Anti-Blackness In The Ummah
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Perspectives
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ANTI-BLACKNESS IN THE UMMAH
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Words by Fatima DineeArtwork by Emily Pearman
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In this piece, first seen in our collaborative zine with Muslim Sisterhood, Fatima Dinee pens a thoughtful piece on Anti-Black sentiments within Islam. Fatima explores the lack of representation, the token Black Muslims often used to appease cries of Anti-Blackness, and the role Islam as a religion, and individuals can play in challenging and overcoming Anti-Blackness.
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“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'an), and be not divided among yourselves (3:103)”
I vividly remember the last day I watched Islam channel. It was during the month of Dhu’l Hijjah (final month of the Islamic calendar) about a decade ago. Islam channel was at the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah speaking to a number of pilgrims who’d just completed Hajj. We were able to hear the feelings and emotions of worshippers of all backgrounds… unless you were Black. Something had clearly gone wrong for viewers to be able to see the unprofessional and very telling editing job that showed them fast forwarding any part that showed Black Muslims speaking. What Islam channel had done was unforgivable but it was also another example of anti-black sentiments many of us had experienced first hand on a daily basis. It had come at a time I was nearing my wit's end with the level of anti-blackness exemplified by the lack of visibility and representation of Black Muslim voices and faces.
The role, importance and existence of Black Muslims in Islamic history and present day is rarely highlighted. The exception is the occasional mention of greats such as Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali and Bilal (RA), a close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) and the first mu’athin (caller to prayer). Bilal (RA) was the son of a (Black) Arab man while his mother was a former princess from Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia and Eritrea). These names are often only brought up in an attempt to dispute and silence Muslims who attempt to call out racism and anti-blackness among Muslims. That along with the favourite line “we are one Ummah”.
Rarely, if ever, do we find mentioned examples of Black Muslim women such as the companion of the Prophet (PBUH) Barakah, who is also known by her kunya, Umm Ayman (RA). A freed slave from Abyssinia and one of the most important people in the life of the Prophet (PBUH). She is one of the first to have known of his Prophecy, a woman who was in his life before his birth, and after his death. She was loved dearly by the Prophet (PBUH) and his parents and referred to as his other mother as she is the one who also breastfed him. The prophet (PBUH) once said: “Whoever wants to marry a woman of Jannah (heaven), should marry Umm Ayman”. She has been seldom mentioned in the biographies written of the Prophet (PBUH) or even in the stories of the companions (RA). She is a Black Muslim woman who’s story and life should be exalted.
The notion that racism and anti-blackness in the Muslim community are solely at the hands of older generations could be easily dispelled in a few minutes by scrolling on any social media platform discussing Islam. The racism jumps out the moment a disagreement is had with a Black Muslim.
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"THE MORE WE SEE OURSELVES AND OTHERS SEE US, THE MORE THEY WILL HAVE TO ACCEPT WE EXIST AND AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. WE ARE ISLAM."
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Black Muslims are often times kept out of any discourse pertaining to Muslims. At the same time, however, we are often given the responsibility of solving the issues or finding solutions to such behaviour. Be it giving examples from the Quran and Sunnah, speaking on the evils of racism and how it goes against our fundamental beliefs. Or highlighting the importance of creating dialogue and integration between more secluded non-Black Muslim communities and mosques. For the most part, it’s proven unsuccessful.
In order to combat anti-Black sentiments, we need to place an emphasis on those in religious positions of power. Imams and other religious figures are just as culpable for perpetuating hate and anti-black views, therefore, it’s imperative they are being held accountable. With that being said, those unwilling to unlearn and correct such views should ultimately be removed from their positions.
Ultimately, efforts to tackle deep-rooted anti-Blackness lie with the individuals of these non-Black Arab and South Asian communities. They have the ability to speak and educate their own in a manner and language that they would best receive.
There is power in representation and visibility. The more we see ourselves and others see us, the more they will have to accept we exist and aren’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future. We are Islam. Our ties to Islam as a race, are literally as old as Islam itself. Recognising even among other Muslims and non-Muslims that we are not a monolith. That we do not all practice the same. Or dress the same. But nevertheless, accede to the fact that our Islam is still very valid. That we are not any less Muslim because we may do things differently to those guilty of anti-black prejudices.
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READ MORE
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CONTEMPORARY CONVERSATIONS
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