What do you and an ex-drug dealer, now rapper, raised Roman Catholic by Puerto Rican parents have in common? If you are Muslim, more than you might imagine.
Hamza Perez, born Jason, had two recurring nightmares growing up: in one, he is imprisoned by age 21, and in the other, he is dead. According to Hamza, "both came true." But like all good tales, things are not quite as they seem.
New Muslim Cool tells the story of Hamza's incredible transformation from street drug dealer to Muslim, community activist, rapper, and family man.
The plot could not better if it were fiction. His story involves a sordid past, a modern-day hijra from Massachusetts to Pittsburgh, a loving family struggling with conversion, marriage, an unlikely Jewish friend, employment woes, and the FBI.
Hamza's journey is moving and the dialogue is often funny. There are several good one-liners, including a remark made by a radio host interviewing Hamza and his brother, Suliman (also a convert), who formed the rap group Mujahideen Team (M-Team). I am tempted to quote it here, but I think it is better left as a surprise.
His new wife Rafiah is strong, supportive, and committed to the deen. Her mumbling about Hamza not shoveling the snow off the front steps is something to which many women can relate.
What is equally as interesting is that New Muslim Cool, which takes place over several years, also documents Hamza's spiritual growth. Over time, he develops some beautiful insights.
For example, Hamza states that he looks at every single person as an opportunity to get closer to God. And he realizes that the more he studied the life of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allaah bless him and grant him peace, the more he did not like what he found in himself and wanted to change. He also muses that if you are studying the life of the Prophet (saas) and the Qur'an and not becoming more merciful, you are doing something wrong.
Listening to Hamza struggling with his own soul and trying to emulate the Prophet (saas) made me realize how much Hamza and I have in common--and in those areas that matter most. We have led very different lives and we come from very different backgrounds. Yet, I can totally relate to his personal struggle to become a better Muslim, family member, neighbor, and human being. The Prophet (saas) reportedly stated upon returning from battle:
We are returning from the lesser Jihad (against outward enemies), to the greater Jihad (against the vain desires of the lower soul). (al-Bayhaqi)
The Qu'ran speaks of the power of Islam to unite people.
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (this Qur'an), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allaah's Favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren, and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allaah makes His signs clear to you, that you may be guided. (al-Quran, 3:103)
New Muslim Cool is produced and directed by Jennifer Maytorena Taylor and co-produced by Hana Siddiqi and Kauthar Umar. It has been well-received by professional critics and others who have previewed it.
For example, Maliha remarks:
I liked how systematic he was about his spiritual development. How he was taking notes, analyzing aspects he didn't like about himself, and the gradual manner he grew and "softened" as he tried to work on himself. [He] inspired me to work in a similar way.
And Farha comments:
I really enjoyed the movie. It showed a "raw" glimpse of one man's transformation towards getting closer to God, especially in a difficult situation. I admired his views, thoughts, and actions and found his da'wa to be creative and particularly relevant to his community. I highly recommend the movie as it showcases the diverse community of Muslims, and different flavors of an Islamic lifestyle, without losing the beauty of Islam.
New Muslim Cool has its national broadcast premiere on PBS Tuesday, June 23 at 10:00 p.m. Don't miss it.
For more info: New Muslim Cool on Facebook, POV Documentaries, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article
Comments
This looks really interesting J. Thanks for the review.
I really want to see this, is it playing in any of the MD public channels? I don't see it in the listings.
GREAT!
It did not play on DC or Baltimore stations. If you do not see it in the line up, you can call/email/write the station to include it.
My favorite part was when Hamza Perez discourages gang-bangers from turning the other cheek, whilst putting down Dr. Martin Luther King for doing so, but encourages them to be just like him and fight those who seek to fight with them — nice going.
As if gang-bangers need someone encouraging them to fight — what a shame.
Hi Mariano,
If I recall that scene was in the beginning of the documentary and as the film progressed so did Hamza's views on religion and outreach. I also got the impression that he was trying to speak to the gang members in terms they understood.
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