writes. True Muslims do not carry out dastardly acts. In fact the entire chapter is focussed on how her family would be affected by this and wanting to smoke out whoever may have reported her father-in-law to the RCMP. I understand her fear and for the consequences for innocent Muslims but it would have make her look better if she had shown some care and touched on those who died in this horrific event - very many of whom were Muslims.
I also find her comments about her educated family, a bit ostentatious. I am a successful journalist/film-maker; my husband is a Doctor of Psychiatry, my father-in-law was an Eye-Ear-Nose Doctor, my sister-in-law's husband is off to Boston to do post-doctoral work at Harvard, my Dad is an engineer and he enrolled my mother in two universities when they arrived in Canada, and my eldest daughter is now on her way to the prestigious McMaster University. This information is not funny.
At times, I find her humour a bit contrived especially the parts where she is applying for admission to a University or program, or pitching one of her ideas to media network staff. She made the process, her behaviour, and her attitude to be flippant, nonchalant, and audacious. This is usually far from the case in real life when moments like these are stressful and a person tries their hardest and best in an attempt to achieve their goals. (Job interviews, entrance interviews, funding applications, sponsorships etc.).
Ironically, her early chapters refer to her mother giving her curried chicken to take for lunch and she writes in great detail about her feelings about this and how she begged for white bread with jelly and peanut butter. Later, she is telling her daughter that rice-krispie squares are full of air and that a curried lunch is more wholesome. She tries just too hard; at my most generous - this book is 3 stars.
I applaud the author for being gutsy and bold enough to challenge long held traditions and practices which have no religious bearing/authenticity to her religion. I applaud her for poking wholesome fun at what is often sacred cows with her people as she often refers to Muslims.
I did find the chapter on 911 a bit self-centred - please don't let it be one of us- she writes. True Muslims do not carry out dastardly acts. In fact the entire chapter is focussed on how her family would be affected by this and wanting to smoke out whoever may have reported her father-in-law to the RCMP. I understand her fear and for the consequences for innocent Muslims but it would have make her look better if she had shown some care and touched on those who died in this horrific event - very many of whom were Muslims.
I also find her comments about her educated family, a bit ostentatious. I am a successful journalist/film-maker; my husband is a Doctor of Psychiatry, my father-in-law was an Eye-Ear-Nose Doctor, my sister-in-law's husband is off to Boston to do post-doctoral work at Harvard, my Dad is an engineer and he enrolled my mother in two universities when they arrived in Canada, and my eldest daughter is now on her way to the prestigious McMaster University. This information is not funny.
At times, I find her humour a bit contrived especially the parts where she is applying for admission to a University or program, or pitching one of her ideas to media network staff. She made the process, her behaviour, and her attitude to be flippant, nonchalant, and audacious. This is usually far from the case in real life when moments like these are stressful and a person tries their hardest and best in an attempt to achieve their goals. (Job interviews, entrance interviews, funding applications, sponsorships etc.).
Ironically, her early chapters refer to her mother giving her curried chicken to take for lunch and she writes in great detail about her feelings about this and how she begged for white bread with jelly and peanut butter. Later, she is telling her daughter that rice-krispie squares are full of air and that a curried lunch is more wholesome. She tries just too hard; at my most generous - this book is 3 stars.
August 3, 2020
As the last sentences of the book summary's suggested, "You have to laugh". Like heaven I did! 🤣 Let me tell you one thing first, especially if you're a muslim, Zarqa Nawaz would make you either entertained, angry or annoyed by her sense of humour, sometimes lacked of seriousness or respect when it is required. It seems like she sees the world and some of the teachings merely as something to either disagreed or to joked about. She wants everything to be equal, simple and easily practiced, like having Eid in a fixed date like christmas for an example. But obviously, that doesn't always be the case.
I do not agreed to some of her understandings towards the religion, but I understand most of it. I understand how it feels like to have a "shower curtain" separating men and women praying areas in the mosque. But I also understand why it is needed. Its frustrating to be banned having sex while performing hajj, but there's a reason why. One of it is to learn how to get your lust under control.
