New Muslim Cool!

Asalaamu Alaikam,

On June 23rd, 2009, PBS will air the documentary New Muslim Cool. This is the story of a Puerto Rican revert by the name of Hamza Perez (he's also a rap artist, doing rap style nasheed). MashAllah, the film seems to be very well put together (based on the clips that I have seen), and I am very excited to see it, inshAllah!

I think films like this are crucial to the American Muslim identity. American Muslims do have a totally different identity from their immigrant counterparts, and it is important that this identity be embraced and celebrated. When a film like this comes out, it can really help to show the world (both Muslim and non-Muslim) that American Muslims are just like anyone else. We are normal people who live, work, love, dream, and die. We have ups and downs in our lives just like anyone else. We worship Allah, and we have figured out a way to integrate our upbringing into this deen in a way that works for us. We do not compromise our faith for our culture, but at the same time, we also do not turn our backs on our culture. We are who we are because of who we were.

Many times people from both sides (meaning non-Muslim Americans, and immigrant Muslims) criticize American Muslims. They say that we are not "American" and not "Muslim." To many, it seems to be an oxymoron; how can you be both American and Muslim at the same time?? It's not as hard as you think, folks.

So, I encourage that you check your local PBS listings for this documentary, and also take a look at the official website: www.newmuslimcool.com.

For your enjoyment, here's the trailer to the film:



Oh, and be sure to visit the section Get Involved. This is an awesome project, and we should all support it in any way possible.

MashAllah! New Muslim Cool!