Book Review: "The Making of a Salafi Muslim Women: Paths to Conversion" by Anabel Inge

Abstract

Salafism is a concept that is rooted in Islamic traditions but also displays unorthodox tendencies. As explored in The Making of a Salafi Muslim Woman: Paths to Conversion by Anabel Inge, Salafism is a revivalist movement within Sunni Islam that seeks to restore the practices of early Muslims by adhering strictly to foundational scriptures and established moral codes. As a result, it has become a media phenomenon at odds with the so-called European values. Within this concept, the question arises about what Salafism truly stands for, as those who associate themselves with and practice Salafism are not well known. The Making of a Salafi Muslim Woman: Paths to Conversion, is one of the first in-depth studies on Salafi women in the United Kingdom. Inge has gained unprecedented and intimate access to Salafi women’s groups to provide the first in-depth account of their lives through ethnographic fieldwork and interviews conducted in London spanning more than two years. This book review is meant to give a glimpse and a critical lens into Inge’s monograph and how it provides a unique perspective on Salafism, which is increasingly becoming an attractive Islamic schism in the United Kingdom, particularly with women.