Written by a Muslim woman, The Muslimah Sex Manual is a book inspired by a friend of the author who confessed to having a disastrous sex life in a Muslim marriage.
It's no secret that Muslim culture has a lot of restrictions when it comes to sexual relations. Published last week, The Muslimah Sex Manual is the first of such literature and there's more, the author decided to remain anonymous and used an alias name.
And with good reason.
Speaking to Daily Mail the author, Umm Muladhat* said that she has received a lot of inspiring feedback from various people who find the book enlightening and liberating. At the same time, she also received a lot of negative messages accusing her of promoting promiscuity.
She said, "I've received encouraging feedback but also a significant number of demeaning and disgusting messages."
"One woman said it's not needed, they learn everything from their mothers. I doubt any mother speaks in explicit detail as I have. I put emphasis on having sex only with your spouse, but having the full range of sexual experiences with that spouse. Islamically, there's an emphasis on enjoying physical relationships within the context of marriage, not just for procreation. It is the wife's right that her husband satisfies her sexually."
Muslim women's organizations have praised the author for empowering Muslim women and protecting them from sexually abusive relationships.
Shaista Gohir, the Chair of the Muslim Women's Network UK that runs the Muslim Women's Helpline, said, "I'm all for women talking about sex. Why shouldn't they? Talking about sex in Islam is not new and past scholars highlighted the importance of sexual pleasure for women, which included advice for men to ensure this happens."
The Muslimah Sex Manual covers everything from kissing to reverse cow girl position, highlighting things such as BDSM and oral sex that would otherwise be deemed inappropriate to discuss in open forum.
Umm says that hundreds of men have emailed her asking for a companion guide.
Below is a sneak peak of the book's guide on making out:
The Muslimah Sex Manual's guide to kissing
Start by making eye contact with your husband. Give him a small smile and a light touch before beginning the actual kiss. Maybe put your hand on his face or touch his leg. Make him anticipate the kiss.
Begin slowly and gently. You don't want to rush into the kiss and bump teeth. Start with a kiss on the lips. Tilt your head to the side so that you don't bump noses. When your lips meet, slowly squeeze his lips into yours.
After a while, you can morph this into a French kiss. Do this by slowly opening your mouth wider until you can put your tongue into his mouth and touch his tongue. Use your tongue. Tease him with light flicks. Go back and forth into each other's mouths. Trace the edge of his lips with the tip of your tongue. Explore his mouth! Feel his gums and teeth with your tongue. Make sure to give him opportunity to reciprocate.
Don't just kiss on the lips. He has other kissable parts too! Work on his neck and collarbone. Bite, but gently. Nibble his earlobe or neck. Maybe his bottom lip. If you're adventurous, give him a hickey. Kiss his neck with a slightly open mouth. Suck in the skin. This will leave a mark so be careful where you do it!
Remember, a kiss is more than just your mouth. Use your hands. Don't leave your hands limp in front of you or on your lap. Explore your husband's body. Put your arms around his neck. Touch his arms. Run your hands down his back or chest. Run your fingers through his hair and massage his scalp. His body is exclusively yours for the rest of your marriage! Explore the goods.
Would you read this book? What's your favourite sex guide book?