I’m glad I read this. It revealed the pervasiveness of the false definition promoted by popular culture. Although I always thought there must be more to the expression, I couldn’t get the terrorists’ battle cry out of my head. And of course I had never heard it used with quiet reverence, for the reason you explain here. What’s not part of public speech can be easily demonized.
A Muslim man of strong faith used to work as a concierge at my condo. Sometimes I would see him praying. I never heard him say “allahu akbar.” He was unfailingly kind and I thought everyone liked him—until he was blamed for something and fired. I have always thought racism and suspicion contributed to his dismissal.
Rona, thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. Yes, I think you're right about the fact that what's not part of public speech can be easily demonized, and we associate the words with the contexts in which we hear them. I'm trying hard to use that as motivation to use Allahu Akbar more often in my own speech, but I do admit that I'm still quite nervous to do so, for obvious reasons.
Regarding the man at your condo, if he was praying on his own, he was likely saying the words of the prayer very quietly so I don't think you would have heard him use the term. So sad that he was fired. These stories make me so sad...
I feel happy nostalgia when I hear Allahu Akbar - I lived in Turkey teaching English for a number of years when I was younger, and I grew to love the call to prayer sounding out from the mosques at regular times. Interestingly enough the ezan was one of the things I missed most when I returned to England! I’m not Muslim but I just loved the sound, and the feeling of community it evoked.
Amy, I went to visit Turkey in the summer of 2022 and I loved hearing the ezan so much! Especially the way they would do it in Turkey, there was almost like a performance in harmony coming from one mosque and then the next would start a few moments later and on and on, as though they were part of an acapella performance. So soothing.
This is lovely. Thank you for sharing. For many years I thought of surrender like this as a crutch -- Marx's opium for the masses. But no one watching what is unfolding in Gaza can understand the faith of the afflicted in that way. Allahu Akbar, in that context, is an expression of strength. To say it sincerely while being broken is a form of resilience that few Westerners can comprehend.
You've really captured it so well, Joshua. That "opium for the masses" quote has done so much heavy lifting about the way some Westerners perceive religion and God for such a long time.
But you're right as well that rather than docility or weakness, it shows resilience and strength. It's a whole paradigm shift to recognize this.
I’m still mulling this for an essay, but I think Marxism has only really held sway during times of relative comfort. If no one is experiencing much hardship, relatively, it can seem obvious that religion is a crutch for things like losing loved ones. But when the protective structures of a society are stripped away, and people are still practicing without fail — and without retreating at all from the public square — that looks quite different. I need to research this a little more, but I think there is a relationship between material security and atheism (there was for many years for me). Of course, the Czech Republic is one of the most secular countries in Europe, in part because of surviving several brutal occupations, so the theory may not hold.
Oh I am definitely curious regarding what you find in your research about material comfort and atheism! My assumption is that your hunch about their aligned relationship is right.
To me, as we've discussed, religion is the underlying basis for life whether it's going well or going horribly. It's the foundation on which everything else rests. The good and bad is just circumstantial, or of the moment.
I'm so grateful you wrote this piece, Noha! I can understand why you struggled, and I'm glad you made it through your block. I love the way you opened by sharing all the tender and powerful contexts for Allahu Akbar. I remember a particular moment on my knees - the first major one of my life - asking, "Is this why people turn to God?" When it all felt like too much for one person to hold... I can imagine this would be the perfect time for an Allahu Akbar. My exposure has definitely been the movies, and I'm so glad to read this and know there is both a praise and a plea in it - the nuance of language, especially the language of faith. I particularly love your ending:
"Allahu Akbar is not a threat. It’s not an intimidation tactic. When we say it with force, it’s because we are shaking, because we are trying to regain our footing on the ground where we stand. When we say it with force, it’s because we are remembering our conviction.
We, too, are allowed conviction. We too, are allowed to seek strength."
This gave me chills of awe. To speak with strength and conviction is a potent act in these times. I am so glad you wrote that you, too, are allowed conviction. You, too, are allowed to seek strength.
May I ask, because another moment just presented itself: is a person not of Islamic faith permitted to say the phrase, or is that a kind of appropriation or blasphemy? Is it okay to ask this?
