An interview with Sahar Abdulaziz

Sahar Abdulaziz, author of The Broken Half and other books, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology before going on to earn her master’s degree in health and wellness promotion and administration. She holds a Certification as a Domestic Violence Counselor/Advocate as well as in community health. Visit her author page on Amazon.
Q1. Describe your latest book The Broken Half in a paragraph. What is the basic plot, and what do you want readers to take away from it?

The Broken Half is a story about an American Muslim woman, Zahra, whose marital life is torn apart by betrayal, familial domestic violence, and sexual assault. While the story and the characters are fictional, the challenging and devastating issues this narrative aims to draw attention to in regards to abuse and rape are not. Zahra, like many victims of domestic violence, must decide whether to stay in her abusive marriage or leave. Alone, feeling trapped and frightened, she recognizes how the danger around her is escalating, so she attempts to reach out for help. Unfortunately, Zahra soon discovers that leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult, fraught with complications, danger, and risk. Ultimately she is faced with making a life and death decision, but will she make it in time?

Q2. Abuse and violence are difficult topics to address in many Muslim communities. How and why did you decide to write about this topic and what had been the reaction from your Muslim readers?

I agree. Domestic violence and sexual abuse are two very complex issues to address within the Muslim community. There seems to be a serious disconnect between, “fighting oppression wherever you may find it” (as instructed by Allah and the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]) and those in positions of power to admit and respond to the oppression being perpetrated upon women trapped in abusive marriages and families. Inaction breeds continuation.

The response from the Muslim readership thus far, has been overwhelmingly supportive. I tend to believe this is the case because this novel focuses on domestic violence and sexual assault without demonizing or villainizing the Deen or Muslim men, which was never my intention. Additionally, whenever a Muslim hears there’s yet another book about these sorts of jarring topics, the assumption is that stereotypes will abound, precisely because more often than not that has been the unfortunate state of affairs. The Broken Half, however, speaks to the root of the issue concerning power and control and how it relates to violence and abuse. This story unravels the convoluted introspections, which play a domineering role in perpetrating these forms of oppression. The book takes the reader behind the surface, peeling back layers of aggression, which systematically contribute to a mindset with a propensity for violence, but without victim blaming or cultural bashing.

As a Muslim author, I have used my writing platform and voice to advocate for those underrepresented. Some of the topics I have covered thus far are domestic violence, sexual abuse, incest, and mood disorders. In The Broken Half, I wanted to focus on the devastation domestic violence causes to the family unit and the community as a whole. I chose to use my years of experience as a domestic violence counselor-advocate, and hotline worker to truthfully and accurately disclose how violence, when not adequately addressed or stopped, can turn toxic and lethal. Not just to the victim, but also to everyone involved, whether they choose to recognize their connection or culpability or not. We, as a Muslim community have an absolute and resounding responsibility to put an end to violence being perpetrated on our women and children – and also men. Domestic violence and sexual assault is an equal opportunity oppressor and plays no favorites. Up to now, in many Muslim communities, pretending violence in the home does not exist has proven itself to be a worthless method for eradication. It is my hope and prayer; my book will be used as a tool to open up progressive discussion. To lend comfort for those who are hurting, and give pause to those in our midst who feel that they have a right to oppress those under their care and protection.

Q3. What was your writing journey like? What influences did you have in childhood and adulthood that made you a writer?

I am unable to claim any single influence or incident during childhood or adulthood that propelled me into becoming a writer except this: “The warrior of the pen is mightier than the warrior of the sword.” When I heard and digested the depth of this powerful declaration, I intuitively knew this would be the direction my life would focus upon, Insha’Allah.

Therefore, I’d like to think it is with this acuity of struggle that I remain motivated and focused on my writing journey. At times, I have felt defeated, especially when my words weren’t finding a home. I have had to remind myself that the voyage -whether difficult or not was the actual objective, and not necessarily the destination. Only Allah can decide where my work will eventually ‘land’ and with whom. My obligation is to make sure that I write with honesty and integrity.

Q4.  What is the biggest challenge and the biggest joy in writing?

Unequivocally, the greatest joy in writing for me personally is when my books [stories] have helped someone or opened a discussion for change. It is rewarding when the culmination of my work and dedication receives an email, letter, or a great book review. This response leaves me humbly ecstatic and hopeful.

The biggest challenge has been in marketing. Today, a large percentage of the responsibility to reach the reading audience falls on the author’s shoulders. Authors are expected to promote their books in a competitive publishing world. The amount of time and energy taken from the writing process to publicize a book[s] can be daunting, exhausting and costly.

Q5. What advice do you have for Muslim writers just starting out? What are some things you wish someone had told you ten years ago about the writing and publishing world?

My advice is simple. Read. Read everything you can. Read outside of your comfort zone. Read provocative material as well as entertaining, and do not limit yourself only to the genre you wish to write in. The more you read, the more you will absorb and grow as a prolific writer. I also believe that writing is a gift that must be shared. I would tell Muslim writers just starting off that authors should never be in competition with one another. In fact, each writer has his or her own unique voice. Therefore, find your niche and forte, and never waste your individual talent foolishly comparing yourself to another.

I wish someone ten years ago would have told me how rewarding writing could be as opposed to relentlessly focusing on how hard it is to accomplish. Bottom line, anything one sets out to do worth doing will face difficulty at times. Authorship is no different. However, no matter what hurdles I have faced, I absolutely, without question, am deeply grateful for the ability and opportunity to be a writer, and hopefully, Insha’Allah, make a difference.