Book Review: Infidel

On November 2, 2004 Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered on the streets of Amsterdam in broad daylight. His death was in response to a film he helped create months before entitled Submission. It would seem in some ways that Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, was written in response to that event—written to those willing to administer death unto others by their own religious convictions because of it, to those who were impacted by it and simply to those who would listen. Ali had written the film and was also a target of the people who killed Theo. It is this occurrence that Ali begins her book, and allots an entire chapter to in the last pages of the book. Since the time of Theo’s death Ali has been accelerated into the spotlight as a strong voice against the treatment of Muslim women; this was the issue of Submission, and the intent of Infidel is to bring continued light to this subject matter.

Ali’s other works surround this same topic. Prevalent in this topic is the total submission of women to men, violence that women are exposed to in their Muslim religion and overall oppression of women within the confines of religious liberty and practice of Muslim men (and often other women). Through this piece, however, we are given an inside look at the personal experiences of the author from her childhood through the present. Appropriately, with regard to those experiences, the work is divided into two parts: Part I: My Childhood and Part II: My Freedom. While the two sections deserve their own attention it is very easy to consider how they both intersect one with the other.

Ali’s younger years were spent enduring beatings, constant moving from one despot country (Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Kenya) to another and the ongoing instruction of her family’s Muslim faith. There is a continuing struggle in her mind that prompts her inquisitiveness about her faith tradition—often to her own harm. Her simplistic ideas of peace, justice, mercy and love as a child many times did not match what she witnessed in her family and/or clan or her faith. As she was able to gain her freedom, serve in Parliament (among many other things) and adjust to a Western mindset later in life she still struggled with the apparent conflicting ideas of her faith and new ideals she had adapted to. Ayaan Ali vividly expresses this intersecting of personal evolvement. While being open, candid, honest and direct it becomes clear to the reader the deep concern for Muslim womens’ safety, equality and protection, and the priority of that concern she articulates through her memories.

Taking a unique position in the realm of societal observance, through no intentional motives other than personal development, Ali provides a fresh take on common focuses in society like politics, religion, and cultural assimilation. There are many references to the similarities of cultures in their interactions with each other, the zeal of religiousness and threats to each group. By being able and willing to critically examine her environments, we are provided an honest evaluation of just how similar, though they may seem far from it, people can be. This book offers a great example to the study of race and ethnic relations while also promoting her real cause. Ayaan has been able to interpret her experiences with several societies into a resource that stimulates deliberate reflection of social customs and mores.

Putting a name or a face to any situation can alter in waves of personal enlightenment. Basic study of Islam has introduced many of the notions raised in the book (i.e. female submission and male dominance). However, to read a personal recount like Ali’s of some of the drastic experiences that are common among some groups (Islamic families in this example) has increased my intention to address some of the same issues she has raised. Personally, at the very least, deep consideration and reflection towards personal spiritual beliefs have remained constant since completing this book. It is through this very process Ali has been able to progress in her efforts to bring equality to women who share many of her experiences. Perhaps it can also provide us all the opportunity to consider our willingness to impact our spheres of influence.