Anne-Marie, you always leave me the most thoughtful comments! I look forward to our little chats here so much, you have no idea!!
The whole thing around stepping into being allowed conviction and strength - yeah, it's been a doozy, because Muslims are kind of asked to be meek and pliable, and any time we show strength it's perceived as aggressive because we've been painted as violent and aggressive, so even writing those lines was cathartic, and then struggling with whether I should leave them in the post or remove them because they might make someone uncomfortable. Oof! I am still unlearning.
In terms of whether you or someone not of Islamic faith is allowed to say the phrase, I'm not a scholar, but I think the way any of this works is intention. Intention is such a huge thing in Islamic thought and teachings, and so if someone is saying it with a connection to God and acknowledgement of God's greatness, I see no objection or issue with it.
Noha, thank you!! I so enjoy our chats here, too, and I'm happy to hear you feel it too! I love all the ways that sharing our ideas and feelings and experiences brings meaning and growth to life. Thank you for this connection here, and for the aliveness that your care and expressions bring to my life and to so many others' lives. !!
I didn't realize until you shared more here the degree to which it might be difficult for you to write those last lines. So I am glad you offered this extra insight, too. I can see and understand even more now, why inhabiting conviction and strength can feel so challenging for you and for many Muslims, and I celebrate even more your courage to leave the lines in. YES to the unlearning, and to new ground!!
Thank you also for your thoughts on intention. That feels so right and I appreciate the clarity. Reading your letter from a year ago on Insha Allah and Masha Allah and the comments there also helped me realize how much different languages filter in to the milieu. May we speak all things and especially borrowed words with respect and, as you say in this case, connection to its divine meaning. We had just learned of a fire on some sacred land my partner helps tend when I was reading your essay, and "Allahu Akbar" wanted to spring from my lips. The fire is out now and no people were injured, no structures burned. We are indeed so grateful!
Wishing you a blessed day, Noha. Thank you, always.
This is a powerful piece. Not just b/c you're asking us to re-consider our associations with this phrase, but also the way you demonstrate the layers of a life of faith: the beauty and the horror and the parking spot can all be contained in one phrase. "You are greater than all of this." I can't imagine life without that certainty, whatever God you revere.
Thank you! I love how one phrase can capture all that too. It's so versatile, and so evocative and fit for purpose, and yet universal too. And I can't imagine life without that certainty either. it's a great source of strength for me...
Thank you for this. I live in Montana in a very small town. I am not exposed to the culture you are writing about. I appreciate any and all information you have to share. I love learning.
As someone who was a child in post-Islamic revolution Iran, the minute I hear Allahu Akbar, I'm reminded of the school morning assemblies where we had to chant "Allahu Akbar, Khomeini Rahbar". The Iranian government tied that phrase to the idea of their leadership being ordained by God, while the western governments have tied that phrase to the idea of demonizing Muslims. Propaganda all around and apparently quite successful 🤷🏻♀️
I don't think Iranians use Allahu Akbar as much in daily conversations, but my grandmother used to mutter "La Ilaha il-Allah" when she would get frustrated with us.
Sonbol that's so interesting and yes, I agree re the propaganda in both directions. What does Khomein Rahbar mean?
And yes, I've heard exasperated mothers and grandmothers sa La illaha il-Allah too lol. I think that might be one of those universal Muslim kid experiences heheheh....
"Khomeini Rahbar" means Ayatollah Khomeini is the leader. It was also followed by "janam fadaye rahbar" which means my life will be sacrificed for the leader, which honestly, no child should be chanting that stuff 🙄
I’ve often wondered about the phrase and assumed it had a gentle meaning that got a negative connotation, and people just won’t let that go. Wonderful piece giving us the varied and nuanced meanings!
I’m reminded of the swastika. Of course it’s now connected with racism and Hitler, but there are swastikas all over India (where the symbol existed long before).
There are even malls called Swastik Plaza with the symbol on the signage. I had some swastika decor at my wedding! (plates of Cadbury Gems arranged in a swastika) Why should we stop its use? After all, the symbol, which was co-opted, means “good fortune.”
