Muslim Latinas

Are Muslim organizations

BY WENDY

To give Latin American Muslim women a chance to voice their concerns, a question was posed to them on social media: What is one thing you want Muslim men to know?

We received more than a hundred responses in less than two weeks. The feedback came mainly from women, however, within the comments received, Muslim men echoed some of the sick stereotypes and harassment already mentioned. They said Latinas are “spicy,” “crazy”, and “sexy.” They proceeded to gaslight women who were speaking their truth. Below, we highlight the main points that our Latina sisters made and included some of their complaints in their own words. Quotes include first names only to protect respondents from further harassment.

Here is a list of things Latina Muslims want Muslim men to know

❶ “No, we do not want to be your secret 2nd, 3rd or 4th wife.” the like has led to Latin American women, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to become seemingly easy targets for men looking for illicit sexual relationships. The media propagates the “spicy Latina” stereotype as a harmless and flattering compliment.

Some Muslim men believe they have impunity when it comes to converts. They offer fraudulent marriage contracts, secret polygamous situations, temporary marriages, or other illicit arrangements under the guise of Islamic marriage. They do not guarantee financial support or companionship. However, one thing is clear - Latina sisters are not having it.

However, it overlooks the damaging consequences of Latinas being fetishized and reduced to exotic objects.

Some Muslims then unfairly assume that Latina Muslim women are seductresses readily available for courtship and even illicit relationships. In their search for a Muslim spouse, they are used, discarded, and dismissed for not fulfilling unrealistic expectations. To fulfill lusts driven by the entertainment industry, some men go to great lengths to corner Latina Muslims with false promises of an Islamic “happily ever after.” They know their families