The most relatable funny thing is when she said her daughters sucked her milk like an addict and when you're in Hajj, be mindful of where your eyes are seeing because men wearing Ihram, doesn't wear underpants and it's quite a scenery early in the morning.
By the way, truth hurts. While perfoming tawaf, she got sexually harassed by a man while trying to touch the hajarul aswad (sacred black stone). The man squeezed her breast. Well. The place is sacred, but not necessarily the people.
If you're ready to read about the ugly truths happening in the Islamic community that nobody talks about, pick this up! Its a fast pace and enjoyable reads. Zarqa, writing against the Islamic mainstream, is bold, straightforward, a feminist and honest.
I do not agreed to some of her understandings towards the religion, but I understand most of it. I understand how it feels like to have a "shower curtain" separating men and women praying areas in the mosque. But I also understand why it is needed. Its frustrating to be banned having sex while performing hajj, but there's a reason why. One of it is to learn how to get your lust under control.
The most relatable funny thing is when she said her daughters sucked her milk like an addict and when you're in Hajj, be mindful of where your eyes are seeing because men wearing Ihram, doesn't wear underpants and it's quite a scenery early in the morning.
By the way, truth hurts. While perfoming tawaf, she got sexually harassed by a man while trying to touch the hajarul aswad (sacred black stone). The man squeezed her breast. Well. The place is sacred, but not necessarily the people.
If you're ready to read about the ugly truths happening in the Islamic community that nobody talks about, pick this up! Its a fast pace and enjoyable reads. Zarqa, writing against the Islamic mainstream, is bold, straightforward, a feminist and honest.
December 20, 2015
I never watched Little Mosque on the Prairie once so I am not sure what made me decide to pick this book up when I saw it displayed at the library. I suppose I was looking for some understanding of Islam from an ordinary person's view. And you do get that in this easy, sometimes funny (and sometimes painfully unfunny) memoir.
I am not a religious person but I understand why some people are attracted to religions. And with Islam being such a misunderstood religion, it is good to read a book that gives us some insight into the faith from the perspective of a neighbour down the street.
Unfortunately, I came away feeling that the emphasis was more on some of the absurdities of the faith rather those things that obviously makes Islam important to Zarqa Nawaz.
For example, it is just plain silly for a modern women of any faith to be so frightened by jinn - supernatural beings from early Arabian mythology - that she would refuse to use an outhouse when desperate. And the tenets of the faith - prayer, fasting, and the hajj - as seen through these stories, seemed such a hassle, that I wondered why she bothered.
The most interesting chapter for me described the the funeral of a family member and the importance of the rituals in Islam. But even here, Nawaz's attempts at humour didn't just fail, but spoiled an otherwise moving situation.
I am sure fans of Little Mosque on the Prairie will be satisfied with this book, but reading Laughing All the Way to the Mosque did not make me feel that I had missed anything by never watching the show.
I am not a religious person but I understand why some people are attracted to religions. And with Islam being such a misunderstood religion, it is good to read a book that gives us some insight into the faith from the perspective of a neighbour down the street.
Unfortunately, I came away feeling that the emphasis was more on some of the absurdities of the faith rather those things that obviously makes Islam important to Zarqa Nawaz.
For example, it is just plain silly for a modern women of any faith to be so frightened by jinn - supernatural beings from early Arabian mythology - that she would refuse to use an outhouse when desperate. And the tenets of the faith - prayer, fasting, and the hajj - as seen through these stories, seemed such a hassle, that I wondered why she bothered.
The most interesting chapter for me described the the funeral of a family member and the importance of the rituals in Islam. But even here, Nawaz's attempts at humour didn't just fail, but spoiled an otherwise moving situation.
I am sure fans of Little Mosque on the Prairie will be satisfied with this book, but reading Laughing All the Way to the Mosque did not make me feel that I had missed anything by never watching the show.