Yamuna, yes the parallels are very interesting. It brings to question the general concept around words and their meanings and who gets to define them, at a philosophical level. I'm sure that a linguist or historian could probably write a treatise about these ideas. I do think believe in the importance of claiming back our own heritage and ideas.
When I hear Allahu Akbar, I always remember waking up in a tent in Wadi Rum in Jordan and hearing the call echoing from the incredible rock walls that overlook the village. A landscape that TE Lawrence called “a processional way beyond imagination “. Spine-tingling.
That is incredible. Thank you for paining that picture with your words, Jon. I would LOVE to be there one day. And I'm so glad the memory and feeling it evokes for you is one of transcendence and beauty.
Thank you, Noha! I am very glad you stuck with it and wrote this piece. I also didn't understand what allahu akbar meant (and probably still don't *really* get it). This helps point me in the right direction, though. I'm an atheist, so I don't connect with the concept of appealing to a divine power, but I absolutely get needing to express powerful feelings like hopelessness, deep struggle, joy, and love. I will work to hear this now when I hear this phrase, and have empathy for the speaker.
Noha, there's a generational difference among Iranians when it comes to using "Allahu Akbar" or other forms. Usually the elders, 60+ people, use either "Astaghfurrelah" when they're angry. The younger 40-59 year olds usually use "Allahu Akbar" in the same situation. Don't know about younger than that, but i as an under 35 years old, don't use any of these (Only when i'm very amazed, i say "Yaaa Khoda" shortening or lenghten it depending on my level of amazement😂😂). Lately i've reached a point whenever i hear "Allahu Akbar", i either wanna cut off the head of that Azan-sayer, or i reach for my sketchbook to channel my anger-energy (After living in Iran for decades, i feel i don't deserve to live a better life, given the fact that Iran is under so many sanctions. However, since a few months ago that i've started learning German, i feel less aimless, and more optimistic that i finally have a chance for creating the life i want in Austria).
Astaghferulah - yes that one was covered in my first guide to Muslim vernacular and it's definitely used for anger or disappointment... I haven't heard Allahu Akbar used for anger specifically, but in so many other scenarios. It's interesting that you've heard it in that context.
And I think that what's happening for you is an association to the Iran (similar to what Sonbol wrote about in another comment on this thread) and so it generates anger for you, which is perfectly understandable. My sisters studied German in high school and it was such a fascinating language to observe. I find you can understand a fair bit about culture based on the language and the language structure, patterns, etc. I hope things go well for you in Austria.
It's terrible that the phrase has been so unfairly used by Hollywood, and that you felt like you couldn't use it yourself in public. Hopefully that changes, especially with shows like Ramy and Mo, but then again, the world doesn't quite feel like it is moving in the right direction these days.
I hope so, Michael. One of my big worries is that an Islamophobe treat me unfairly just because i'm Muslim (Believe me i'm not, despite the fact that i come from a Muslim country).
Yes, shows like Ramy and Mo do help. I especially found the ending of Mo this season (the last episode) so incredibly moving, including when he did the call to prayer in the mosque in the Occupied West Bank (which, the call to prayer of course includes the phrase Allahu Akbar multiple times). But you're so right that we can't tell which way the world is moving. It's enough to give someone whiplash!
I love this. I have accidentally scrolled onto especially horrific videos, always children, too many times. I stopped Instagram for this reason, even though I felt like turning my back wasn't really the right response either. It's overwhelming and there really are no words for what is happening, but somehow this offers a moment of solace.
Instagram is both necessary and awful these days, because there's so little reporting from the "official" news sources about what's actually happening. But yes, the words do help in their own powerful way for the moments.
This hits close to home. I still remember the time in middle school when a friend and I were building a Jenga tower during break, those grim days when the rain pounded the windowsills and recess was moved indoors. A classmate, unprovoked, knocked our tower down and yelled, “Allahu Akbar.” I was too stunned to speak. I’m still too stunned, all these years later. Thank you so much, Noha, for sharing this piece. It’s time we reclaim a word that has been massacred by the media for far too long. I hope for a time when we can proudly say “God is great” without being reprimanded by the public.
