sister-hood is an award-winning digital magazine spotlighting the diverse voices of women of Muslim heritage.
sister-hood is a digital magazine and a series of live events. We create platforms for women of Muslim heritage to speak for themselves, rather than being spoken for or spoken about. sister-hood challenges stereotypes and promotes the fearless, progressive, creative voices of women of Muslim heritage.
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Forced
How does it feel to be forced in this way?
How can anyone know?
Unless she is the one upon whom it is forced
She looks down at the drop and wonders…
She did used to dream of her prince on a horse
A handsome young man who would lift her veil
Demure, in love, desirous of him
She would feel every emotion within
Did not turn out to be so, she reflects
To be forced in this way she did not foretell
Am I so worthless you gave me away?
She looks down at the drop and wonders…
She would have worn flowing cascades of silk
His eyes would have followed the henna’s trail
If she had chosen her eternal love
A tender kiss would have sealed their fate
Love did not enter the proceedings at all
Freedom to choose was never part of the deal
I am your baby, how could you feed me to the lion?
She looks down at the drop and wonders…
Forced into submission, forced to obey
Forced to oblige in every way
Liberty, freedom, they were there all along!
As at the bottom of the drop, in a heap she lays
Abda Khan
I am a British Muslim lawyer turned writer. My debut novel 'Stained', which deals with rape and honour issues, is to be published in the USA on the 3 October 2016, and will be available on Amazon worldwide. You can find more information on my website at www.abdakhan.com.