It’s not easy being a Black Muslim woman in the United States. Right now, the current administration as well as state legislatures across the country, are aiming to erase Black history in an effort to erase the plight of Black people. In the last ten months, we’ve witnessed efforts to dismantle DEI, affirmative action programs, and key voting rights legislation. Although these efforts are aggressive and overtly discriminatory, they are part of a longstanding racist history in this country. Being Black in America has always been a struggle. 

As a Black Muslim, the hurt goes a bit deeper. One would think that within the folds of the Muslim community we could find a sense of safety and inclusion. However, that has not always been the case for me, my family, and my friends. Growing up in a predominantly South Asian and Arab community was challenging. It wasn’t easy being the only Black American kid in Sunday School constantly being asked, “where are you from?” Because of ethnocentrism, I watched as my father, who served as a youth director at the mosque we attended in Texas, struggled to gain the respect and access to leadership roles that he needed for continued success. Then, as an adult when I finally began to actively search for a spouse, I found that I wasn’t high on anyone’s wishlist because I didn’t fit into the majority ethnic groups. The anti-Black sentiment was strong. 

The microaggressions and outright racist dealings that many Black Muslims face from within the Muslim community is shocking because racism is completely antithetical to what our deen teaches. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught the Ummah to dispose of pre-Islamic traditions that favored tribalism, racism, and ethnocentrism. He (PBUH) brought us revelations such as “O mankind! We created you from a single [pair] of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other [49:13].” If we continue to allow these anti-Black sentiments to continue to permeate, how can we call ourselves Muslims? 

In an effort to educate and encourage people to take action to correct any missteps they may have made that perpetuate racism in our community, I have put together a short list of things to read and watch to learn about how to change your behavior. Maybe you have family members that are dealing with unconscious biases. Maybe you have biases and prejudices that you need to confront. Either way, I hope you’ll engage in this list with an open mind and an open heart.

Read

1. How to Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

This book is an excellent introduction into how to awaken yourself to antiracist ideas. It aims to inform people of the types of racism that exists in the world and the type of work we can begin doing internally to eradicate it. Kendi uses his own personal story while highlighting significant history, law, and science to educate and inform people on how to be an antiracist.

2. Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad

This is a very important book by a Muslim author. Saad uses moving stories and anecdotes, plus definitions and concrete examples to give the reader language needed to contextualize racism. She empowers readers to dismantle their own biases and have the courage to bring about meaningful change. 

3. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley

This is a book that doesn’t need much explanation. Malcolm X is one of the most notable Black American civil rights leaders of the 1950’s. He led the country not only through a period of segregation, but also educated the world about Islam when he became a practicing Muslim. It’s a must read!

Watch

1. 13th- Documentary

If you’re not much of a reader, you can check out this documentary by Ava DuVernay that was released in 2016. It explores the history of racial inequality in this country, focusing on the disproportionate number of African Americans caught in the criminal justice system.

2. When They See Us

This is a Netflix produced mini series about the famous Central Park Five. It is a fictionalized account of a true story of five boys that were wrongfully imprisoned in 1989. It is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. You MUST watch this to fully understand the struggle of Black Americans. 

3. Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam | Shaykh Mustafa Briggs 

On this podcast, Shaykh Mustafa Briggs provides an in-depth look at the contents of his book “Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam.” The book helps us understand the often untold stories and connection between Black history and Islam. He highlights Black Muslims across centuries and continents to honor and uplift their stories. 

Listen

Last, but not least, I implore you to listen. It’s very important to take a moment to listen to those around you who have felt slighted or wronged based on racially motivated insults. It’s important not to minimize another person’s pain, even if it was unintentional. I do believe that as long as people are open to listening, learning, and apologizing if they make a mistake, then there is a chance for unity. We have a lot of work to do as an Ummah. Let’s remain strong together by denouncing racism and ethnocentrism and taking steps to correct injustices with dignity and Prophetic values.