Oh this hurts so much! I felt myself gasp when I read it because I can related so deeply. I actually thought that maybe you were going to say that you had done something cool in the game of Jenga and then you'd said Allahu Akbar and people had freaked out but you didn't even say anything!!
My son, a couple of years ago, said Alhamdulillah in math class after solving a really hard problem, and he and another Muslim kid high-fived and then a white kid started insulting them and saying we don't want any terrorists in the classroom. It was so upsetting on so many levels and the school dealt with it right away, but one of the things that kept popping into my head was 'how do I know whether this kid got this from home or not?'.
I agree, that's the scary part! This question essentially translates to, “Is it one person or five who think this way?” I'm glad to hear your son's school addressed it. In a way, I feel that through your son, I sought justice for my own experiences, and that brings a sense of comfort.
The family of the other child said they were horrified, and that they never speak this way. Of course, there's no way to know, is there? We just have to keep expecting respect and equality, and pushing back when we don't get it.
No way to know, and I am also horrified and so sorry to hear you both experienced this response (Noha through your son) to your using your own words of faith and exclamation. May we do better than this. I'm also glad the school dealt with it (would that the kid got suspended?), and glad the sharing of stories helps find justice for each other.
No suspension. I think he had to apologize and maybe got a detention. I do realize that it's likely that if the slur had been directed at other groups, there may have been a suspension and it does sometimes feel like there's still a hierarchy of which racism is the worst vs not so bad and maybe "valid" in some people's minds. And that still hurts. But it is still getting better and I have to focus on that.
Yes! It’s still wonderful that he actually got consequences. That is great to focus on! Even when there still seems to be a hierarchy, it feels like a blessing that things can be changing.
I’m glad I read this. It revealed the pervasiveness of the false definition promoted by popular culture. Although I always thought there must be more to the expression, I couldn’t get the terrorists’ battle cry out of my head. And of course I had never heard it used with quiet reverence, for the reason you explain here. What’s not part of public speech can be easily demonized.
A Muslim man of strong faith used to work as a concierge at my condo. Sometimes I would see him praying. I never heard him say “allahu akbar.” He was unfailingly kind and I thought everyone liked him—until he was blamed for something and fired. I have always thought racism and suspicion contributed to his dismissal.
Rona, thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. Yes, I think you're right about the fact that what's not part of public speech can be easily demonized, and we associate the words with the contexts in which we hear them. I'm trying hard to use that as motivation to use Allahu Akbar more often in my own speech, but I do admit that I'm still quite nervous to do so, for obvious reasons.
Regarding the man at your condo, if he was praying on his own, he was likely saying the words of the prayer very quietly so I don't think you would have heard him use the term. So sad that he was fired. These stories make me so sad...
Since this sweet man was fired, we’ve had only temporary concierges who do not know the building or the community. He is greatly missed.
How frustrating. And unnecessary.
I feel happy nostalgia when I hear Allahu Akbar - I lived in Turkey teaching English for a number of years when I was younger, and I grew to love the call to prayer sounding out from the mosques at regular times. Interestingly enough the ezan was one of the things I missed most when I returned to England! I’m not Muslim but I just loved the sound, and the feeling of community it evoked.
Amy, I went to visit Turkey in the summer of 2022 and I loved hearing the ezan so much! Especially the way they would do it in Turkey, there was almost like a performance in harmony coming from one mosque and then the next would start a few moments later and on and on, as though they were part of an acapella performance. So soothing.
This is lovely. Thank you for sharing. For many years I thought of surrender like this as a crutch -- Marx's opium for the masses. But no one watching what is unfolding in Gaza can understand the faith of the afflicted in that way. Allahu Akbar, in that context, is an expression of strength. To say it sincerely while being broken is a form of resilience that few Westerners can comprehend.
You've really captured it so well, Joshua. That "opium for the masses" quote has done so much heavy lifting about the way some Westerners perceive religion and God for such a long time.
But you're right as well that rather than docility or weakness, it shows resilience and strength. It's a whole paradigm shift to recognize this.
