Weaving Lived Muslim Experiences into Fiction: A Conversation with Leila Aboulela

Rahma with Rose

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In this conversation, you can listen to me conversing with one of my favorite novelists, Leila Aboulela.
What's even more remarkable about Leila's work, apart from her delicious writing style that makes me wish her books and short stories never end, is that she intentionally brings Muslim characters, usually women, into her work as the protagonists.
Leila describes her work as centering Islam, giving Muslim readers a chance to see themselves in her work and for non-Muslim readers to get a glimpse into the fictionalized, nuanced, and non-stereotypical lives of Muslims.

Apart from discussing the spirituality of her novels and stories, I ask Leila to share more about herself and her spiritual journey. We hear more about what motivated her and how her life experiences inspired her writing, especially that of her Muslim women characters.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Leila's work, this episode promises an enriching and heartfelt conversation about the intersections of spirituality, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Find Leila Aboulela online here:

*http://www.leila-aboulela.com

*https://www.instagram.com/leilaaboulela/

*https://www.facebook.com/laboulela/

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Find out more about Rose's work here: https://lnk.bio/dr.rose.aslan
Website: https://compassionflow.com
Support Rahma with Rose so I can keep producing more episodes here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2197727/supporters/new

Music credits: Vocals: Zeynep Dilara Aslan; Ney/drum: Elif Önal; Tanbur: Katherine Hreib; Rebap: Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev