By Amina Ali
When I was younger, I remember calling out to my family members whenever I saw a Muslim on TV. Whether it was in a Hollywood blockbuster, a politician in Parliament or even on Eastenders, there was no denying how representation made me feel.
Even now, I feel a little pride in my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters when I see one gracing the screen.
For me, comedy was one of the first avenues where I saw a mass of Muslim performers. It proved that we could be what others didn’t want us to be.
Funny and successful at the same time.
Why do so many Muslims turn to comedy?
I always knew Muslims bore the brunt of harsh, borderline racist ‘jokes’ growing up. Whether it was comments about how we prayed, what we wore or the languages we spoke, it always hurt.
I also knew that the few Muslims I grew up with – including myself – turned this bullying into strength.
And this isn’t a strength only Muslims have had to find. Other comedians such as Alan Carr, Russell Howard and even Chris Rock suffered from bullying.
Not only this, but Muslim childhoods often differ so much more than the typical British childhood.
Off the top of my head: we eat halal, we don’t drink or eat pork, most of us went to Quran classes after school where we hoped the teacher forgot about our Quran homework.
(They never did).
Our parents tended to be immigrants, meaning we had to learn financial and legal jargon to help them with whatever bill or letter came through the post.
Comedy has become a way to take control of our own narratives and honouring our past. It also switches the situation many of us had growing up. Instead of people laughing at us, they laugh with us.
One of my favourite standup routines is when Tez Ilyas did Live at the Apollo. In it, he talks about a dinner he had with a friend. Yet, he humours, explains and educates the audience on Islam, British society and its stereotypes in less than five minutes.
Muslim comedians have found the perfect balance of inclusion in their routines. They manage to educate those who may be ignorant about Islam, while making Muslims and non-Muslims laugh.
They can relate their unique experiences to everyone in the British public, while keeping their faith on show.
Comedy should now be a legitimate avenue for young Muslim men and women to pursue, no matter the background.
We’ve seen success in Shazia Mirza, Guz Khan, Hashu Mohammed, Fatiha el-Ghorri, Nabil Abdulrashid, Ola Labib, Abdullah Afzal and so many more.
So, to all the Muslims reading this, if they can beat the odds in their industry, why can’t you?
And to all those who aren’t Muslims, give these comedians a watch. You might just find a new favourite!
Photo by Monica Silvestre from Pexels