I’m still mulling this for an essay, but I think Marxism has only really held sway during times of relative comfort. If no one is experiencing much hardship, relatively, it can seem obvious that religion is a crutch for things like losing loved ones. But when the protective structures of a society are stripped away, and people are still practicing without fail — and without retreating at all from the public square — that looks quite different. I need to research this a little more, but I think there is a relationship between material security and atheism (there was for many years for me). Of course, the Czech Republic is one of the most secular countries in Europe, in part because of surviving several brutal occupations, so the theory may not hold.
Oh I am definitely curious regarding what you find in your research about material comfort and atheism! My assumption is that your hunch about their aligned relationship is right.
To me, as we've discussed, religion is the underlying basis for life whether it's going well or going horribly. It's the foundation on which everything else rests. The good and bad is just circumstantial, or of the moment.
I'm so grateful you wrote this piece, Noha! I can understand why you struggled, and I'm glad you made it through your block. I love the way you opened by sharing all the tender and powerful contexts for Allahu Akbar. I remember a particular moment on my knees - the first major one of my life - asking, "Is this why people turn to God?" When it all felt like too much for one person to hold... I can imagine this would be the perfect time for an Allahu Akbar. My exposure has definitely been the movies, and I'm so glad to read this and know there is both a praise and a plea in it - the nuance of language, especially the language of faith. I particularly love your ending:
"Allahu Akbar is not a threat. It’s not an intimidation tactic. When we say it with force, it’s because we are shaking, because we are trying to regain our footing on the ground where we stand. When we say it with force, it’s because we are remembering our conviction.
We, too, are allowed conviction. We too, are allowed to seek strength."
This gave me chills of awe. To speak with strength and conviction is a potent act in these times. I am so glad you wrote that you, too, are allowed conviction. You, too, are allowed to seek strength.
May I ask, because another moment just presented itself: is a person not of Islamic faith permitted to say the phrase, or is that a kind of appropriation or blasphemy? Is it okay to ask this?
Anne-Marie, you always leave me the most thoughtful comments! I look forward to our little chats here so much, you have no idea!!
The whole thing around stepping into being allowed conviction and strength - yeah, it's been a doozy, because Muslims are kind of asked to be meek and pliable, and any time we show strength it's perceived as aggressive because we've been painted as violent and aggressive, so even writing those lines was cathartic, and then struggling with whether I should leave them in the post or remove them because they might make someone uncomfortable. Oof! I am still unlearning.
In terms of whether you or someone not of Islamic faith is allowed to say the phrase, I'm not a scholar, but I think the way any of this works is intention. Intention is such a huge thing in Islamic thought and teachings, and so if someone is saying it with a connection to God and acknowledgement of God's greatness, I see no objection or issue with it.
Noha, thank you!! I so enjoy our chats here, too, and I'm happy to hear you feel it too! I love all the ways that sharing our ideas and feelings and experiences brings meaning and growth to life. Thank you for this connection here, and for the aliveness that your care and expressions bring to my life and to so many others' lives. !!
I didn't realize until you shared more here the degree to which it might be difficult for you to write those last lines. So I am glad you offered this extra insight, too. I can see and understand even more now, why inhabiting conviction and strength can feel so challenging for you and for many Muslims, and I celebrate even more your courage to leave the lines in. YES to the unlearning, and to new ground!!
Thank you also for your thoughts on intention. That feels so right and I appreciate the clarity. Reading your letter from a year ago on Insha Allah and Masha Allah and the comments there also helped me realize how much different languages filter in to the milieu. May we speak all things and especially borrowed words with respect and, as you say in this case, connection to its divine meaning. We had just learned of a fire on some sacred land my partner helps tend when I was reading your essay, and "Allahu Akbar" wanted to spring from my lips. The fire is out now and no people were injured, no structures burned. We are indeed so grateful!
Wishing you a blessed day, Noha. Thank you, always.
This is a powerful piece. Not just b/c you're asking us to re-consider our associations with this phrase, but also the way you demonstrate the layers of a life of faith: the beauty and the horror and the parking spot can all be contained in one phrase. "You are greater than all of this." I can't imagine life without that certainty, whatever God you revere.
Thank you! I love how one phrase can capture all that too. It's so versatile, and so evocative and fit for purpose, and yet universal too. And I can't imagine life without that certainty either. it's a great source of strength for me...