May 15, 2021
The book is disrespectful. This is the first time I’m enraged and appalled with the fact that it is written by a Muslim author. I think there’s a fine line to humour that has been taken too far especially with regards to the religion. It. is. not. funny.
I dislike the fact that she wrote many times within the book that the practices of Islam are a major inconvenience to her. For instance when she went for Hajj and she was upset she couldn’t have sex? On top of that, insinuating that those who take the religion seriously as being close-minded. It’s as though Islam is just about countless rituals and a set of rules you have to follow.
As a friend commented which I wholly agreed, “It’s so ironic that she’s sort of writing as a Muslim who has to deal with western perspectives when she, herself, still has a very western worldview. Her humour is more for the benefit of western readers at the expense of Islam / Muslims.�
This is wasted potential. She could’ve educated the masses on the beauty of Islam and its many values while maintaining her humour but it is what it is. I’ve just wasted my time reading a 221 page book. Highly NOT recommended.
0.5/5⭐️ cause I can’t stand bad Muslim reps. Do share with me other books that might be potentially problematic so I can avoid them at all cost. Thank you!
I dislike the fact that she wrote many times within the book that the practices of Islam are a major inconvenience to her. For instance when she went for Hajj and she was upset she couldn’t have sex? On top of that, insinuating that those who take the religion seriously as being close-minded. It’s as though Islam is just about countless rituals and a set of rules you have to follow.
As a friend commented which I wholly agreed, “It’s so ironic that she’s sort of writing as a Muslim who has to deal with western perspectives when she, herself, still has a very western worldview. Her humour is more for the benefit of western readers at the expense of Islam / Muslims.�
This is wasted potential. She could’ve educated the masses on the beauty of Islam and its many values while maintaining her humour but it is what it is. I’ve just wasted my time reading a 221 page book. Highly NOT recommended.
0.5/5⭐️ cause I can’t stand bad Muslim reps. Do share with me other books that might be potentially problematic so I can avoid them at all cost. Thank you!
November 19, 2020
I approached Zarqa Nawaz's book "Laughing All the Way to the Mosque" with mild trepidation but a willingness to be non-judgmental. After all, despite its occasional issues, her show Little Mosque on the Prairie wasn't the absolute worst thing to happen to Canadian TV...
I was disappointed. Extremely so.
Zarqa isn't *unfunny*, but neither is she a searing wit. She is, at best, lightheartedly goofy, which is amusing and occasionally cute when recounting family related anecdotes. She is distinctly mediocre in her hot takes on Muslim community dynamics, and deeply problematic when she attempts to be funny about sacred religious tenets such as Hajj, fasting in Ramadan, and janaazah rites.
I didn't want to hate her, or even dislike her. I *wanted* to enjoy the book (esp since I am looking forward to her upcoming webseries)... but there is really no getting around the fact that she falls flat in her many attempts at poking fun at the Muslim community - and instead, falls into mocking Islam itself. (Examples shared in my highlights!)
All in all, this was an epic disappointment and definitely not worth anyone purchasing regular price. Borrow it from the library, maybe, if you're really curious.
I was disappointed. Extremely so.
Zarqa isn't *unfunny*, but neither is she a searing wit. She is, at best, lightheartedly goofy, which is amusing and occasionally cute when recounting family related anecdotes. She is distinctly mediocre in her hot takes on Muslim community dynamics, and deeply problematic when she attempts to be funny about sacred religious tenets such as Hajj, fasting in Ramadan, and janaazah rites.
I didn't want to hate her, or even dislike her. I *wanted* to enjoy the book (esp since I am looking forward to her upcoming webseries)... but there is really no getting around the fact that she falls flat in her many attempts at poking fun at the Muslim community - and instead, falls into mocking Islam itself. (Examples shared in my highlights!)
All in all, this was an epic disappointment and definitely not worth anyone purchasing regular price. Borrow it from the library, maybe, if you're really curious.
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