We live in a time where Islamophobia – or the fear of Islam and Muslims – is not too uncommon.
According to reports, hate crimes against American Muslims have soared to their highest levels since the attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11th, 2001. Islamophobia has, reportedly, also seen a large increase over the years in Europe as well. In times like these, Muslims are often seen apologizing for any attack that takes place in the name of Islam. They are seen to have to prove their humanity time and time again.
At a time like this, Muslims abroad need a voice – any voice – that can step up and speak against this constant test where Muslims have to prove themselves to be allies. That voice just so happens to be that of 22-year-old British-Pakistani poet, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan. Suhaiymah runs a blog where she is very vocal about politics, race, gender, feminism, Islam, and numerous other topics. But that’s not all that she does. She also performs some extremely powerful poetry pieces, and absolutely kills it when she’s in her element.
If there’s anything you should be watching today, it would have to be this epic mic drop poem by her that addresses Islamophobia:
Firstly, WOW. Her confidence and the ease with which she conveys such a powerful message are all absolutely incredible. Secondly, is the following not one of the most chilling and powerful lines you’ve heard?
‘If you need me to prove my humanity, I’m not the one who’s not human.’
Matlab, wah.
People who have seen this video believe that this poem was extremely passionate
Many believed it was straight up beautiful
Some people were left awestruck
While others agreed that the poem came straight from the heart
Some believed that Suhaiymah’s performance was moving
While others were touched beyond measure
People seemed to agree that she did a brilliant job
And many were left emotional after watching her performance
Some seemed to have been blown away by the power of her words
And pretty much everyone agreed that this was a definite mic drop moment
The performance is, undoubtedly, brilliant. It is intelligent and it is a calm and casual take on an issue that has affected countless lives. More than anything, it’s full of passion, sincerity and a whole lot of power. What is your take on the video? Do let us know in the comments below.