Thank you for this. I live in Montana in a very small town. I am not exposed to the culture you are writing about. I appreciate any and all information you have to share. I love learning.
I'm so glad it spoke to you and I love that you love learning 🥰🥰
As someone who was a child in post-Islamic revolution Iran, the minute I hear Allahu Akbar, I'm reminded of the school morning assemblies where we had to chant "Allahu Akbar, Khomeini Rahbar". The Iranian government tied that phrase to the idea of their leadership being ordained by God, while the western governments have tied that phrase to the idea of demonizing Muslims. Propaganda all around and apparently quite successful 🤷🏻♀️
I don't think Iranians use Allahu Akbar as much in daily conversations, but my grandmother used to mutter "La Ilaha il-Allah" when she would get frustrated with us.
Sonbol that's so interesting and yes, I agree re the propaganda in both directions. What does Khomein Rahbar mean?
And yes, I've heard exasperated mothers and grandmothers sa La illaha il-Allah too lol. I think that might be one of those universal Muslim kid experiences heheheh....
"Khomeini Rahbar" means Ayatollah Khomeini is the leader. It was also followed by "janam fadaye rahbar" which means my life will be sacrificed for the leader, which honestly, no child should be chanting that stuff 🙄
😮😮😮
I’ve often wondered about the phrase and assumed it had a gentle meaning that got a negative connotation, and people just won’t let that go. Wonderful piece giving us the varied and nuanced meanings!
I’m reminded of the swastika. Of course it’s now connected with racism and Hitler, but there are swastikas all over India (where the symbol existed long before).
There are even malls called Swastik Plaza with the symbol on the signage. I had some swastika decor at my wedding! (plates of Cadbury Gems arranged in a swastika) Why should we stop its use? After all, the symbol, which was co-opted, means “good fortune.”
Yamuna, yes the parallels are very interesting. It brings to question the general concept around words and their meanings and who gets to define them, at a philosophical level. I'm sure that a linguist or historian could probably write a treatise about these ideas. I do think believe in the importance of claiming back our own heritage and ideas.
When I hear Allahu Akbar, I always remember waking up in a tent in Wadi Rum in Jordan and hearing the call echoing from the incredible rock walls that overlook the village. A landscape that TE Lawrence called “a processional way beyond imagination “. Spine-tingling.
That is incredible. Thank you for paining that picture with your words, Jon. I would LOVE to be there one day. And I'm so glad the memory and feeling it evokes for you is one of transcendence and beauty.
Thank you, Noha! I am very glad you stuck with it and wrote this piece. I also didn't understand what allahu akbar meant (and probably still don't *really* get it). This helps point me in the right direction, though. I'm an atheist, so I don't connect with the concept of appealing to a divine power, but I absolutely get needing to express powerful feelings like hopelessness, deep struggle, joy, and love. I will work to hear this now when I hear this phrase, and have empathy for the speaker.
Sarah, I'm so glad! That's exactly why I wrote it.
Articulate and beautifully written as always sister Noha!
🥰🥰🥰
Noha, there's a generational difference among Iranians when it comes to using "Allahu Akbar" or other forms. Usually the elders, 60+ people, use either "Astaghfurrelah" when they're angry. The younger 40-59 year olds usually use "Allahu Akbar" in the same situation. Don't know about younger than that, but i as an under 35 years old, don't use any of these (Only when i'm very amazed, i say "Yaaa Khoda" shortening or lenghten it depending on my level of amazement😂😂). Lately i've reached a point whenever i hear "Allahu Akbar", i either wanna cut off the head of that Azan-sayer, or i reach for my sketchbook to channel my anger-energy (After living in Iran for decades, i feel i don't deserve to live a better life, given the fact that Iran is under so many sanctions. However, since a few months ago that i've started learning German, i feel less aimless, and more optimistic that i finally have a chance for creating the life i want in Austria).
Astaghferulah - yes that one was covered in my first guide to Muslim vernacular and it's definitely used for anger or disappointment... I haven't heard Allahu Akbar used for anger specifically, but in so many other scenarios. It's interesting that you've heard it in that context.
