The dos and don’t of defending Muslim women: Fatemeh Fakhraie expands on several earlier pieces she wrote about well-intentioned but misguided efforts to help Muslim women by non-Muslim feminists.

Not just a negative report, she has affirmative advice for helping Muslim women – most importantly, only when asked.

Changing arrogance and co-option of voice

If I ask you to speak for me because I am unable to speak for myself, make sure you’re doing it right: keep my concerns in mind, keep my circumstances in mind, and reflect that. Don’t reflect what you think is best for me.

If a Muslim woman doesn’t ask you to be her voice or speak for her, don’t. If you wish to help a Muslim woman you feel is voiceless, help her get a voice. Never assume you have the right to speak on someone else’s behalf.