And I think that what's happening for you is an association to the Iran (similar to what Sonbol wrote about in another comment on this thread) and so it generates anger for you, which is perfectly understandable. My sisters studied German in high school and it was such a fascinating language to observe. I find you can understand a fair bit about culture based on the language and the language structure, patterns, etc. I hope things go well for you in Austria.
It's terrible that the phrase has been so unfairly used by Hollywood, and that you felt like you couldn't use it yourself in public. Hopefully that changes, especially with shows like Ramy and Mo, but then again, the world doesn't quite feel like it is moving in the right direction these days.
I hope so, Michael. One of my big worries is that an Islamophobe treat me unfairly just because i'm Muslim (Believe me i'm not, despite the fact that i come from a Muslim country).
A completely legitimate fear.
Yep😉
Yes, shows like Ramy and Mo do help. I especially found the ending of Mo this season (the last episode) so incredibly moving, including when he did the call to prayer in the mosque in the Occupied West Bank (which, the call to prayer of course includes the phrase Allahu Akbar multiple times). But you're so right that we can't tell which way the world is moving. It's enough to give someone whiplash!
I love this. I have accidentally scrolled onto especially horrific videos, always children, too many times. I stopped Instagram for this reason, even though I felt like turning my back wasn't really the right response either. It's overwhelming and there really are no words for what is happening, but somehow this offers a moment of solace.
Instagram is both necessary and awful these days, because there's so little reporting from the "official" news sources about what's actually happening. But yes, the words do help in their own powerful way for the moments.
Yes it’s true. I removed the app from my phone but still continue to check in because it’s a huge source right now.
Exactly what I’ve done.
Powerful piece. I love how you say AllahHu Akbar can be used to ground you. To help you deal with the emotions you're going through.
Thank you so much, Shoaib. These days I need a lot of grounding.
I feel the same way.
I like the idea of grounding phrases. Things to say or repeat to use in times of high emotions.
This hits close to home. I still remember the time in middle school when a friend and I were building a Jenga tower during break, those grim days when the rain pounded the windowsills and recess was moved indoors. A classmate, unprovoked, knocked our tower down and yelled, “Allahu Akbar.” I was too stunned to speak. I’m still too stunned, all these years later. Thank you so much, Noha, for sharing this piece. It’s time we reclaim a word that has been massacred by the media for far too long. I hope for a time when we can proudly say “God is great” without being reprimanded by the public.
Oh this hurts so much! I felt myself gasp when I read it because I can related so deeply. I actually thought that maybe you were going to say that you had done something cool in the game of Jenga and then you'd said Allahu Akbar and people had freaked out but you didn't even say anything!!
My son, a couple of years ago, said Alhamdulillah in math class after solving a really hard problem, and he and another Muslim kid high-fived and then a white kid started insulting them and saying we don't want any terrorists in the classroom. It was so upsetting on so many levels and the school dealt with it right away, but one of the things that kept popping into my head was 'how do I know whether this kid got this from home or not?'.
I agree, that's the scary part! This question essentially translates to, “Is it one person or five who think this way?” I'm glad to hear your son's school addressed it. In a way, I feel that through your son, I sought justice for my own experiences, and that brings a sense of comfort.
The family of the other child said they were horrified, and that they never speak this way. Of course, there's no way to know, is there? We just have to keep expecting respect and equality, and pushing back when we don't get it.
No way to know, and I am also horrified and so sorry to hear you both experienced this response (Noha through your son) to your using your own words of faith and exclamation. May we do better than this. I'm also glad the school dealt with it (would that the kid got suspended?), and glad the sharing of stories helps find justice for each other.
No suspension. I think he had to apologize and maybe got a detention. I do realize that it's likely that if the slur had been directed at other groups, there may have been a suspension and it does sometimes feel like there's still a hierarchy of which racism is the worst vs not so bad and maybe "valid" in some people's minds. And that still hurts. But it is still getting better and I have to focus on that.
Yes! It’s still wonderful that he actually got consequences. That is great to focus on! Even when there still seems to be a hierarchy, it feels like a blessing that things can be changing.